I write as a hobbyist--a dilettante rather than a professional. This is for a number of reasons. Not the least of which is that there is little money in poetry. And that is if you are already famous. Otherwise you do well to break even.
There is nothing wrong with writing as a hobby. I don't see why people think you have to earn money at something to make it worth your while. This is just a showcase for my efforts. I don't want to mortgage my furniture--not owning a house--on some crazy scheme. And I refuse to pay for one of those ill-reputed anthology contests or 1000 books of poetry no one wants to read.
I also plan on writing fiction and nonfiction from time to time.
I live in a small midwestern town and love it. The people are very warm and friendly.
