Self-examination sheds light on a writers motives, goals, and aspirations, while self indulgence hide the obvious and absorbs any illumination before it occurs.

When a writer exams his motives, goals, and aspirations, he opens up new viewpoints because he or she sees other avenues to writing; perhaps the short story writer can see a novel develop from the theme of a short story, or an article to clarify that subject matter. Poetry might follow from the passion and fervor of the story. Then again the reverse may happen; the poet sees a short story or even a novel from a poem. The possibilities are unlimited if the writer examines honestly his purpose, his objective, and his motivation. Is the purpose financial, fame, or personal satisfaction? With this clarity, comes the energy to pursue writing with more vigor and enthusiasm, with more diversity and a broader outlook, and with more devotion and direction.

Once a writer examines the reason for writing, then the direction becomes clearer and more aware. If the writer is more concerned with the financial aspect then the pursuit becomes more focused; one writer will choose a writing career between freelance and employment. Also the writer