For me, writing itself is the primary motivator and I am not going to deny it but money also has a role to play. If I am earning by doing something I love then that's not a bad thing. But money has never been a primary motivator, ever.

I disagree with the notion that thoughts originate in our minds. I am of the opinion that thoughts come to us naked from beyond (the mind) and we decorate them with our words (our spin on them). I believe most of our original thinking is derived from some form of inspiration.

At the same time, we should never lose the sense of awe and wonder and curiosity of a child. These make us feel alive.