Bukowski referred to his need to write as his imbellic urge. He wasn’t at war with the process. He needed to do it or he felt sick. His point was that he didn’t do it for money. Charles had more self awareness than most I believe.

I’ve been doing this for over 50 years now and I have never tried to get money for it. This is about to change…

I have a finished novel, and a treatment and screenplay will be in the hands of others soon. I have this Imbellic Urge to be paid.