Rewards of Writing
You know, a year ago I never would have believed that I could actually be making some income from writing online. I thought it was truly a myth. Now I know different.
I have two regular clients plus blogging plus adult fiction. And yes, I'm actually making money. And it is more rewarding than I ever would have imagined. Yes, there are some really late nights. And yes, the day job is really tough to concentrate on some days. But it is good to know that I can make an income.
I'm getting to the point where I'm going to have to make a choice between the stability and benefits of a full time salaried job or doing a job I love and maybe working a little harder for awhile. I don't know how to go about making the decision. I'm not great at decision making at the best of times.
Other writers, how did you decide to move into writing full time? I'd especially like to know if you're the main income earner in the family.
5 comments:
Danielle,
I decided to move into writing full time the moment I understood "now is the time to do it" -- I didn't have a mortgage, or kids, or a career I absolutely couldn't afford to lose. I had no ties keeping me bound to where I was, and I had enough money in the bank to let me coast for 9-12 months.
I'm splitting the cost of rent and utilities with my girlfriend. We picked a no-frills apartment in the armpit of the area. Consequently, my share of the rent is less than half of what I used to pay in NJ. Similarly, Michigan auto insurance is nothing compared to NJ prices.
In other words, my strategy was to simplify my life in order to stretch out my savings -- the amount of time it could afford me is more important than luxurious living. Not everyone has this option, especially people with families to support.
Here's to hoping you make a great decision. Cheers.
As purely a fiction writer I probably have many years before I can quit the day job, but that is my longterm goal. To live from my writing alone.
Thanks for acknowledging that people with families to support really can't do what they want sometimes. I occassionally feel that you forget this in some of your blog posts.
And thanks for clearing up how you manage to live. You know, I think that you should clarify that in your blog. I'll bet there are a lot of people that are curious!
Your blog is going great by the way. Always something interesting to read!
how did you decide to move into writing full time? I'd especially like to know if you're the main income earner in the family.
I didn't decide to. It just kind of happened. Actually, I'd been writing full time, making a living at it for...8 years (?) before I figured out I was a writer. I am kind of embarrassed by it. It doesn't seem like "honest" work. I have -admittedly- "issues" with it. I never tell people I'm a writer, just that I write. I think I disrespect it because it's easy most of the time, other times it's like the proverbial sitting down and opening a vein.
In truth, at this point, I'm stuck. I think I need a coach. I'm coasting. I need to move on. I *could* be prodigious but my first book was/is so successful...I live off my blog now. I can do better. I'm fearing failure I think.
I've heard it said that 95% of writers only write one book. I worry I may be one of them. Unfortunately, I'm earning a good income so needs aren't driving me. Truthfully, I'm feeling like I only want to write a few more books so that I don't have to write anymore.
I fell into writing for a living. I always talked about being a writer and always wondered if I'd ever have the guts to really do it and it all happened by accident. I ended up a non fiction writer and copywriter for the most part instead of a famous novelist but it ain't over yet! And, I am supporting my family with this job. My husband is in school and mind you, sometimes I really really have to stretch a dollar but I am living on writing. If you really want to do it, plan for it. In the meantime, I totally get putting family first and this better job may afford you more time to write more so that you can make the transition eventually. I put family first too and that's why I write a lot of drivel I'd rather not write.
Cheers,
Dana
Pseudononymous: I'm sorry that's lingering over your head. Blogging is writing too. Turn your blog into an e-book after a while and then there...you've written TWO books :)
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