Is writing your main job?

[Brian G Turner]

Just coming back to this topic...

I've been working as a freelance writer through this year, and one thing is clear - I have to write everyday or else I don't get paid.

It's made me realize that this would be just as applicable to fiction writing - the need to have a very clear writing schedule that can be clearly kept to. Those big name writers we all love to read are mostly doing this already, but all too often I think people think that fiction writing is about working at your own leisurely pace, getting lots of money fast with a best seller, and continuing at that leisurely pace.

But I'm beginning to see that to take fiction writing seriously means treating it as an actual job - working at it continually, every day - and all those times not writing means not being a writer.

By that I don't mean to challenge what people call themselves, as much as challenge the mindset that fiction writing is an easy and leisurely pursuit. It's a job, it's about running your own business - and I don't think a lot of people really comprehend that. Especially when you also factor in low returns for that work as well.

Now if only I could apply the discipline of my freelance work for my fiction...

 

[TWErvin2]

Writing is not my main income. Actually, of my three jobs, it comes in 2nd place.

My teaching is my primary career. My other job is serving as a village councilman (it is a lot of work for minimal pay but, like writing, it isn't something done for the income). I do earn enough through writing to pay for family vacations so, while not supporting myself and my family through writing, it does add to the quality of life.

 

[CTRandall]

But I'm beginning to see that to take fiction writing seriously means treating it as an actual job - working at it continually, every day - and all those times not writing means not being a writer.

This is very much true of music, too, and I suspect of all of the arts. I find a lot of students get caught up in Romantic/Hollywood ideas of what it means to be an artist and end up utterly unprepared for the reality of it.

 

[Steve Harrison]

I have had my full time professional writing schedule ready to go for years, but while my writing income remains modest, it looks like the regime will kick in when I retire from my 'real' job and not in the very near term.

I certainly have the capacity to write more, but for the first time in my life I feel that family, friends, lifestyle, work and writing are nicely balanced,