Many aspiring writers long for the day they can write full time. I have to confess, that’s one of my dreams, and after 12 years of building a writing career, I am getting close. As the fall colors fill the trees here in Northern Michigan, I’m looking ahead and beginning to lay financial projections for next year. Even though Jesus sent his disciples out two by two, without a spare coat or coin purse, he also applauded wise stewards who looked ahead, and layed plans on how to care for themselves and their homes. Apparently “There is a place for every season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” So what does it take to write full time, and how can a day job actually help you stay focused on your dreams.
Here are a few ideas from guest blogger Charise Olson, and then I will add my own two cents worth at the end.
Writing is not a get-rich-quick scheme . . . so I’ll probably have to keep my day job even when writing can pay a few bills. It’s not all bad; our day jobs can actually be a benefit to our writing. Here’s how my paycheck job has helped my fiction:
Characters:
Writing can be isolating. Even if you write in a coffee shop, there’s not a lot of personal interaction going on. Yet, what makes a compelling character? Connection. . . A day job can bring you into contact with new and varied characters that will inspire a character or give you that just-right detail(s).
Plot:
When writer’s block hits me, it is usually with plotting. I don’t know how to get myself and my characters out of the corner I’ve written us into. Allowing my brain to focus on something else, like work, has often let my story percolate in the background with a perfect solution bubbling up.
Freedom:
The reality is writing may not be our full time income for a while. I initially found this discouraging. But I was eating lunch with a bestselling author once and she told me to enjoy writing for pleasure while I could. She went on to explain writing on deadline and for the market can be a tough adjustment creatively.
Charise Olson’s blog, Prayers and Cocktails, can be found at www.chariseolson.com.
The biggest benefit of my day job it that if forces discipline into the creative process. I can often get more writing done in a day when I know I only have three hours availble than on a day off when I have twelve hours to fill. Boundaries and deadline are a good thing.
Next on my list, I find it easier to write when I know I can eat tomorrow and my lights will stay on. Don’t laugh too loud. I’ve worried about these things at different times in my life. From personal experience, I can assure you that the creative juices are quickly blocked by financial stress.
Finally, working and writing has helped me look objectively at the writing career and path. Becoming an expert at anything requires hard work. The passion for writing has to mature into discipline, confidence and expertise. The world if filled with passionate and talented people who never reach their dreams.
What about you? What do you find helps you pursue your writing dreams?
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