My 4 months’ experience as a full-time writer.
After recently making a big move from the South of England to the seemingly distant (and surprisingly different) North, I decided now was a good time to really start taking this writing thing more seriously.
Last August, after years of toiling around other jobs with little income I finally released my first novel, The Inner Lands: Something Stirs. I’m pleased to say the novel is doing well (shameless plug) and I’m getting great feedback (no, really) but as any other new author will already know, that doesn’t translate to liveable income!
As I start to look for paid work again, I thought I’d reflect on the past few months.
Let’s start with the good. Writing novels has become my passion and is no longer just a hobby. I feel confident and proud to call myself an author and, for those who have already enjoyed The Inner Lands: Something Stirs, I can’t wait to share what happens next!
But I’m going to have to wait.
As I said, writing doesn’t pay at this stage in a career (and for some, never will) and it’s an incredibly time-consuming, energy-sapping, emotional rollercoaster of a task to undertake. I know how lucky I’ve been to have this time to do something I really love for once but, at the same time, the small amount of savings I had have been whittling away, the digits that make up my electronic bank account ticking down like the timer to some impending doom.
It’s impossible to ignore. Not earning money is disconcerting. Particularly when you don’t yet have any pension (note to self – never retire!). Or the ability to have a social life. Or treat yourself very often.
I think if I had the money to support being a full-time writer, I’d love it. The freedom it brings. The cathartic expression of creativity. The ability to share what you’ve created with others. My rabbit running circles around my feet while I sit at my desk, so happy to have my company. And the lovely authors, reviewers and other book enthusiasts you meet along the way.
But at this point I would neither recommend nor dissuade others from following the same dream. I’ve made great progress with the second novel and achieved things I never would have managed if I was still working another job (some of which will be shared very soon!). I’ve also had days of depression, self-doubt, writer’s block and I miss working with others.
It’s important not to have regrets, so I could never regret my decision to do this. That’s what I’m doing it for after all, to not have regrets. But I would offer just a whisper of a warning to others. What is your dream worth? To me, it’s everything but I’m genuinely looking forward to working another job again. I think part-time work will complement my writing in terms of professionalism, income, motivation and the support network that comes with working as part of a team. If writing is only something you’d “quite like to do” then perhaps managing it around another rewarding career is the thing for you.
Whatever you decide to do, believe in yourself, be open to criticism and as my fellow Brits will tell you, (try your best to…) keep calm and carry on.
Now, anyone need some odd jobs doing?
A.J. Austin
theinnerlands.com 