One day a couple of months ago, I had an awesome day. I worked on my novel, wrote two blogs and was a social media ninja. When my husband came home, I said (with a slightly elevated volume and enthusiastic hand gestures) I should be a full time writer because I own this biz. I believe he followed my exclamation with a roll of the eyes and left the room.
Today, that dream has come true. When I left my home business behind in my last town, I decided to dedicate myself to being a mom and a writer (granted, with two kids in diapers, it’s more mom). Finally!
So have I been writing? Well… I am writing this blog. Does that count?
I admit it’s been a bit of a slow start. I may still be unpacking but the thoughts and ideas are still very much there. And I know I have the time to at least write a few hundred words. I always have time for that. But I think my hesitation stems from the fact that it’s a bigger transition from part-time writer to full-time writer than simply having more time. It’s a different outlook on writing and the image of my writerly self. No longer am I using the phrase “one day.” Now, it’s “today.” Talk about pressure.
Not to mention, not being contracted yet means no one is waiting on me, and no deadline means it often gets pushed to tomorrow. Always tomorrow.
So how does this work, being a full-time writer? How do I come to grips with what it means and when do I say enough procrastination?
I don’t know, but here’s what I’m thinking…
Scheduling. I don’t think we’d show up for any job if we didn’t have specific times to clock in and clock out. With no one to answer to, a schedule becomes even more important.
Motivation. Without the motivation of a paycheck or a deadline, I have to rely on myself for reasons to keep going. Setting my own deadlines and focusing on the story motivate me to make the time.
Being Realistic. With young kids, I can’t expect my writing time to always be quiet or even available, and I certainly won’t have an agent by next week. Getting discouraged will only make the process harder. Writing a novel is one day at a time.
Faith. I know I’ll make my dream happen. I love it. It means everything to me. And I’m too damn stubborn to quit. I’ll need to remember this on the hard days.
I’m so excited to start this next chapter of my life and begin to focus on my passion. I don’t take for granted how lucky I am. Now is my chance to get my words out there and I’m taking it.
For those of you who write full time, how did you make the transition? Do you have any suggestions for me?
Courtney Koschel has been writing since she could hold a crayon. She has worked as a journalist, editor, technical writer, and technical editor. Young adult fiction is near and dear to her heart, which is why she writes YA and all of its glorious sub-genres.
Tonia Marie Houston is a mother, writer, poet, bookworm, and blogger. When sheís not chasing her three spider monkeys, she spends her time revising a young adult novel about life after death and second chances. Though she began to pursue her career later in life, she hopes to inspire and motivate other writers to put their best book forward.
This native Texan now lives with her Scottish hubby in North Ayrshire, Scotland, where she wanders the moors in search of William Wallace. She has been a guest blogger on Writer Unboxed and is currently working on the sequel to her YA supernatural novel, Touched by Darkness.
Jamie Raintree writes what she likes to call everyday fairytale love stories, featuring the little moments in life that are truly magical. She lives in Arizona with her husband and daughter and is currently editing her second novel.
Jani Grey is a South African ambivert, writer, reader, optimist, and bacon enthusiast. When her boss isnít looking she writes, revises, or edits YA Urban Fantasies in between work. Sheís sneaky like that. Sheís a NaNoWriMo addict and is currently working on two NaNo novels.
Rebecca Fields is a modern gypsy, roaming from place to place in search of ñ well, sheíll let you know when she finds it. Writing has become a way for her to share her adventures, both real and imagined. Along with her on her journey are her son and an assortment of rescued animals.
Tonia Marie Houston
June 25, 2012 at 6:59 am
I’m in a between place. It’s summer, not only do I have my two-year-old at home, but his two sisters and a boy I babysit are here full-time. This alone has been an adustment. I still stammer and hem and haw when someone asks me what I do. It’s usually a strangled “stay-at-home mom” followed by the whisper, “I’m a writer, too.” In my inner revelings, I can say loud and proud I am a writer. But my late-night writing is a mythic creature, especially now that my husband works days. So, I’m working on the scheduling part. Not being a morning person, I’m fighting against my usual nature to get up before everyone else and write. I’ve been relying a lot on faith and motivation.
Happily, there has been interest shown in my manuscript, so my motivation has doubled, as has the fear factor(down, dragon, down).
All of your thoughts are right. I think for any writer, no matter where they are, all of the things you mentioned apply.
That said, I am proud of you for the giant leap you’ve taken out of your comfort zone! How does it feel?
You’ve been my inspiration for the “15 minutes” and that’s all the advice I can think to offer before I’ve finished my second cup of coffee, ha. I’ve had two in diapers, so I know those 15 are hard to find but if anyone can persevere, it’s you.
Jamie Raintree
June 25, 2012 at 11:27 pm
Thanks, Tonia! I do need to get back to writing even a little bit. If I’d been doing that over the past couple of months, I’d have a lot. But at least if I do it from here on out, in a couple of months, I WILL have a lot!
You keep at it, too. Sounds a little crazy over there! I’m not a morning person, either. Lol!
Tonia Marie Houston
June 25, 2012 at 7:06 am
I just came across this post @ Karen S. Elliott’s blog and thought its advice would apply. I call it kismet.
http://karenselliott.wordpress.com/2012/06/24/finding-time-or-making-time-by-linda-hoye/
bwtaylor75
June 25, 2012 at 10:59 am
I just came across this post and thought you might like it too.
http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/what-writers-can-learn-from-charlie-sheen
Jamie Raintree
June 27, 2012 at 11:17 pm
I teared up reading this post! Thank you! What an amazing support system she has. I’ve definitely had my “quitting moments”, one yesterday. It’s hard when there just never seems to be enough time. It would be easier to let it go but, you know…it’s impossible. So we just figure out new ways to make it happen.
Jamie Raintree
June 27, 2012 at 11:07 pm
GREAT post! Thank you so much for sharing it. I especially like the part about putting aside some other things temporarily so I can focus on my writing.
Connie Cockrell
June 25, 2012 at 7:44 am
Hang in there, I’m sure you’ll find the right rhythm.
Jamie Raintree
July 5, 2012 at 4:50 pm
Thanks, Connie. I feel like I’m getting closer every day.
bwtaylor75
June 25, 2012 at 9:12 am
While I won’t pretend to know what it feels like to be a full time writer, I would like to offer whatever encouragement I can. I think you’ve pretty much covered everything. I like “be realistic”. I think every writer should do the same, no matter what level they are. I’d mention somthing about a support system, but I think you’ve got covered too. Setting smaller goals may help. Write a certain number of words a day, revise a page a day, or something along those lines. You may even want to get together with other writing friends and hold each other accountable. You said yourself that you’re stubborn, so I’m sure you’ll find what works best for you. Whatever it is, I’m sure the fruit of your labor will all the sweeter for it.
Jamie Raintree
June 25, 2012 at 11:29 pm
I just moved so I’m trying to hunt down some local writers. I think that will be a great help!
Rebecca
June 25, 2012 at 11:06 am
Like everyone, I’d dreamed of having the ability to write fulltime. That dream came true, but not in the way I’d imagined. It took a while to adjust, learning the things that worked for me and what didn’t. I write the most at night when everyone is in bed, there are less distractions then. I’m not a morning person at all, as much as I’ve tried to be. Good luck to you on this exciting new endeavor!
Jamie Raintree
June 25, 2012 at 11:29 pm
Thanks, Rebecca! Now I know who to nag for late night writing sprints during NaNo.
Rebecca
June 29, 2012 at 1:06 pm
Anytime! I love late night writing and get a lot done if I’m working with someone. So, whenever you want, I’d be happy to do it
(Sorry this response is so late, I’m not receiving any emails or notifications from this site, ergh)
vaughnroycroft
June 25, 2012 at 1:06 pm
Okay, looks like I’m the first to weigh in as a full time writer (no employer, no kids). I am also a carpenter and sometime handyman, but I do less and less carpentry as the years pass. I stil find myself wondering how others do write with full time jobs and/or kids. But wonder notwithstanding, I think you’re right about scheduling. I try to have butt-in-chair by a certain time everyday (my time is 8:30 am), then I try to limit my morning email/social media/blog reading to about an hour and a half. It’s an important part of my day, both motivation-wise and career-building-wise, but it can carry me off till lunch if I’m not careful. I set goals. I don’t beat myself up, I just have a target (word count, number of pages edited, getting blank done by a certain date, etc.).
There is a certain attitude you have to bring to the game when you commit to full-time. Have you read Steven Pressfield’s War of Art. There’s a whole section on ‘Going Pro,’ and in it he describes the mindset change. I reread it often. Some days I just don’t feel like doing this. But, in spite of the fact I’m (as of yet) unpublished, I consider this my job. That’s right! It’s my J-O-B! I can’t call in sick just ‘cuz I’m feeling mopey. That’s just called self-delusion.
There’s a side-benefit. If I accomplish my daily goals, I am rewarded by feeling good–knowing I kicked it in the arse. Like right now, I just finished my column for the WU newsletter, and after I comment on a few blogs, I am going to see if I can get a chapter done in my edit. I’ve already accomplished my primary goal, so if I add to that, I’m going to really feel worthy tonight.
I’m sure plenty of people wonder what the hell I do all day, every day. But all that really matters is that I know in my heart I did my best each and every day. It really helps me to keep the faith, which, as you point out, is really important! Anyway, congrats on taking the next step, and I wish you all the best in defining what works for you.
Jamie Raintree
June 25, 2012 at 11:32 pm
Thank you, Vaughn! I do always feel amazing when I accomplish any amount of writing. It’s like that saying, “I don’t like write, I like to have written.” Yep, that’s me. Lol! I daydream of the days when my days are completely my own but in the meantime, I’m enjoying this crazy ride.
Courtney Koschel
June 26, 2012 at 11:28 am
Great post, Jamie, and congrats on being a full time writer!
Personally, I thrive on a schedule. It took me like six months to grow into it and get used to it, but now I can’t function without it. I also work best under stress and pressure. Not sure why, but I do. Maybe it’s the journalist in me
Thanks for sharing!
Jamie Raintree
June 27, 2012 at 10:59 pm
I think it probably will take a while for me to get the hang of it and then it won’t be so difficult. I think I also thrive on deadlines. It’s that NaNo in all of us.
Jani
June 27, 2012 at 2:44 am
Congratulations! It’s such a big decision, deciding to write full time instead of going back to work, but you’ll pull it off because you’ve got determination, passion, and a fighting spirit on your side. You’ll make this work, no doubt, and when you feel like slaking, we’ll always be here to urge you on
Jamie Raintree
June 27, 2012 at 11:00 pm
Lol! Thanks! Couldn’t do it without all of you.
Heather Reid
June 27, 2012 at 5:24 am
Jamie, thank you for such a thoughtful and honest post! And congratulations on being a full time writer. What a wonderful achievement! I agree that it does take a leap of faith. I spent 6 months of bliss writing full time. It wasn’t by choice, I was unemployed, but I decided to make the most of every minute I had. I think the best advice is to schedule time to write, treat it like a real job, show up every day. I know it’s not easy with two little ones and that’s where the being realistic part comes in. One thing I would add to the list is reward yourself! Give yourself some ‘Jamie’ time if you can. It’s stressful being a full time mom and writer. Down time is important. And remember that when you’re not ‘writing’ you’re still writing in your head. It does count! *hugs*
Jamie Raintree
June 27, 2012 at 11:02 pm
You can’t remind me of that enough, Heather! Your suggestion about downtime couldn’t be more timely. I’m going a little insane with being spread so thin but I need to hold onto my writing time. I need that for me.
Nicole L. Bates
June 27, 2012 at 8:35 pm
Well, I’m sort of going in the opposite direction now but I was home with my son and writing “full time” for the past couple of years. It was fantastic, and hard. Working from home with kids and a house to take care of means that you and your work are rarely the first priority. I had to change my schedule around several times. At first nap time was perfect writing time. Then there were no more naps. Early mornings became my time to write, but had previously been my time to run, so that became late morning with the kiddo in the stroller. Self-imposed deadlines might help, or just enjoy the whole experience. Write when you can and soak it all in. Good luck!
Jamie Raintree
June 27, 2012 at 11:03 pm
Oh…kids do mean having to be flexible, don’t they? I love this thought about changing my schedule around if needed. I tend to get stuck on something and don’t want to change but then no one wins. Thank you!