As a follow up to my previous blog post, I thought I’d look at all the benefits of having other full-time work instead of writing. Given my way, of course, I’d be making enough from my books to write full-time. But there are definite perks to doing other day jobs; with that in mind, let’s take a look at the pros:
You can stay true to your art
If you aren’t having to rely on your writing for a pay check, then you can take more risks with your art. This might be something as simple as having profanity in your books – I had to remove all swear words from my debut novel, as per my publishing contract, as the publisher worried that profanity could potentially lead to bad reviews. Freedom to write what you want could mean an unconventional plot, or dealing with controversial subject matter, or simply telling the story that you want to share with the world regardless of whether it might sell well, or not.
I’ve had a few favourite authors over the years who started out as successful indie writers, then on the basis of booming book sales, got picked up by publishers and began churning out several novels a year. This was most likely as a result of their contracts. I couldn’t help but notice that the originality of their ideas began to wane once this happened, and gradually their books – for me – went from page-turners to DNFs. Indie authors who have other jobs as their primary source of income can stay true to their vision; they don’t need to sacrifice quality simply to crank out stories they don’t feel passionate about, in order to meet contractual deadlines, or fit a certain standard.
Lots of writing inspiration
Having a variety of different day jobs can provide much-needed sources of writing inspiration. Experience in different professions can be used for background character information, or give realism to situations within a particular storyline or scene.
Meeting interesting people
Let’s face it, a lot of introverted types gravitate to creative writing. Personally speaking, if it weren’t for my day profession, I would be rather reclusive, huddled over my computer as a writing hermit. My day work allows me to interact with other members of the human species and this helps my brain to keep active. Day to day interactions can help drive inspiration. Interesting conversations might also spark ideas for a storyline.
Writing can remain fun
When you aren’t relying on your writing to keep a roof over your head, then it can remain a fun outlet for your creativity. After a busy day in my 9 to 3, I look forward to some headspace to indulge my creative passion.
Leilanie Stewart 
Isn’t writing the same as starting any new business? Initially you have to support it (or find someone else to invest in the endeavor). Paula Hawkins was fortunate – her cost of living was funded by her father, and she was fortunate enough to sell the film rights before the debut novel was even published.
Can you even imagine a young(er) Jeff Bezos wondering how he could afford a forklift when the fledgling Amazon started to move more books than he could carry?
Most large corporations started with an idea and lots of hard work, but eventually as they expand shareholders call the shots resulting in a poorer product and/or service. Isn’t this the same for moderately successful authors? The agents and publishers become the shareholders and push for higher dividends (their share of the royalties).
As with any business the failure rate, if judged monetarily, is very high.
You are correct that it takes a certain personality to write creatively, but other traits are required to persist. How many novels have we read in the past and thought ‘I can do better than that!’ How many businesses have we been to and thought ‘I could run it better than that!’
Some authors manage to bridge the divide and take on a host of other activities including sales (getting it published) and marketing (having it read).
Perhaps the road to writing the great literary novel has to be paved with a number of well-paid commercial ones?
Hi,
I think you must be replying to my previous post about getting paid a living wage for writing? This post is simply about the benefits of having other experiences from a day profession that can be either incorporated into creative projects, or used as inspiration, not about the business or momentary side. Thanks for stopping by, though.
YES! This is so true. 🙂 Thanks for writing.
You’re welcome, glad it could help! 😊
‘I think you must be replying to my previous post…’
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As you referred to it, I assumed the subject matter was linked 🙂
‘As a follow up to my previous blog post…’
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The latter part of my comment focused on…
‘ I couldn’t help but notice that the originality of their ideas began to wane once this happened…’
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This so often happens – not only in novels, but screenplays/teleplays as well – especially with a series using the same characters. Trying to cash in on a successful formula must be very tempting, especially with pressure from agents and publishers who don’t want their authors to move too far from the original script that was profitable.
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‘I’ve had a few favourite authors over the years who started out as successful indie writers, then on the basis of booming book sales, got picked up by publishers and began churning out several novels a year…’
Could this be a matter of scale? If these authors are making a survivable income there is a hell of a lot of pressure to get the next advance. Does the reverse apply with writers like Dan Brown who can take years between novels?
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Oh – had to look up DNF – whilst ‘Did Not Finish’ appears at the top of the list, it’s kinda interesting that the second definition ‘Dream Not Found’ could be very pertinent to aspiring writers.
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Still trying to get my head around the entire possibility of writing for a living. Did send first three chapters directly to a publisher a week ago and they asked for the full manuscript two days later, which I gather – as Martha would say – is a good thing 🙂
I guess the next stage is making a spreadsheet record of words per day so that I can project target dates for 80k words. Do you set targets for your writing?
Yes, it’s a shame that some commercial novelists out there do sacrifice originality for winning formulas. I’d love it if authors could all stay true to their art, but life doesn’t work that way.
Good shout about the DNF – I’ll remember to include acronyms next time, just to save time in searching for anyone else.
Congrats on getting a full MS request! Good luck and hope something comes of it.
No, I don’t tend to set daily word count targets. I prefer to keep chipping away, even if it’s only a few sentences a day. Keeping a story fresh in my mind is more important to me, especially with the work-life balance. 😊
Spot on. To create brilliant writing, you need to feed your creative soul. Okay, I’ve reached the age where I’m lucky enough to write every day, but life often gets in the way so I still push myself to sit at my keyboard and write. Another thing you need to add to your list. Sitting 24/7 at the keyboard isn’t good for your health. It can be painful for the back and knees, so I make sure I get regular exercise too.
It’s definitely nice to be able to write flexibly since there’s no obligation to meet publisher deadlines. I too like to have a stretch in between bursts of writing – either out in the garden or just doing something else. I tend to get sciatica sometimes, so that’s probably a driving factor!
Yes, I’ve just had the most painful experience of sciatica. I thought I would have to give up writing and painting as I couldn’t sit for no more than five minutes. I’ve recovered now but it’s made me more aware of taking care of my health. I’m not sure I want pressure of deadlines as I like to think things through carefully i.e. plot lines, characters’ behaviour etc.
Paula – ‘Another thing you need to add to your list. Sitting 24/7 at the keyboard isn’t good for your health. It can be painful for the back and knees, so I make sure I get regular exercise too.’
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Very valid point – when I had my best friend to drag me out (I used to write software, so same discipline and same not seeing time creep by when on a roll) we would walk ten miles day. Still manage about five a day. Time to make good, non-processed, food every day is important as well.
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Leilanie – ‘No, I don’t tend to set daily word count targets.’
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I thought it would be an interesting tool to work out the amount of time required to make an overall profit. Gives me a rough idea of how long it would take to complete – like you I sometimes only managed a bit and sometimes it flowed. Averaged 1,630 words a day, lowest being 541 and the highest being 2,356. It was based on a four-day week, didn’t count research or ‘inspiration’ over the other three days. I found time writing and break time away worked well for me, making notes of good ideas that usually hit whilst in the shower 🙂
Leilanie, a couple of other questions…
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I just looked up (and will order when I get back to the states) ‘The Fairy Lights’ at Amazon.com – strange that they have the hardcover listed at $7.64 and the paperback at $9.86! Is there a rational explanation for this pricing structure? Usually, a paperback is less expensive.
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The reviews are listed as
5* 27%
4* 41%
3* 15%
2* 8%
1* 9%
But when I dig into the individual items there are no one star reviews!
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What method did you use to market your books to Barns & Noble and Waterstones?
Did you try any smaller booksellers or supermarkets?
Out of the four stockists, how do they compare in order of overall sales?
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Sorry if I am taking up your valuable writing time asking for replies to silly questions, but any help will be very much appreciated 🙂
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Thank you.
Thanks, hope you enjoy it when you grab a copy!
I’m not entirely sure about how or why Amazon run their discounts – if you say the hardcover is currently cheaper, maybe it’s a prime day deal they’re running? It’s not something that is in my control.
Amazon allow ratings as well as reviews to be posted, but only reviews can be clicked on by readers for details, I think.
I used Ingramspark to distribute to B&N, and Gardners for Waterstones. Bear in mind that to distribute anywhere other than Amazon, you’ll need to own your ISBNs yourself. In the UK you can buy them through Nielsen. I think in the US it’s Bowker?
It’s hard to say which Stockist is best because apart from KDP, where I get paid directly, my royalties come from Ingramspark and Gardners, who represent many smaller stockists – I don’t receive the data on which individual bookstores sell the copies.
Hope that helps!