There are millions of writers around the world. From technical to creative writers, from bloggers to copywriters. And a looot more. But let’s face it, writers who published their books are always wondering how they can make writing their full-time job. And I bet you’re wondering too. Warning: this is not a full how-to post, am just sharing my thoughts.
One often wonders if it’s possible, after publishing a book, to make it full-time and not keep a day job. That’s the dream, right? Well, yes, it is possible. You just need some serious dedication, time, effort, patience, and mental capacity to push it through.
I always daydream about that day: waking up early, having coffee while writing at the front yard, on a coffee table, looking at the distance, and just breathing nature, without the busy sounds of the city. After a slow day of writing my story, I’d go inside and make a light meal, then write on my journal before going to bed.
Then reality kicks in: a corporate job, two side hustles here and there, catching up with time as you sleep less and rush to the office, only to look forward to having coffee breaks and small talks with colleagues. The writing? It comes when you have a window of freedom, or that “aha” moment, or a 2-hour dedicated writing time due to the sprinkle of determination left somewhere inside your soul.
It is difficult to think about making writing a full-time job. Especially when you’re trying to pacify what society wants from you.
But is it possible? Of course.
Are you okay with eating once a day or skipping meals for days? Are you okay with not buying anything you want for the time-being? Or not buying mostly everything, just keeping the daily essentials and stretching them through weeks and weeks? Are you okay with your current clothes and not really planning to purchase new ones for the next 2 years? Are you okay to not go out with friends and isolate yourself for writing? Are you okay with pitching your stories for people to sponsor your publishing needs? And on top of that, market yourself here and there? I even skipped a lot details and those are just what I have in mind right now. If you’re okay with all those, then yes, it is possible to make it a full-time job.
I can see your jaw dropping. How can that be a full-time job when you’re a few steps away from the doorstep of Death? Nothing great is easy, so they say.
Do that for the first year or two, and for sure, it’ll become your full-time job when you publish. But wait. Publishing a book does not mean your job is done. After publishing a book, marketing it worldly and widely as possible, selling a few or a hundred, your profit is still not enough to cover your daily 200-peso coffee for a day. If you’re okay with earning a few bucks for the first year or two, then that’s great.
But actually, it all depends on YOU—how determined, dedicated, and motivated you are. A year is too long. If you really work hard and smart on it, 90 days is enough. What you do on that first 90 days on a daily basis is crucial and you’ll know if it’s possible or not.
Write. Review. Edit. Market. Promote. Share. Network. Read. Repeat.
Is it tiring? Of course. Is it exhausting? Stressful? Draining? Taxing? Annoying? Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes! Would you think of giving up every now and then? On a daily basis. Is it worth it? Up to you! It all boils down to your “why”, your purpose, your goals, your dreams. Why are you doing this? I’d ask that back at you. Is it worth all the trouble?
I met a writer once. This writer has a full-time job, and she’s writing on her free time. I forgot how many books she has published on Wattpad, but she’s one of the reasons why am reading something on Wattpad. I admire her for her creativity and wit, for being able to write despite the chaotic workplace. But one thing I learned from her is that, consistency is key. You’ve heard that somewhere too. But sometimes circumstances happen to remind you of the things you already know.
I met another writer. He started something great, and stopped mid-way. When asked why, he said that life happened. He had to take care of his family by working a full-time job. So he had no more time to write or to think about writing. And that made me sad. Most of the time, life throws you out of the bus to distract you from achieving your greater self. So I started reading his work, am not yet done, and I want to encourage him to continue. I insist that he should continue. My gawwd his talent, his brain, his creativity! If only he knew how awesome his mind is! If only I can, I would crack his skull and study his braincells just so I can have a piece of him. I don’t know but I get so aggressive when I see potential getting wasted just because life says so! And I guess that’s where other people misunderstand my eagerness and my attention on them.
I met this other writer. He wrote something in the past, and is now rewriting it. Oomf. That raw talent! I admire him for his style and his capacity to think beyond the norms. I get so clingy and excited over psychological twists especially when I am having quite a difficult time understanding it. The mystery, the trickery of the mind, the twists and the thrills! But motivation and laziness overpower us in real life, and that’s one of the biggest factors why a story gets delayed. Am not saying this to reprimand or anything, am just saying that URRRGGGHHHHHHHH ! If only I could push you to write and see it through the end. If only…
And that’s it. IF ONLY…
If only I was capable enough to encourage people—to influence them to do more and be more and pursue their passion. If only I had a space for them to be themselves and express themselves in any way they want. If only I had the money to just say “hey, let’s publish your book and let the world buy all those printed copies”. If only I was brave enough to push you and make you write more. If only I was enough for you to love writing more. If only…
Then maybe you’re writing full-time now, not thinking about going to your corporate job, and just focusing on writing. Then maybe you are one step closer to saying “hey, I’m writing full time. What do you do?”
One of my greatest wishes is to hear your proud voice saying that you write full time.
I know you’re wondering why would I wish something like that, and what more? For other people, right?
I have always been like this. As someone once said…
And your personality has always been that. I mean, you were always the one who gets satisfaction outside yourself. And yep, your personality has always been one to go all in, especially on things you are interested in, like art and all. — Kuya Terrence
Okay wait. I think this is becoming self-centered already so let’s stop here.
If you want to talk about the 90-day writing plan, am open. We just need to find the right time and schedule to talk about it, cause as we all know, I am busy as hell.
Well, happy writing, Writers!
