Hello and Welcome to the Focused on Story Blog AND the Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop
Always on the first Wednesday of the month.
#IWSGbloghop
What is the Insecure Writer's Support Group?
Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database, articles and tips, a monthly blog posting, a Facebook and Instagram group, Twitter, and a monthly newsletter. To find out more, click this link: Insecure Writer’s Support Group
The purpose of the group is
* to share and encourage.
* Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak.
* Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance.
*It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
You're invited to become a member of this supportive group. Click here to sign-up to join.
✰✰✰✰
Question of the Month
 |
| Question of the month |
October 7 question - When you think of the term working writer, what does that look like to you? What do you think it is supposed to look like? Do you see yourself as a working writer or aspiring or hobbyist, and if latter two, what does that look like?
When I think of the term working writer, I believe it means writing is the job of making an income to feed the family and pay the bills. I am not in that category.
I am a hybrid author of fiction and non-fiction books and a journalist with articles in magazines, newspapers and online magazines). So I don't believe I am an aspiring author.
That leaves hobbyist, but that sounds like I'm not serious about writing. I am. I love the craft of writing and I try to offer readers a good experience when reading my stories or articles. I want them engaged, informed, entertained and thinking about a message I may have snuck in there. Alright, I think all writers have a message for readers, but sometimes are not aware until the book is written that they really did have a message.
Perhaps another way to define a hobbyist is that I spend more money on writing than I do on making money from my writing. I think everyone knows hobbies are expensive--look at what you need for golfing, sewing, running, baking, cars. They all cost money. This defines me!
 |
| Musing about what to write. |
****
Stay-Up-To-Date with J.Q. Rose--articles, news, prizes, sneak peeks, guest authors and books.
Click here to get the October issue of the Rose Courier delivered to your inbox once a month.
* * *
Thank you for stopping here at the Focused on Story Blog with JQ Rose.
Click here to visit more participating bloggers!
18 comments:
Hi JQ, that's a very interesting question about writing as hobby or as a job. The Society of Authors in the UK did a survey of authors' incomes and I believe only a minority made enough money from writing alone as their full-time income. Most authors have second jobs, e/g/ teaching creative writing, going round schools, etc., which tops up their income. I guess we're most of us hybrid in some way. It's great to earn any money at all from doing something you love!
I'm definitely writing as a hobby too because I haven't tried to get anything published. I would have called you a working writer because you actually do get published even if you don't make money at it.
Funny, because I've always thought of you as a working writer. Like Beverly, you're consistently working on something and producing. Sounds like a working writer to me. Happy IWSG Day, Janet.
I agree with Joylene. You are a working writer. Some things we have no control over--like how much money we make. But it's the intent to write as a career, to earn money, that is important. That's a working writer. Best wishes.
I agree with Diane and Joylene that you're a working writer: the money we get paid for our work isn't something we can control, only writing the best story we can.
Ronel visiting on IWSG day Revamp Your Backlist
That's a great way to explain what any hobby is. We spend money on ours because they give us pleasure, and there's nothing wrong with that.
Spending more than you make from it... Yep! That's me! :D However, based on your production, I've always seen you in the working writer camp.
Hi Helena, I love your last line--earn money from doing something you love. I guess we can't all be J K Rowling or Stephen King, but we'll never stop trying!
Hi Natalie, I think I should have mentioned being a working writer doesn't mean you are working. I'd say we have the chance to play at our job! Enjoy your writing. That is your authentic voice rather than published writing.
Well, that's one way to look at it. Thank you.
Thank you, Diane. And you are too!
Hi Ronel, you folks are putting up good reasons to change my idea of a working writer today. Thank you.
Thanks, Loni. I guess I'm always "working" at it cause I love it. Thank you for stopping by.
I prefer not to have a label. It's not good for kids, minorities, etc. I'm a writer. Is that a label? hehehe
Anna from elements of emaginette
"I spend more money on writing than I do on making money from my writing..." Love this line! I often hold off on letting myself spend money on writing...but you put it in a whole new perspective. If I golfed, I'd spend money on it. If I crafted, I'd spend money on it. You just gave me permission to take a writing course. Thank you!
I feel that way sometimes. Although it's definitely not a hobby, just and expensive investment.
Loved your answer. I think of the working part as income streams, not just about writing a book, but the many things an author can do in the industry to generate income. The more income streams the better and the ones living on income---MOST have multiple income streams not just book writing.
Hey, JQ. I agree with all those above who disagreed with you. LOL We can't really control if we make money. We can control what we put into each book and how we market it, but still. Having just the right book at the right time, seen by the right number of people. That's all up in the air. When I've felt bad about not making money, I have thought about all those other "hobbies" that cost a lot of money. We at least have the potential to make money from our "hobby." And we do spend a lot of time on this activity which we love. I can't imagine anyone doing this and not loving it. It's too hard. :) Loved this post and I shared.
Post a Comment