When you read your story, does it sound off, maybe you can’t quite put your finger on it, but you know you’ve done something wrong? Sometimes–maybe even lots of times–there are simple fixes. These writer’s tips will come at you once a week, giving you plenty of time to go through your story and make the adjustments.
Today’s tip: Have a Day Job.
This is from John Grisham:
John Grisham–a former lawyer best known for his legal thrillers–advices young writers to find their career, and adds that at first it won’t be writing. He explains that before you can be a writer you have to experience some things, see some of the world, go through things–love, heartbreak, and so on–, because you need to have something to say.
Most fiction writers I know have a day job. We’re all waiting for our Big Break, but until then, the bills continue. Many non-fiction writers I know (bloggers, etc) like to say they support themselves on their writing. I’m suspicious, though. How would it sound to potential clients if you said, “I just do this at night in my spare time.” Might cut into your marketing efforts.
–Click to have Writer’s Tips delivered to your email.
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is webmaster for six blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com and TeachHUB, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, Cisco guest blog,Technology in Education featured blogger, IMS tech expert, and a bi-weekly contributor to Today’s Author. In her free time, she is the editor of a K-8 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum, and creator of technology training books for how to integrate technology in education. Currently, she’s editing a thriller that should be out to publishers next summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is webmaster for six blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com and TeachHUB, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, Cisco guest blog,Technology in Education featured blogger, IMS tech expert, and a bi-monthly contributor to Today’s Author. In her free time, she is the editor of a K-8 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum, and creator of technology training books for how to integrate technology in education. Currently, she’s editing a thriller that should be out to publishers next summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.
Down-to-earth, solid advice. Thanks. The problem occurs when both your day as well as night jobs fail to pay the bills!!
By: Ankur Mithal on January 28, 2013
at 1:17 am
That’s where the writing comes in. Build your brand. Sell some books.
Which I’ve been meaning to chat with you about, Ankur–where’s your blog? If you don’t have one, I’ll help you if you need it. As much as I can virtually.
By: Jacqui Murray on January 28, 2013
at 8:00 am
Hi Jacqui
Can you also help an web-idiot like me pls? One of doctor friends in London helped me to set up a blog but the baby is dying with care and attention. Arun
By: arundebnath on January 28, 2013
at 11:21 am
Absolutely. Did you do it through WordPress?
By: Jacqui Murray on January 28, 2013
at 5:40 pm
Thanks for this tip… Always a good reality check post for the season.
Eliz
By: eof737 on January 28, 2013
at 1:30 pm
It seems at some point, we should grow out of day jobs, but I’m not sure when that is. So far, it seems I am too young.
By: Jacqui Murray on January 28, 2013
at 5:56 pm