Happy Tuesday to all of you.
“And what do you do for a living?”
“Well, I’m a writer!”
“Can you make a living doing that?”
That was a very brief snippet of a conversation I had this weekend while at the Street Fair. The guy who asked me that question was amazed….I say amazed…that I could make a living by writing. I’m not sure if he really believed me.
There are so many ways to make money in this writing gig. Are you making yours? If so, what do you do? If not, what aren’t you doing?
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“The writer must earn money in order to be able to live and to write, but he must by no means live and write for the purpose of making money.”
Karl Marx
And there is the eternal struggle for writers. We have to make money to survive, but making money is not the true reason why we write. A constant give and take battle if you will is always being waged.
I have to pay my bills…..I have to write for enjoyment…..the customer is always right….the customer doesn’t know a damn thing about good writing…..and on and on we go.
Yes, there are many ways to make money in this writing gig. It is not always easy to find them, but they are out there. Perseverance my friends. One step in front of the other my friends. Don’t give up my friends.
PROMPT OF THE DAY
Yes, it ties into today’s theme.
TIP OF THE DAY
Look locally for article ideas for magazines and newspapers. There are interesting topics and ideas right outside your door in your own community, but you have to look for them. I’ve got an article coming out on HubPages this week about this topic…writing travel articles from home.
CONTEST OF THE DAY
Hunger Mountain Creative NonFiction Prize…first place wins $1000…deadline coming soon and I believe it is September 10th….read about submission guidelines here.
MONEY SITE OF THE DAY
The Herbert Hoover Artist In Residence Program, held in Iowa, is a rather unique opportunity for two artists or writers each year. Read about it here.
MORE ON THURSDAY
Only two entries this week so I’ll see you again on Thursday, the 29th of August. On the other three days you can always visit my other blog, A Moment With Bill. You are always welcome.
In the meantime, give some thought to being a guest blogger on this blog. If you want to share a writing tip or a favorite writing site, or just give some random thoughts about writing, I’m always willing to help a fellow writer. Drop me an email at holland1145@yahoo.com if interested.
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
I’d be starving if I had to make a living from writing Bill:) lol. Good for you buddy!! I’ll just listen up and keep on writing!
Kelly, when I started out I had no idea how hard it was to make a living doing this writing gig…but I’m learning and making progress so it’s all good. Thanks for stopping by; I do appreciate you.
I always feel inspired after reading your words. I get rarin to go..but I also know you have paid your dues and continue to do so. Looking, searching, marketing ,promoting, and of course helping others.
Thank you Carol. Hey, I get discouraged just like everyone else. We just have to hang in there and continue to do the work. I firmly believe good things will happen.
I get a lot of the same looks when I tell people I write and do web design online making a living at it. But just like you I love and honestly don’t care what people think!! But good for you too and so happy that we are living our dreams!! 🙂
it’s interesting, Janine, that so many people don’t realize there is money to be made writing. Who do they think writes all the stuff online for companies? LOL I’m glad we are both making it my friend…thank you!
Thanks Bill. Yep always trying to survive. We just need to look around us. There are many ways. Thanks my friend.
There are indeed, Greg and yes, it is hard work, but with passion for writing it is worth it. Thanks buddy!
I would also be starving if I had to make money from writing—but I do think more about it as I head into my retirement years–still about 10 yrs off
Well Audrey, ten years gives you more than enough time to build your writer’s platform and be ready when the time comes…and I’ll be rooting for you from afar. 🙂
So, nice to read your encouraging words. This applies to everyone that wants to make a living by their own artistic abilities. I tried with my paintings and gave up, at that time, I am thinking to try it with the writing “thingamajig”…and of course with your courses. Froggy213 helps me a lot also, and our Creator, Lord and Savior. Oh, by the way, you did it again…stealing some tears when I read: ” being a guest blogger on this blog.”
Maria, there is nothing easy about writing or any of the arts my friend. I don’t want people giving up before the miracle happens. 🙂 Thank you so much for stopping by and blessings to you always.
As always, enjoyed reading this. I have been spending a lot of time writing on paper and that hasn’t been as sharable as what I type on the computer. Trying to find balance. To answer your question, “Are you making yours? If so, what do you do?” I found a way to combine my creativity and my love for words working a marketing program manager in addition to owning my own writing business. I enjoy the work I do daily. There are some days I wonder what life would be like to hate my job, as then I would put it down and walk away – but I would rather struggle with finding the balance between loving what I do and spending a good amount of time with my family than to hate my job and wonder why everyone else smiles while I frown. Instead, I am the one smiling and people often ask, “Are you ever sad.” The work is out there and when you seek it, believe in yourself to do well at it, and work hard, it will come! Thank you for another great post, Bill! ~Shell
Shell, you are the one with the great post. Thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom. I love what I do, and until the day comes, if it does, when I don’t love it, I’ll keep on writing.
I love sharing like this. Writing can be a lonely gig and it is helpful when people share as you did, so thank you!
My pleasure! Have a wonderful Wednesday, Bill. ~Shell
I will Shell and you do the same.