Life of a Writer

[jasonandrew]

This year has been kind of a hard one for me in general, but it has turned the corner for me. I've made horrible dumb-ass mistakes. I've grown up a lot. I think both insatia and I have been enjoying an extended adult-childhood. We're both ready to take that next step.

We've decided that we're going to buy a house in six months. On and off, we've played with the idea, but now we're actually serious and willing to make the changes in our spending patterns to do the deed.

With my new job, our finances are going to be fairly decent. We've been doing the adult things such as cleaning the house, laundry, etc.

Having my life in order makes me more determined to write.

I realized sometime when writing Dreams in the Dragon's House that if I wanted to be a full time writer that I needed to concentrate on novels.

Dylan and the Dream Pirates has been a hard novel to write. More difficult than Dreams in the Dragon's House. I think because I'm constantly having to build a new universe as the main character keep exploring the dreamlands. If I had to compare Dylan and the Dream Pirates to anything else if would be the movie Time Bandits.

My next two novels should be a lot easier.

Friday, I spent copyediting Simian Publishing projects. Tomorrow is my writing day. I really want to get this draft completed.

My reward after Dylan and the Dream Pirates is to write a couple of short stories. And of course, I've promised myself one Doctor Who fanfiction story.

Comments

[talithakalago.livejournal.com]

Lots of authors have told me if you want to make writing a career you have to treat it like a proper job, not just a hobby.

It's been something I've been trying to do for several years and its paying off for me.

Hopefully the mindset ajustments will pay off for you too.

[(Anonymous)]

Well, I have made my living sole from writing for the last decade. Just technical writing. ;)

My new job will allow more time to concentrate on my second job.

Thanks for the encouragement.

[talithakalago.livejournal.com]

Are you treating the novel with the same mindset as the technical writing?

I think a lot of people, deep down, feel like they are different and it gets in their way. If you lack ego its hard to take your writing seriously.

I have no idea where you fall on that scale.

[highway-west.livejournal.com]

I do get your point.

And, I think my wife and friends will tell you that despite occasional lapses, my ego is strong.

I'm working on a balance right now.

[pink-siamese.livejournal.com]

For what it's worth, I don't think you have to buy a house to be a 'real' adult. ;-)

I do agree with talithakalago: you have to treat the work like it's just that---work. I think it's a mindset thing. If you tell yourself it's a job it'll leak all the down into your subconscious and your subconscious will rise to meet those expectations.

[steve-vernon.livejournal.com]

Great news on the house. We bought our first house last Spring. We love it. It's a tremendous feeling of accomplishment.

[scifigal.livejournal.com]

I wanted to find out more information about getting books published. I want to try to publish a book about my PC experience when I'm finished. I figured I could get any advice from everyone I know who has published.

Can you shoot me an email?

waxpoetic at gmail

[highway-west.livejournal.com]

Well, the first step is to write the book.

Agents and publishers likely wont even look at you until you have stuff in print.

I can help you with query letters and where to find information.

jasonbandrew@yahoo.com