Why am I an Insecure Writer this month?
Because I don't know what my writing future holds.
I suppose every writer worries about their writing future. Heck, I'm pretty sure I've already used this insecurity in a past IWSG post. But this month, my insecurity has taken on new significance.
Before I lost my job, contemplating my writing future was mostly an academic exercise. Although it would be nice to earn some extra money with my writing, I wasn't depending upon it as a source of income. But now that I'm working part-time and tapping into our savings, my outlook has changed.
I've spent much of this month wondering where my writing career will be in ten years. Will I learn to write faster and have five (or more) books out by then, or will I be struggling to finish my current WIP? (Don't laugh, it could happen!) Will five books be enough to gain traction in the marketplace? Will enough people enjoy my style of writing that the Amazon algorithms begin to take notice?
I don't expect to make a living based solely on my writing, but my hope is that it will provide an additional revenue stream sometime in the future. I just don't know yet whether that revenue stream will be more useful for paying off the mortgage or paying for a White Castle burger.
Unfortunately, it might be a long time before I know the answer.
This month’s IWSG question is: If you could use a wish to help you write just ONE scene/chapter of your book, which one would it be? (examples: fight scene / first kiss scene / death scene / chase scene / first chapter / middle chapter / end chapter, etc.)
My first inclination would be to say the first chapter, because that's where an author has the best chance of hooking the reader. But that seems like the easy answer, so I think I'll pick a kissing scene instead, since I would probably have no idea how to write one without a ton of telling. Hmmm... I wonder if you can hire ghost writers who will write single chapters for you.
Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to stop by the other co-hosts this month:: J.H. Moncrieff, Natalie Aguirre, and Patsy Collins!
ChemistKen
I'd love enough income from writing to buy an Olive Garden dinner once a month - or In and Out Burger once a week. I'm easy. Cheap. I just want to publish something that makes some type of income. The $6 I've earned over the last 10 years isn't getting my hopes up for a writing career.
ReplyDeleteKissing scenes are easy for me, lol. That first chapter, however, is just impossible. I'm not good at beginnings. Middle is pretty good, endings are great. I usually always know where my stories are going, I just don't know where they start.
Yeah, you can convince someone to write specific scenes in trade. You write mine, I'll write yours, lol.
I hate to think my lack of publishing is a lack of serious devotion to writing.
I hope you can earn from writing what you are needing to sustain your life.
Thanks for co-hosting this month.
Thanks for Co-hosting! Blessings✨
ReplyDeleteI totally get the thought of still working on the same novel ten years later. Sometimes I feel like I'll never finish.
ReplyDeleteI've written a ton of kissing scenes! Makes me think I could totally start a freelance kissing scene career.
Thanks for co-hosting!
Five books is where everything started picking up for me, saleswise. You're taking it all one day at a time, which is the perfect way to handle it! Slow and steady wins the race. :)
ReplyDeleteI've had some great years as an author - one's that equal my current working income - but those days passed along with the crumpling of the Big 6 (now Big 5 or is it even 5?) in New York. I wish I'd taken that income seriously then instead of looking at it as a supplement. Now the 9-to5 supports me (and my health insurance!) and the writing income is an inconsistent extra that nudges up with a new release. It's a tough business these days with so much available for free. Yes, a meal out is a perk (Thank you, Amazon) but I won't quit that day job anytime soon. Thanks for co-hosting, Ken! Always good to visit a fellow Michigander. And yes, I've made my "fortune" kissing betwen the covers.
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate to your insecurities. I have a contracting job as a writer and it is so up and down in terms of income. I can only do it as my job because I had a full-time job with benefits for most of my career and saved a lot of money. I'm glad you are at least planning on a steady part-time job because the income from writing could be up and down over the years.
ReplyDeleteSelling and marketing your novels are almost as difficult as writing them. It's not easy, and it's expensive to advertise to get your books noticed. Sorry if I'm being a downer. Don't quit your day job, unless you get a movie deal. ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you for co-hosting!
You've posed some pretty interesting questions, here. I feel like we're in a similar place. Pondering where our writing will take us in a month, a year, and so on can be exciting, but it can also be pretty daunting and intimidating. I wish I had an answer for you. I mean, it seems that each time I take a huge stride forward with my writing career some sort of family need pops up or I'm needed at our family business. I decided last month that I'd try to take the 'life' of my writing more in stride. #sigh We'll see if I'm more successful with that in the future. Good luck to you, and thank you for co-hosting!
ReplyDeleteThat was my answer to the question as well.
ReplyDeleteI think once you gain traction and have one book out, you will gain speed and produce more, and thus create a nice side income.
Thanks for co-hosting today!
I hear ya. Most of my writing income has come from writing contests and the occasional nonfiction article. I'm surprised how much a writer can earn with nonfiction, though it doesn't offer the same emotional benefits.
ReplyDeleteTen years from now might surprise you. I went after books being my income and found public speaking did it instead.
ReplyDeleteTen year ago, my writing goals were different. They were different five years ago. I expect them to be different five years from now. Always growing, learning, and changing. That's a good thing! Thank you for co-hosting today. :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed you list of Books You Are Reading. I'll consider that when I redesign my site.
ReplyDeleteI empathize with your need to eat and need to write. I believe the comments in your post offer ideas and reassurance. You are highly creative and invite you to imagine your life as a success a writer. Next, allow your imagination to create three (or more) small steps to achieve your goal. You will get there.
Thank you for co-hosting the April IWSG blog-hop.
Lynn La Vita blog: Writers Supporting Writers
Kissing scenes can be tough to write - and I'm a romance writer :)
ReplyDeleteI hope that revenue stream helps with the mortgage!!
Thanks for co-hosting this month.
ReplyDeleteI too would like for my writing to provide some income, but since I'm currently not trying to publish anything, I should stick with my day job. I think everyone could use help with kissing scenes; they're just not easy.
Same for me. Opening scene.
ReplyDeleteCan't remember if I mentioned it before, but when you're serious about marketing, join 20Booksto50k on Facebook.
As the spouse of someone who's job was eliminated--not just once, but 3 times--I understand how difficult this time is. Your self-esteem is at an all-time low. You doubt yourself, your abilities. Try to channel that into your writing. It's not easy. Thanks for co-hosting this month. Good luck on your job search as well as your writing.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if kissing scenes are difficult because you want that moment to evoke a lot of emotion, but in order for that to work, there's got to be some ground work. It's the anticipation and daydreaming about a kiss that makes it powerful (at least, for the first one).
ReplyDeleteI think of my writing future a lot. I'm waiting till I get the works in progress done that I have already before making another major marketing push. I figured marketing takes so very much time it's better to do it for six books than two... I too, would pick the first chapter. I always have a hard time with that one. Thanks for co-hosting this month!
ReplyDeleteI don't know that you'll ever change the pace of your writing, but I do think you can be wildly successful, even if you aren't quick. Take George R.R. Martin for example. Or maybe Patrick Rothfuss? It might take a while, but I think you can do it.
ReplyDeleteHmm...maybe that's my new side hustle: ghost-writing kissing scenes. Greetings from another slow writer. It takes me a good year to produce and edit a 90K novel. I wish you happy writing in April.
ReplyDeleteI'm chuckling here, Ken. A kissing scene ghost writer. However, you never know. There could be some out there! Good luck, and if you find one, tell us.
ReplyDeleteI have my fingers crossed for you, hoping you will be able to create that revenue stream with your writing. Even if it's only for burgers, at least you won't be a starving writer!
ReplyDeleteYou made me laugh about the ghostwriter. I have been hired to write many first chapters, lol.
Thank you for cohosting.
Funny! I wrote a kissing scene in my first published work. It was harder than I thought it would be. You may have to rehearse with someone to get it right. hehehe
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
If only we had a crystal ball to tell us our writing futures. Or at least a Magic 8 Ball. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting!
I think of you often during the month, Ken. It is beyond frightening to be yanked out of a job and forced to rely on a skill you weren't quite ready for yet. I'd love to host you on my blog (WordDreams). You could discuss how you've recently gone from hobby writer to full-time--reasons, fears, changes. If you're ready for that! Let me know. I'm at askatechteacher at gmail dot com.
ReplyDeleteI've struggled with the same self-doubt this month. I suppose all you can do is keep writing, working those part-time jobs, and doing the best you can. Who knows where it will take you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting IWSG this month!
Mary at Play off the Page
I share your insecurities regarding writing fiction and earning money from it. Good luck to us both! :)
ReplyDeleteMany, many are saying first scenes are the scariest, including myself. They're so important.
You can indedd hire ghostwriters to writer individual scenes on sites like Fiverr. :) But it's best you have a go. I used to feel the same way about love scenes. The next thing I knew, I was ghostwriting erotic romance novellas! I don't anymore, but I did for a couple of years. You never know what you are capable of until you try. :)
Thanks for co-hosting. X
I wonder a lot of the same things, and all I can do is wish you lots and lots of good luck!
ReplyDeleteIf I may present a good example of a writer who is trying out a ton of marketing and pulling aside the curtain to bring us along as he goes, it would be https://gjstevens.com He's incredibly kind and open to author interviews on his site, as well. At the very least he'll have some great insights for you on different types of ads and how effective they are.
Best of luck, and thanks for co-hosting today Ken!
Now I'm also wondering if you can hire a ghost writer for a few scene? I'd hire that person for the dreaded middle chapters...
ReplyDeleteThank you for co-hosting the blog hop this month.
Happy IWSG Day!
The more time I have, the less productive I am. Does that make sense? No! But that's how it plays for me. If I only have two hours to write, I use those hours to the max. Just saying, regular jobs can co-exist with writing, so no pressure there. A lot of successful writers choose to do both. Good luck, Ken!
ReplyDeleteWrite that kissing scene, Ken. Don't expect to hit the mark on the first draft. Build on it. Use your imagination. There's no right or wrong about technique of a kiss. What's important is that the feeling and passion is communicated from the kisser to kissee, LOL. You can do it. Watch a few romance movies, then fantasize how you might replace the actor's actions or describe the actor's actions. Describing the emotions is the important piece. The anticipation, the fear of rejection, the emotional turmoil, the exquisite thrill, etc. etc. Do a survey among your friends. What do you like in a kiss. What's a turn off? Etc. You have a great imagination. Now let it lose. Blessings
ReplyDeleteMaking a living writing is getting tougher and tougher, but that won't stop you!
ReplyDeleteI love writing kissing scenes! So maybe I can help you there, while you help me with something else. It's pretty tough to make any kind of career as a writer these days, even with a ton of books out there. But don't let that discourage you.
ReplyDeleteKissing? Did anyone say kissing? May I join?
ReplyDeleteActually, my kisses are tame. My husband - who's from your home state, Ken the Chemist - and I have been together a long, long time. His name is Larry and he is a Biochemist.
Coincidence? I think not...
btw, my novels always begin with a phone call
Yikes, I can say I have similar angst considering my loss of job in 2014 and continued state. Other things play into too, but yeah, I wonder the same things. Not worrying about it as much and just trying to do.
ReplyDeleteMiddles are sink areas, although I can do a sweet kissing or emotional scene anything more I need help. Those scenes are not easy to write.
Happy IWSG!
Income from writing... Seems like a nice dream. It is doable, I suppose, and probably you could buy more than a burger from it, but a mortgage? I write for a newspaper, and my income from my articles is respectable: up to $300 a month, but usually less. Maybe you should come up with something more realistic for your livelihood. Unless you become the next Brandon Sanderson. It could happen!
ReplyDeleteHaha. That made me laugh. Hiring a ghost writer for a kissing scene. Maybe I shouldn't laugh. What if they do exist?? I know how you feel about the whole making money thing. I try to remain optimistic too.
ReplyDeleteSounds like we've got some commonality between our writing situations. I started collecting social security a few years ago after having been out of work since age 58. I'm pondering my future in my A to Z theme.
ReplyDeleteAnd then you had to go and mention White Castle. Yesterday I had such a craving for a White Castle burger. In California I can't seem to find anything equivalent to White Castle or Krystal. Yesterday I settled for an In-and-Out Burger, which is a better quality alternative, but sometimes those cheap tiny burgers are what I'd really prefer. I can never finish a larger size burger. Although I did finish my In-and-Out burger.
Thanks for co-hosting.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
White Castle originated in the town I live: Columbus, Ohio! *is proud*
ReplyDeleteChemist Ken, you're working on your first novel for publication, right? I think it's a lot of pressure to start thinking about making a side income from writing at this point. It's certainly possible, but unlikely. I have 8 novels out and in no way could I begin to support myself from my measly writing income. Maybe you would have much more success than me, but it's rare to make much money especially for newly published authors.
Having said that, there may be some lucrative writing ventures (freelance website writing? Nonfiction?) that I don't know much about.
Thanks for co-hosting!
Ah, kissing scenes. Yeah, I just leave them out. No kissing, just killing in my books.
ReplyDeleteMaking a living as a writer is tough. I have two friends who do, but both of them freelance a lot of non-fiction pieces and offer writing classes/support, etc. to support the fiction, so those are options to explore.
Hey, Ken! Thanks for co-hosting today. Losing a job is scary, and I'm sorry that you are experiencing this situation. I'm glad that you have some part-time work which gives you an opportunity to relieve some of the financial stress and more time to write. Developing a supplementary income stream from writing is a challenge. but I wouldn't let that fact make me give up writing. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteYes, you can hire ghost writers to just do a scene. (I had that job years ago.)
ReplyDeleteMarketing plays a pretty big roll in that mortgage vs burger debate. Having an online presence, getting yourself out there. The good news is that it's easier to reach readers today than it was 30 years ago. The bad news is that they have a shorter attention span.
I struggle with first chapters, middle chapters, and end chapters, but the first one ... oy. I get a little too perfectionist about it.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever read Hugh Howey's book Wool? It is a 5 part book which he sold originally in 5 parts - all novelettes as ebooks. Each one worked on its own, but definitely left readers wanting more. I haven't figured out how to write something like that, but I think it's a good way to get that "5 book" sales for readers going on. Again, I haven't done it, but I've seen it done. Maybe, you could try it? Just a thought.
I hope all goes well - job, writing, life!
From my experience, I'd be banking closer to burger money. I think it's really tough to predict what's going to happen in the future. Gaining traction is tough, but having multiple books out can go some way towards it. I'm not counting on my writing as a serious source of income, but maybe that shows a lack of ambition on my part. Have you looked into freelance stuff - articles etc? That could be a good sideline. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHi Ken!
ReplyDeleteYou could always freelance. Only trouble there would be finding time to write for yourself ;-)
I have a little problem with the middle-book spread. I guess I get so carried away I move right in to - instead of on with - the story.
I love White Castle burgers!
Best wishes, and thanks for hosting ;-)
Yeah I'm trying to build a supplemental income from my writing as well. I work a day job but it's part time. When I was working a seasonal position a few years back (before I was hired at my current day job), it was easier for me to write for a supplemental income because I had more time. So during this transition between jobs, I'd suggest to take advantage of the extra time for writing. You just may make that steady income flow. Yet I would still look for a day job since selling one's own books can be very unpredictable. I've been trying to sell mine for years and have sold a few but not enough to pay the bills. So I would give an equal amount of time to establishing both sources of income. Thanks for co-hosting.
ReplyDeleteWriting goals change as we age and grow as people. That's a good thing. Best of luck on the job front and getting some more income.
ReplyDeleteNever, ever give up. Write the best stories you can, even if they have a kissing scene :) Best wishes for your writing and your job. Love the picture of the castle. First chapters are my toughest to write. Have a nice weekend. Thanks for co-hosting.
ReplyDeleteFirst, Ken, you can do this! You have experience that makes your stories viable and interesting. And second, like Beverly says above: Never give up! That being said, I don't know if I'll ever be able to pay the bills with my writing either. But I can't stop now. I'm miserable if I don't write. No matter how difficult it is to do. You're in good company here at IWSG, Ken. Thanks for co-hosting.
ReplyDeletehttp://victoriamarielees.blogspot.com
Hi Ken! Hang in there. You are in a tough spot if writing needs to become your main source of income. Maybe you can find a more boring job that involves writing and will mean guaranteed income?
ReplyDeleteWriting books is such a long-term, unreliable, hard job, so the most important thing is that you enjoy it! It sounds like you do. Hopefully, the pressure to make money with it will ease over time. I'm cheering for you! Thanks for co-hosting this month.
Thank you for co-hosting! I try not to think of what will happen in the future, because it keeps me from relaxing in the present. I hope ten years from now you're far ahead of anything you've imagined!
ReplyDeleteThe thing that's hard is that you just never know. I have four print books and six eBooks out, and I haven't gained traction in the marketplace. All you can do is everything you can do.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
That's one of my worries. When I first quit a job after college, I thought I'd publish my book and apparently hit a best seller list...that was 9 years ago now? I've realized there's no guarantee, but I still would like to have another stream of income based on my books. I also try to remind myself that's not why I started writing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting!
I hear ya. It's something I'd have to start seriously thinking about. My supervisor will be retiring in a few years, 2-3yrs tops, and I'd like to be able to live based on my writing. When she's gone, I know I wouldn't want to continue to stay either. But I'm a slow writer, so unless I win the lotto and quit to devote my time writing, doubtful that'll happen. Also my husband is done with the winters and want to move down to Florida. So most likely I'll be out of a job then too. But that's the future and this is now. And a lot of things can happen between now and then.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting this month! And here’s to a more hopeful tomorrow in this climate you’re in.