How Do You Write What You Want and Still Make a Living?
When the romantic side of writing meets reality
In a recent post, Linda Kowalchek noted, “I write what I want when I want.”
I approach the craft of writing the same way. But in a world filled with creators and SEO-driven content, how do you do this and make a living?
When it comes to writing, I’ve always been more romantic than realistic. As a teen, I envisioned days spent in a home office, surrounded by bookshelves. Inspiration filled the space as I plunked away on my typewriter with nothing to interrupt the creative process.
It wasn’t until my late twenties that I first glimpsed this dream. Having failed to stick with a job or post-graduate path long enough to make any substantial gains, I took a chance at writing full time. FINALLY.
I moved into an old cabin my parents owned, a copy of Julia Cameron’s The Right to Write buried in my few boxes of belongings. My time those first few weeks was spent in contemplation. I mentally reviewed all that had gone wrong in my work life to that point. I mulled over what I truly wanted in life.
Sitting on the front porch, watching my dog nose around the yard, I reveled in the peace and solitude of my surroundings. My soul was content.
