How do other people make money? I was brought up in a home where the dad did the dad thing, working for a giant corporation and the mom stayed home and did the mom thing, hauling the kids to school in the morning and afterschool activities in the afternoon. Even after the parents divorced, the mom went to work teaching--a safe and secure job.
I teach too, and I really like doing it. (I don't like to grade however...I like to give feedback, but not set a points value on errors. I think grades can be tremendously discouraging.) I, however, am teaching in a non-remunerative environment. I'm an adjunct.
Over the course of my life, I didn't really have role models of entrepreneurship, so I am left floundering, trying to figure out how to make money out of my creative endeavors. Maybe I just don't spend the hours in the day that it takes to market myself and my products...
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
The Writing Life
Do I have a writing life? I certainly don't write on a full-time basis. And I have decided I'm not sure that I want to.
First of all, I like the teaching I do. In fact, in addition to working as a developmental English adjunct at my local community college, I want to add teaching on the continuing education level. I am thinking about working with older people to help them write their memoirs. I am crafting lessons plans right now.
Second of all, I know a lot of people who do write on a full-time basis. Most of the ones I know have these contracts that demand that they write multiple books to be published one per month for 3 or 4 months in a row. The first two books will be fabulous. The 3rd and 4th will be derivative, repetitious, and formulaic. I hate that. I know these people are good writers, but having to crank it out as they are forced to do, with no time to recharge their batteries in between books leads to books I don't like to read.
On the other hand...wouldn't it be great to be in the position to write on a full-time basis. If you can set it up that you aren't forced to "crank it out," if you can enjoy the experience, leaving time to actually live your life...have dinner with family and friends, take long-weekends.... That would be fabulous.
First of all, I like the teaching I do. In fact, in addition to working as a developmental English adjunct at my local community college, I want to add teaching on the continuing education level. I am thinking about working with older people to help them write their memoirs. I am crafting lessons plans right now.
Second of all, I know a lot of people who do write on a full-time basis. Most of the ones I know have these contracts that demand that they write multiple books to be published one per month for 3 or 4 months in a row. The first two books will be fabulous. The 3rd and 4th will be derivative, repetitious, and formulaic. I hate that. I know these people are good writers, but having to crank it out as they are forced to do, with no time to recharge their batteries in between books leads to books I don't like to read.
On the other hand...wouldn't it be great to be in the position to write on a full-time basis. If you can set it up that you aren't forced to "crank it out," if you can enjoy the experience, leaving time to actually live your life...have dinner with family and friends, take long-weekends.... That would be fabulous.
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