Expert: Misti Sandefur - 11/7/2006

Question
hi! i was thinking of being a writer when i grow up. but as a backup, i think i may want to be a literary critic, as well. Do you think i can do both at the same time?

Answer
Dear Marcy,

I believe you can do anything you set your mind to. If you set up a schedule for your writing, and also for the work you will do as a literary critic, then yes, I do believe you can do both at the same time. You may stay pretty busy, but if you follow your schedule you should be able to pull it off.

Say you will want to work 10 hours every day, you can schedule five hours for writing, and then devote the other five hours for your literary critic work. Or, if you want less hours, say maybe 8 hours a day, then you can schedule four hours for writing, and four hours for your literary critic work. The hours you choose will be whatever suits you best, and you can even schedule a long break between the jobs in case you need a rest. If you do schedule a break, make sure you at least get your full 8 hours in.

For me, I work 10 1/2 hours Monday through Friday, and I work better at night when everyone is asleep. So, my work hours are from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (CST). Plus, I also have a client I work for from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. My break periods are from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Plus, I take weekends off to spend time with my husband and three children. During my first break, beginning at 5:00 a.m., I'm usually sleeping until my next job at 1:00 p.m.. Since I'm up all night, I sleep of a day. I only have one job though -- my writing, but yes, it is possible to set up a schedule for two jobs.

I hope this helps, but if you have any further questions related to freelance writing, don't hesitate to contact me again.

Best wishes,
Misti Sandefur
http://www.mistisandefur.com