Expert: Susan Rand - 10/29/2006

Question
How did you decide that you wanted to be a writer? i want to be a writer too, but everyone i know only talks about the job insecurity, and say that i should find a safer proffession, like a teacher, or librarian. but my heart's not into that. im a writer at heart, but i just don't know what to do anymore. thanks for reading!

Answer
Hello Marcy:

I didn't ever decide that I wanted to be a writer; I have always written, since I learned how. I've never been able to support myself as a writer. Few ever are. Your friends are partially right, in that pay for the vast majority of writers, overall, is dismal: a few cents a word. Currently, I'm making $0.11 a word. Not very good for 40 years of experience. However, without a regular job I would have starved. I don't see this situation improving any time soon.

Sometimes your heart has to step back in favor of your brain. The only type of writing I can think of that might support you is journalism. Perhaps your heart will accept that as a practical substitute. It's a good compromise, anyway. You will also learn to write, and write well, while covering stories.

You didn't say how old you are, but I would guess you're pretty young. If you do hope one day to make some money writing, by all means, start now. Set a goal to turn out a certain number of words per day - make it a priority. A well-written paragraph is worth any number of sheets of tripe. Don't worry whether it's good or not, just do it - and save it. If you are a journalist, you will improve automatically. If not, you will have to study, or take classes. Your commitment must be firm.

I hope this helps. If it does, a nice rating would be greatly appreciated. I am proud of my high score over 850 questions.

And good luck with your writing!