So much of a writer’s life is spent starting over. I hadn’t thought about it that way until recently, but it’s true. For every book you finish, there is another one to begin. For every contract you manage to sign, there is another one to seek. It’s a neverending cycle of starting over.
I know there are pinnacles along the way like great reviews, making booklists (if you’re lucky), landing better deals, but they’re all transitory. You’d have better luck trying to hold water in your hands during a drought.
The most fascinating thing about this discovery for me is that I’m one of those people that likes security in my life. I don’t ‘do’ change well. (I wish I did.) Which is why I suddenly find it hilarious that I’ve chosen a profession (Or has it chosen me?)
that will give me absolutely NO security whatsoever. Talk about karma. LOL!
February 13th, 2005
LOL. I too marvel at the fact that I crave security and stability, and yet I’m a writer, a profession that is never secure or stable!
by Jill February 13th, 2005 at 12:01 pmI looooove security! gg. Which is why I have no great big plans to quit the day job, unless the writing goes so favorably for me that it would be foolish–and to the detriment of my writing career–to continue to hold onto the security of the ’steady’ paycheque+benefits.
extreeeemly favorably. gg
by Jaq February 13th, 2005 at 12:29 pmJill, What’s up with that? I truly don’t get it. I think it must be karma or I’m glutton for punishment.
by Jordan February 13th, 2005 at 12:53 pmJaq, I hear you. When I quit my job I didn’t have much of a choice. It was wrecking me. I’m fortunate I have a very supportive dh.
by Jordan February 13th, 2005 at 12:55 pmYou are very fortunate, Jordan. As a single parent myself, security is *high* on my list of priorities. I’d have to have a couple of really good contracts under my belt, etc., to kiss the day job good-bye. Even then I’d think long and hard…
by Jaq February 13th, 2005 at 5:49 pmI, too, wonder about my decision to write for a career. I LOVE security, too.
I am very lucky to be in the position that I can write full-time, and my husband can support the family. But I still fret about how long I will have a career. It is a contract to contract gig. Very stressful. Ack.
But the high points, like the good reviews, emails from readers, etc…, that does make it worth all this craziness.
by Kathy February 13th, 2005 at 9:08 pmSecure? Stable? What is that? LOL.
by Suzanne February 14th, 2005 at 6:42 amLOL, Jordan. But the right career did pick you.
I think I read you don’t like Valentine’s Day, but I’m going to wish you a wonderful day anyway! So there! 
by Cheyenne McCray February 14th, 2005 at 9:22 amJaq, If I were in your situation it would be a completely different ballgame. I would keep the security and write when I can. I wouldn’t quit until I was at the level where I could shine Nora’s boots.
by Jordan February 14th, 2005 at 9:45 amKathy, We all fret about how long this ride will last. I can’t imagine anyone who takes their writing seriously not doing so. And you’re right, fan letters do help.
by Jordan February 14th, 2005 at 9:48 amSuzanne, You’re supposed to be the Sage here, spilling out words of wisdom.
LOL!
by Jordan February 14th, 2005 at 9:49 amChey, Thank you for the kind thoughts on the career. As for Valentine’s Day Grr, you’re just feeling saucy after putting that poor misguided girl in her place. LOL!
by Jordan February 14th, 2005 at 9:51 amJordan…..definitely sounds like a life’s lesson at work =)
by Cece February 16th, 2005 at 1:25 pm