Thursday, August 11, 2016

When Your Day Job Gets In The Way Of Your Writing Dream

 

A Post By Jonathan

Howdy, folks! This isn't going to be a long post because I'm actually writing this in between sessions for this huge event I'm running at work today. Of course, I'd much rather be writing, but someone's gotta pay the bills right?

Like most writers out there, I dream of becoming a full-time author someday. Of having all the time in the world to work on my books, and live in my make-believe worlds with all the characters in my head. But unfortunately (or fortunately, whichever way you look at it), I have this 8 to 5, Monday through Friday gig that just keeps getting in the way. So because of that, I've got to find small little slivers of time at night or early in the morning to peck away at the old keyboard. But when I do manage to do it, I feel so accomplished.

Like earlier this week, I had a short story due that I totally forgot about. So whenever I finally got a second to write I did. I ended up writing till about 1:30am every night for three days but I eventually finished it (and by the deadline). Sure I was dead to the world the next day, but who cares right? I was writing, and that's all that mattered. I wonder why I can't do this all the time, but it's just something I have to figure out I guess. Stephen King says write everyday, and I suppose he's right.Then again, I don't get paid to write. I get paid to run events and stuff-- like I should be doing right now!

So, dear readers, I know I'm not the only writer who has to juggle a day job and a writing dream. So I'd like to hear from you guys. How do you manage to find time to write when you've got 40 hours a week already taken up by the other job? Please comment. Would love to hear from you!

5 comments:

Stephen Kozeniewski said...

Good topic, Jonathan! I have an advantage in being able to write at work most days. Not everyone has the luxury, but I've been fortunate to find an office job with lots of down time, so as long as my work is getting done, I can do some writing. It makes taking a promotion or a transfer a bit of a gamble because I never know when I'll end up in a position where there is no down time. But anyway that's my "secret" if you can call it that.

Kimberly G. Giarratano said...

My day job is three kids and hell yeah, they get in the way! Next year at this time, they'll all be in some kind of school. I'm counting down the days.

Jonathan Schramm said...

Um, hell yes. You have the hardest job of all. My wife and I only have to keep track of one tiny terrorist and we're relieved when get to go back to work. Keep on the keepin' on!

Jonathan Schramm said...

Thanks, Steve! I could probably write more at work, but for some reason I am more of a night owl (and being at work seems to suck all creativity out of me...). But still, I could probably fit in an hour or two a day at certain times of the day. May need to try that more. Cheers!

Brenda St John Brown said...

I've had a variety of day jobs over the years, some of which were more conducive to sneaking in writing time than others. But with my last day job that took all of my office hours (and then some), I cut out TV except for a few select shows I hated to miss. My husband unwinds by watching TV so while he was enjoying his police drama du jour, I'd put on some music and noise-cancelling headphones to get some words in.

 
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