Wednesday, October 7, 2020

IWSG: Working Writer

Hello.

Yay for October - Fall is my favorite season. Love the cooling days and warm soil. I just wish I had grass (meaning a lawn) in the back yard. One day . . .

So many things going on in the world its hard to know what one day to the next will bring. Being the ultimate pessimist, I'm not seeing an end to this pandemic. I don't know exactly where the large numbers are coming from, at least not in my area, but it sure is fueling controversy and fear. Should make it easier to write a horror store this month at W E P. 

Is anyone out there forced to work from home? I'd like to work from  home. Would certainly help me do some actual writing - I think. Which brings us to this month's Insecure Writer's Support Group optional question:

October 7 question - When you think of the term working writer, what does that look like to you? What do you think it is supposed to look like? Do you see yourself as a working writer or aspiring or hobbyist, and if latter two, what does that look like?


I'm sorry I missed last's months IWSG post, I really wanted to answer that question, something about the author to meet or emulate. But that also ties into the concept of "what a working writer looks like." Stephen King is the author I choose to be like. I know he put in his time as an aspiring author, and worked a day job while waiting to be discovered. He wrote short stories, published in all kinds of magazines and contests, and eventually was able to quit everything except writing. Awesome.

I consider him brilliantly talented, even though he has written what I consider some epic fail stories and novels. But I like how he just shrugs it off and keeps going. Proving that just because you make it to "working writer" doesn't mean you'll never see a rejection, or bad review. I'm also a character driven writer, and I think I learned that love of ordinary characters in extra-ordinary situations from reading Stephen King novels. There are plenty of other authors who are my idols, but King is the ultimate fan crush.

Personally, I'm a hobby writer. I don't have the s kill or dedication to put in the time and effort of "working writer." But I enjoy writing stories, and its been gratifying to see some of my stories published. Its a hobby though, much like people who joint pool teams, bowling, display quilts at fair's,  You don't have to earn a living at something to enjoy doing it.

Although I'm not blogging much, or writing for publication at this time, I still sit once in a while and work on some of the ideas in my head. I've even finished a few short items, but no editing. Just having fun. One day maybe people will not be allowed outside their homes for travel or shopping. Then my employment will end, and I might take a stab at "aspiring" to be a "working writer" again.

I hope everyone is staying safe and taking care of themselves and their families.

Be sure to thank (by visiting) our IWSG host Alex J Cavanaugh, and his co-hosts Jemima Pett, Beth Camp, Beverly Stowe-McClure, and Gwen Gardner. Check out the IWSG linky for posts, and to sign up if you haven't already.

Oh, P.S: I didn't have any trouble creating a blog post since the Google changes, but I do have issues posting on Word Press blogs. Sorry, still trying to get my Disquis and Word Press ID's to work.

17 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

No, I've been going to my job every single day since this began.
Even with a couple books published that have done fairly well, I don't have the dedication to do it full time. Maybe when I retire I'll feel differently.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I already work at home, so I've been able to work at home through the pandemic. It comes with its own challenges of not having enough human contact sometimes. I write more as a hobby too. Like Alex, I don't have the dedication to do it full-time.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

That's why so many enjoy doing volunteer work even though they make no money doing it.

I don't get the numbers either. I personally know people whom the health dept. claims they have it even though they were never tested! Something fishy going on.

Rachna Chhabria said...

From the past few years I have been a full-time writer, earlier I used to teach creative writing in college, now I write and write and write some more.

Loni Townsend said...

I worked from home for a couple of months, but it tanked my writing because I have kids. At least in the office, I can have some alone time to write. Not so at home...

I hope you stay safe with this pandemic!

Olga Godim said...

Stephen King is a worthy aspiration. You can learn a lot from him.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

We were counted in the Covid count. We were exposed, started exhibiting symptoms so we were told to quarantine for 14 days, which we did. Our 20 something kids showed no signs. Not even stuffy noses. My husband and I had mild symptoms and not to minimize it, but I had a respiratory flu four or five years ago that whipped my butt and left me with a wheeze that I still haven't shaken. We've been taking the vitamin D, zinc, and avoiding NSAIDS. None of it is proven to help, but it has been proven not to do harm.

Lisa said...

You don't sound pessimistic in this post! In fact you made me feel better...

Steph W. said...

I sometimes think working from home is something I am meant to do. Unfortunately, I am a teacher/childcare worker and I cannot seem to convince people to keep their kids at home while they pay me. (Although with virtual schools, others seem to have mastered this talent).

dolorah said...

Alex: writing is what I hope to do with my retirement - if I'm ever able to retire.

Natalie: social distancing in really putting a damper on human contact.

L Diane: I can see myself volunteering just to have something to do, somewhere to go.

Rachna: as long as you enjoy your "job" of writing, thats the thing that counts.

Loni: I'm on the road too much to write. I've thought of using a recorder, but my thoughts get too jumbled, and who wants to listen to their own voice all the time. I get lots of "reading" time through audio books though. I can't imagine trying to write with kids running around all the time.

Thanks Olga :)

Elizabeth: nope, can't prove the precautions are NOT doing their job. In February 2020 I had the worst flu ever in my life, and worked through 3 weeks of the nasty virus because I couldn't take time off. I'm sure I had it then. I know a lot of people who were sick Nov thru February, took forever to get over it, and are not counted in the COVID stats.

Lisa: now that comment just made my day!!!

Steph: lol, be an "online video" daycare worker. Have the parents install video camera's in the house and watch the kids that way. Six year olds ignore everyone even when they are present :) I hear ya' though, some jobs just can't be done with social distancing. Imagine a kid never getting a hug from the care provider!

Diane Burton said...

My daughter & DIL work from home. I'm sure they're both grateful for the ability to keep their income. I wish I'd had that option. Being retired does have its perks. I have the time to write. Lately, life has thrown a wicked curve and creativity dried up. I appreciate your supportive comment on my blog.

Denise Covey said...

Donna, I'm loving working from home and never want to go back to the office, LOL. You're a working writer in that you always have something under consideration. I think it's up to us to know what we consider 'working'. Hmm. Stephen King. He certainly works hard and paid his dues.

I hope you'll join WEP for our October Halloween fest. You're good at creepy.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Donna - well done on keeping working ... the main thing at the moment is deciding the best way to stay positive - just take care ... and I like the idea of you spending some time drafting various pieces and ideas. All the best - Hilary

Ronel Janse van Vuuren said...

Writing should always be fun -- no matter what type of writer you are :-)

Ronel visiting on IWSG day Revamp Your Backlist

Yolanda Renée said...

I'm still trying to find that commitment to making the writing pay. There's a formula, I'm told. I've never liked formula's but who knows maybe I'll cave one day just to see if it's true.
Keep writing no matter what. Who knows anything is possible. We miss you over at the WEP!

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