Who writes full-time?

[Benjamin Sobieck]

Who on Crimespace writes full-time? I'm very part-time, and consider myself lucky to have a complete product to send to agents/editors.

It seems most work a full-time job outside their novel ambitions. I'm one of them, although I work in magazine/book publishing (not related to crime fiction).

So who on Crimespace is blessed enough to write full-time?

[I. J. Parker]

I write full-time. But let me say again that that doesn't improve productivity. I know that for a fact because I used to have a full-time job, and I don't seem to get much more done now. This is, however, less stressful.

[B.R.Stateham]

Writers who make a living off nothing but writing their novels are damn rare to find. Yes, I suspect that are. . . . maybe . . . four or five in Crimespace who might be doing this. I would be surprised if the number was four, however. And near heart-attack levels if the number exceeded four.

There are a lot of professional writers out there. . . but that is all the various kinds of writing they do to earn a buck. Full-time (sucessful and money-making) authors are hard to find.

[I. J. Parker]

Umm. I didn't say I made a living off my writing. :)

[Benjamin Sobieck]

I would gladly accept either of those scenarios.

[Donna Carrick]

I'll join that group!

[Toni L.P. Kelner]

I write full-time, but I don't make a living at it. When I did have a day job, I was a technical writer, but then children appeared on the horizon and something had to give. And I don't miss the tech writing much at all!

[Dana King]

I used to be a stay at home dad, so I can testify you don't write full time. You're writing around your day gig, which is what most of us do. It's just that your day gig is "mother."

[Donna Carrick]

Hi, Thomas. I think most "Full-Time" writers, judging by the interviews they give, write at most 2 or three hours daily. When I was pushing against deadlines, I was able to produce 10-20 pages in about 4-6 hours, but editing was a devil! I'd rather move more slowly, working 2-4 hours on Sat and Sunday.

Thanks to the day job, I don't write during the week, just network and edit.

I'd far rather write during the mornings from Monday to Friday, and have my weekends off!

[John McFetridge]

I make my living as a writer, but this is the first year I've been able to say that and it's also the year I turn fifty, so I feel it's been a long time coming.

And, most of my income comes from writing for TV, which isn't as difficult or as fulfilling as writing novels. Go figure.

[Donna Carrick]

Congrats, John! You are my inspiration!

[Donna Carrick]

In my dreams, Benjamin, I'm a full time writer.... HAHAHAHA! (NOT) Like you, I also work in publishing, but again, not related in any way to fiction, and I'm not a writer for the B2B mags. So for me, writing is a Part-Time expdition, but a full-time passion.

I dream of the day when I can do this full-time. It's all I've ever wanted as an occupation. (I have everything else my heart desires -- a decent home, a loving husband and children, good friends, and touch wood, pretty good health.) My one remaming goal in life is to become respected in this field. I have no delusions of grandeur, no aspiriations to wealth and fame. But to be accepted amongst my peers, especially in a group like this, and to write every day and make a meagre living at it would answer my one remaining life-ambition.

[EDWARD C MORGAN]

Benjamin,

Currently, I work for a newspaper.

However, for two years in my 20s I wrote full-time from home, making more money than I've ever made. A lot of it was PR work and other business type writing, but it paid well.

Frustrated with my career, I am considering a move back in that direction.

I can say with full pride that I've published, I think, six pieces of short fiction, and made $10. :-)