| Author |
Message |
    
D.R. Bennett
Wandering Member
Post Number:
268
Registered: 05-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, April 04, 2005 - 06:23 pm: |   |
This may seem like an odd question,
but have you ever put off bills or sacrificed something you wanted
just to write? To follow your dream?
It's well known that many great writers lived in poverty,
and their books were not noticed until after they died.
I don't want to follow that route.~
~ D.R. Bennett - The "Mystic" Writer |
D.R. Bennett
Wandering Member
Post Number:
271
Registered: 05-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 05, 2005 - 01:32 pm: | |
I believe that we can have the best of both worlds.
We can have all the nice little things we need
and still be able to write until our hearts are content.~
http://www.literaryagent.2ya.com
~ D.R. Bennett - The "Mystic" Writer |
LaurieAnne
Unity Member
Post Number:
1879
Registered: 12-2001
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 05, 2005 - 02:38 pm: | |
I have too many people who rely on me for their basic needs. I don't have the option of putting off anything for writing.
LA
OPEN SUBMISSIONS: Random Acts of Kindness
Available now:
THE BUTTERFLY GAME, Gloria Davidson Marlow ISBN 0-9722385-4-9 |
Laurel Johnson
Unity Member
Post Number:
3835
Registered: 01-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 05, 2005 - 02:56 pm: | |
No. I would never put off paying bills for any reason. Bills come first. Keeping a roof over my head and food in the cupboard takes the highest priority. The only thing I sacrificed for writing is time, energy, and sometimes my self respect when things don't go as I hoped they would writing wise.
Laurel Johnson
Author: The Grass Dance
The Alley of Wishes
Color of Laughter, Color of Tears
|
D.R. Bennett
Wandering Member
Post Number:
273
Registered: 05-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 05, 2005 - 03:03 pm: | |
Hmmm...
I am noticing how busy our lives can be. I find that I have to "make" the time to write. Of course, a roof, bills, and family come first. But does the dust ever settle long enough to actually relax and enjoy a few minutes alone in contemplation?
I find that if I "choose" to set some time apart from my work,
I can actually write, or do whatever I want.
It comes down to allowing yourself that private time,
and setting boundaries.~
http://www.drbennett.2ya.com
~ Experiencing Power By Trusting The Source ~ |
Todd Hunter
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
2356
Registered: 02-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 05, 2005 - 03:07 pm: | |
Ditto for me...being the only breadwinner in the home, I don't have the luxury of putting things off for my writing. Other than, as Laurel mentioned, time, energy, and self-respect.
Mindsight Moderator
Check out Who Needs a Hero?
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Kevin Yarbrough
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
626
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 05, 2005 - 03:15 pm: | |
Do small animals count?
Kevin- Literary Pseudocriminal |
Mike Manno
Awareness Member
Post Number:
35
Registered: 11-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 05, 2005 - 03:41 pm: | |
Most authors I know still have day jobs they can't afford to quit. I fit into that category. What I do give up to write is my free time. There are a lot of times I'd like to go to a ballgame, watch tv, or just goof around -- but I don't, I end up in front of the computer trying my best to tell a story.
Mike |
Pacwriter
Unity Member
Post Number:
1927
Registered: 04-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 05, 2005 - 03:42 pm: | |
YES - I choose to work part-time for a small salary in comparison to full-time in my profession. The income difference is $40 K plus. I have had offers, and those offers are tempting (except the stress magnifies as does the responsibilities). My Clergy friends tell me I'm nuts, I am so to speak, at the top of my game. I have the experience, the credentials and the above average ability.
My wife works full time and we pay our bills. BUT, there is nothing going to retirement nor are the luxuries.
She believes I have the talent and will to make writing a livelihood. Maybe not rich but adequate. Better to be doing what you love rather than just earning a living. I do love being a pastor and I love writing, so I have the best of both.
The problem with being a full-time pastor is 24/7/365 - there is no escape, forget vacations and forget time to write. By the time you write three sermons a week, get them into Oratory mode, visit the people in hospitals & nursing homes, vist new members attend all the meetings - there just ain't time nor energy to write. It took me 20 years to write my first novel.
Hamburger instead of steak but who complains?
Each of us sacrifices something in order to write. I feel bad sometimes that my output is not what it should be for the amount of time available.
http://www.perrycomer.com
|
Trina Green
Wandering Member
Post Number:
195
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 05, 2005 - 03:44 pm: | |
I retired, then quit my second job but I do at least have a pension for support. I figure if I'm serious I need to write every chance I get. I've seen a lot of improvement in my latest manuscripts. There's always a chance that I won't make it into the writer mainstream but I'm going to remain positive. It's crucial that one remains positive! That's half the battle to success. |
Gloria Marlow
Unity Member
Post Number:
1462
Registered: 04-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 05, 2005 - 10:00 pm: | |
I stay home now. But I didn't sacrifice my job/pay for time to write. I sacrificed it for my kids and husband, because I'm not capable of working and being a good mother/wife. I figure getting to write and work on the business side of my writing is just my reward for doing without anything and everything extra.
Gloria
The Butterfly Game
Flowers for Megan
Shades of Silence (coming soon)
|
D.R. Bennett
Wandering Member
Post Number:
274
Registered: 05-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 05, 2005 - 11:45 pm: | |
It's so interesting to see the different outlooks on this subject.
I believe that with even a slight shift in the way we think,
we can do whatever we set to accomplish. Whatever limitations we seem
to face, we have allowed it. We can not be victims of circumstance.
So, who is it up to?
http://www.drbennett.2ya.com
~ Experiencing Power By Trusting The Source ~ |
Angels Never Die
Awareness Member
Post Number:
2
Registered: 03-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, April 11, 2005 - 07:43 am: | |
i think that paying the bills comes first. that's not to say that writing isn't more important. although, i can think of many examples of artists who chose art over practicalities. Artaud for example, so obsessed by his work that he spent a large part of his life homeless. therefore you can't say that paying the bills comes first, all i can say is that FOR ME paying the bills comes first (at this point).
-angels never die |
Steven Shrewsbury
Unity Member
Post Number:
1245
Registered: 04-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, April 17, 2005 - 03:31 pm: | |
We all give of ourselves to do this so we can share a bit of ourselves.
www.stevenshrewsbury.com
GODFORSAKEN
Behler Publications |
Benjamin Ford
Awareness Member
Post Number:
2
Registered: 04-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 - 04:58 pm: | |
Paying off essential bills is fairly important I would think, however, I recently came into some money (not a fortune, but enough for me to self publish my first two novels) and I decided to put it to good use towards my writing rather than paying off credit card bills... those will be with me until I win the lottery!
On the subject of writing, there have been times when I have been so ensconced in the cocoon of writing that I have ignored the pleas of my friends to 'get out more'... my usual answer being, 'not until I have finished this book.'
One has to have priorities, after all, and mine at the moment is getting book number one MASTER OF THE SCROLLS out there amongst the masses, putting the finishing touches to book number two PORTRAIT OF SHADE, and getting on with THE MASTER OF PROPHECY, the sequel to MASTER OF THE SCROLLS - which the very same friends who beg me to go out with them are clamouring for me to finish!
www.benjaminford.co.uk |
Pacwriter
Unity Member
Post Number:
1937
Registered: 04-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 - 07:35 pm: | |
sounds interesting Benjamin;
Quotable: Writing is a solitary occupation. Family, friends and society are the natural enemies of the writer. He must be alone, uninterrupted, and slightly savage if he is to sustain and complete an undertaking. Jessamyn West
http://www.perrycomer.com
|
D.R. Bennett
Wandering Member
Post Number:
296
Registered: 05-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 23, 2005 - 12:29 pm: | |
I like that quote.
I have cut my bills down to the basic essentials: food, rent, electric & phone.
Living quite simply but still have the basic luxuries that many people take for granted. And there are ALWAYS things that can be cut back.~
Many people are so used to the things they have, they don't want to "give up" anything for their true passion. This is why some of the best writers throughout history have been known to live such stricken lives-- they sacrificed.~
http://www.drbennett.2ya.com
~ You were born Enlightened ~ |
Steven Shrewsbury
Unity Member
Post Number:
1248
Registered: 04-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 23, 2005 - 01:21 pm: | |
It is a balancing act.
www.stevenshrewsbury.com
GODFORSAKEN
Behler Publications |
cora morace
Wandering Member
Post Number:
112
Registered: 11-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 23, 2005 - 08:29 pm: | |
Shrews is so right. Cut off from society a writer risks losing perspective, but being too involved with retaining friendships and a place in the community (local or artistic) takes away from the time and energy needed to produce your work. It is finding that balance that works best for me. I find some people inspirational as well and do my best writing when I am visited by those I love oft times. Seems like certain individuals energize me, while others are distracting....anyone else find this true?
CJ |
D.R. Bennett
Wandering Member
Post Number:
298
Registered: 05-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, April 24, 2005 - 05:39 pm: | |
Yes. Some people act as energy drainers, while others are out-putters of positive energy!
I want to be an out-putter!
http://www.spirithelp.2ya.com
~ You were born Enlightened ~ |
Fred Dungan
Unity Member
Post Number:
1039
Registered: 10-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, April 24, 2005 - 06:46 pm: | |
Most are inert.
http://www.fdungan.com/alex.htm |
LaurieAnne
Unity Member
Post Number:
1892
Registered: 12-2001
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, April 24, 2005 - 06:48 pm: | |
There is a very fine balancing act to be made between writing and living. Along with the balancing act, there are choices. I love creativity and imagination, but I live for my children. I would love to be able to choose art over practicality. But not at my childrens' expense.
In regards to sacrificing comforts, I would gladly disconnect my televisions as well as giving up other creature comforts--but there are six other persons in this house who have vetoed that bill.
Just my humble opinion.
LaurieAnne
OPEN SUBMISSIONS: Random Acts of Kindness
Available now:
THE BUTTERFLY GAME, Gloria Davidson Marlow ISBN 0-9722385-4-9 |
Steven Shrewsbury
Unity Member
Post Number:
1255
Registered: 04-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 10:18 am: | |
Yeah, life is a struggle. Even if I were doing something else, I would find a way to try to over complicate that...so, hey, I am not one of these dues who gets to think their ART is a cross to bear. I run into folks like that.
At the WORLD HORROR CON a buddy had 2 uppity writers trash him because he DARED say he wanted to make $$ writing. He was chastized for sacrificing ART for cash.
I told them to bite ME. Even Bill Shakespeare needed cash.
www.stevenshrewsbury.com
GODFORSAKEN
Behler Publications |
cora morace
Wandering Member
Post Number:
122
Registered: 11-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 03:29 pm: | |
Hey Steven....Good to see you here, helped to relieve some of the guilt I was feeling for being so uninspired as to hang out on the boards instead of writing on my first Saturday chance to do so in a long time! God, I hate these slumps where I can't seem to get it together for two paragraphs or less.
On this theme. I wish I had the money so I could write. Enough to be comfortable and travel enough to research and write. I don't need riches but I do wish that I could have the time and freedom of ample income....just enough to get me by and let me write....what a dream!
Well, here I am wishing for time and not using this rare Saturday off....enough - I'm going back to that manuscript and make it work!
HAPPY SATURDAY ALL!
Cj
Thought for today:The Early Bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese! |
Todd Hunter
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
2424
Registered: 02-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 03:33 pm: | |
ART doesn't pay the bills, I'm afraid...
Mindsight Moderator
Check out Who Needs a Hero?
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Harry Simenon
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
646
Registered: 10-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 05:10 pm: | |
I’m not writing for the money. Not that I object of course. For me it is the art. Luckily I don’t need to earn my money writing, I would be hungry.
 |
Harry Simenon
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
647
Registered: 10-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 05:14 pm: | |
Starving. Living in a cardboard box. Polishing shoes, and running around with fat businessmen in my Ricksha. |
Harry Simenon
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
648
Registered: 10-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 05:17 pm: | |
Staring hollow eyes in a broken mirror. |
Harry Simenon
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
649
Registered: 10-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 05:19 pm: | |
Fighting with the dogs for a bone. In the cold rain. |
Harry Simenon
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
650
Registered: 10-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 05:20 pm: | |
Scurvy... |
Fred Dungan
Unity Member
Post Number:
1052
Registered: 10-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 01:10 am: | |
And, worst of all, no Heineken.
http://www.fdungan.com/vigilantes.htm |
Steven Shrewsbury
Unity Member
Post Number:
1259
Registered: 04-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 08:13 am: | |
Inspiration comes from different places, but that would be another thread. 
I like Fred's idea, beer.
www.stevenshrewsbury.com
GODFORSAKEN
Behler Publications |
Bill Nelson
Unity Member
Post Number:
1130
Registered: 10-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 08:58 am: | |
Another problem is we only have two ears to cut off, then what?
Bill Nelson
RISEN, ISBN 1-93301616-4
Behler Publications |
Tom Elkins
Hunger Member
Post Number:
84
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 09:09 am: | |
Cut off two ears and you can't see....because you have nowhere to anchor your glasses.
te
Tom Elkins
NORTH of TEXAS |
Harry Simenon
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
651
Registered: 10-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 - 10:10 am: | |
That's why they invented bubble gum Tom. |
Todd Hunter
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
2441
Registered: 02-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 - 03:47 pm: | |
Double-sided tape also works well, especially when you have hair like Harry... :-)
Mindsight Moderator
Check out Who Needs a Hero?
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Harry Simenon
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
652
Registered: 10-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 03:25 pm: | |
whish I really had such hair!  |
Todd Hunter
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
2445
Registered: 02-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 04:04 pm: | |
With some scissors and super glue, you could...
Mindsight Moderator
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Bill Nelson
Unity Member
Post Number:
1135
Registered: 10-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 04:29 pm: | |
We're tough in Texas. We staple them.
Bill Nelson
RISEN, ISBN 1-93301616-4
Behler Publications |
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