Dreams of Becoming a Full Time Writer

I dream about becoming a full-time writer. I would write, write, write and work a part-time job for income. I want to publish, I want to make writing my life's work. I would love to teach writing workshops.

If someone wants to go into computer science, or become a doctor we don’t question if they are going to make it in their field. We question the people that go into the arts. The ones that want to be a painter, a dancer, a writer. We ask them, what are the odds you are going to make it? How are you going to make any money?

I’ve been reading this wonderful book called, The Right to Write by Julia Cameron. She believes that if you really want something and you are willing to do the work then the odds are in your favor, not against you. If you write often, and continue to hone your craft, then you will get published. For that matter, why not self-publish? Julia self-published The Artists Way and that made it big.

She suggested writing two letters. One letter is from your inner writer to your practical self, the other letter is from your practical self to your inner writer. I highly recommend this exercise if you are like me, struggling with the desire to become a full-time writer.  This could be great to do anytime you are struggling between different options in your life. You will be surprised what comes out of you, and the clarity you can find if you just write it out.

Dear Practical Self,

Listen up, Chica. You are a good writer! You do inspire people. You are really on to something with the blog thing, with helping others, with your stories.

I want you to finish the stories, publish them, even self-publish. Just keep it up!

You are good enough, you can do this, this is your life. Take a f’n chance why don’t you! Reach for what you want. Make it happen! If you don’t who will?
...............................................................

Dear Writer,

I know you’re excited, but I’m scared. What about money, what about paying the bills? Doesn’t writing make so little and take so long to get it when you do get published? Why don’t we comprise here? We can write as much as we can, and have fun with it. But keep our day jobs a while, ok?

Bone up on the craft, Shorty. And yes keep writing toward your dreams, the road is paved in ink and sweat.

But we both see the destination, were making this our life, a priority, making it our goal here and now.

Lets do it!

What did this do? While I was writing my desire to follow my dreams started pouring out of me, and I now feel it very strongly. My writer self is upset that I duck-taped her mouth shut. Now that I let her have a say, she is yelling,"Do it! Go for it! C’mon!" I am thinking about it now, a lot. I am wondering if I could work less, write more. If I could declare myself to the world that I AM a writer and I am making this my life! 

I passed a church on my walk this morning and came across a large wooden cross that was covered in flowers. It spoke to me. Passion can be painful, but it can also lead us to incredible beauty, love and even joy. Don't duck-tape your dreamer's mouth shut. Let them speak. And listen.

See Also:

The Secret to Success: Quiting By Kristen Lamb
" It takes guts to be any kind of creative professional. Hire yourself to the job you dream about. TODAY."
http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2012/04/16/the-secret-to-success-quitting/#comment-28968