A to Z April: "C" is for Career

I think we all make choices in our lives. Some people choose to get university degrees, have established careers, raise families, have a nice house, and write small pieces of work when they can. Some people choose to live on red beans and rice and travel to different countries. Some people choose to live their childhood dreams and put it first. Some people just want to watch reality TV or play video games.

I decided to put writing first. It wasn't an easy decision and I don't recommend it for most people. Yes, I am lucky that I have a partner who can afford the mortgage.  I also work part-time to help with giving us wiggle room in the budget (I do software testing, development support, copy editing, and writing for an educational company). I've picked up any freelance work that I could find (I'm back working with Merge Magazine this year).

Late 2009, I made the most terrifying decision of my life: I decided to write full time. I gave my job 2 months notice and left Jan 31, 2010. It's been just over a year later. In that period, I've sold a novella, three short stories, a novel, and have edited and submitted another novel. I've written a children's historical fantasy, several short stories, a novella, and two non-fiction projects which are all at various stages of editing. Oh, and I've started three other books, one has a full draft finished.

So, I'm not joking when I say this is my career. I work hard. And, even more annoying, all that work doesn't result in instant income. This career isn't for everyone. I would say it isn't for most people.

But it's for me.