The Return to Independence

My mother and father are both self-employed. My dad is a lawyer and my mother is a physical therapist. Both own their businesses. Growing up, this was all I knew. And I am incredibly grateful for it. Seeing the flexibility and independence in their lives due to the flexibility and independence in their careers was—and is—so moving to me. Being your own boss is something I wish on every single person in the world, even though I know it doesn't work that way.

Being an author—especially a self-published one—is one of those independent careers. I didn't choose writing because of its attractive work schedule (even though it is), but because I love doing it. I don't work on deadlines. I don't have a publisher breathing down my neck (though I fantasize how that would feel). Instead, I listen to my own inner voice. If I don't want to write, I don't. If tomorrow a big boy publisher 'discovered' me and signed me up with a one year deadline, I think I'd faint. Not because of the flattery of being noticed, but because of suddenly having a 'boss'.

I don't know who reads my blog—could be all sorts. You could be an eleven year old who's silently grinding her teeth, waiting for me to stop talking about this and start finishing my third book. You could be a grandmother … doing the same as the eleven year old, though more politely. Or, you may be a shop owner. A cook. A knitter. A potter. A musican. Or fellow writer. Maybe you don't have a creative gene to your name. Maybe you work for Walmart, or processing plants. The possibilities are endless.

But no matter where you come from or what you do for a living, you've probably heard or know from experience, THE ARTS DON'T MAKE YOU MONEY! You want to be a Broadway star? An actress? You want to, dare I say it, paint for a living?

I know this is what every adult thought when I told them I wanted to be a writer. They would grin in a joking way and say, "But what are you really going to study in college?"

I understand their fear and concerns. Believe me, I understand. Trying to start any business is very difficult and very shaky. The Unicorn Girl has been in print for three years, and I am NOW seeing a dramatic increase in sales. Somehow, the book is starting to circulate. I know that it may take me five, ten, possible twenty years before I am actually making a living. But I don't care (note: my ego has thankfully left the house during this post). I know I'll get there eventually because the people who read my work, really like it.

If the work is good, it will speak for itself.

But what I didn't really know is that there is a churning sea of people just like me (not all writers, mind) but people who desperately want to do what they LOVE for a living. But sadly, many of the things that they love rest on the same shaky foundation of starting that dream bakery.

ETSY TO THE RESCUE!!!!

Etsy is a website that's sole purpose is to return shoppers to makers. It promotes people just like me who make and create and dream with their own hands. It is a website that is dazzling in its intricacy. Beautiful in its simplicity. This is where artists, photographers, weavers, collectors, potters, woodworkers, and so many others join hands around the world and connect with shoppers. But this is so much more than just a website selling really cool, unique, handmade items. This is a community.

Check out this fantastic video that details what Etsy is all about.

I hadn't heard of Etsy until late last month and I am very happy to be a part of their movement. Both my novels are for sale there and so is my photography. I should admit that I've put my photography on the back burner. It's hard enough to promote one career—I couldn't fathom doing two! But on Etsy, now—finally now—my photography has its rightful spot on the web.

Thank you Etsy! Thank you for being everything that you are.

Visit my shop on Etsy and while you're at it, have fun loosing yourself in the beautiful, AMAZING items listed there.

Promote Local! Promote Handmade! Promote Independence!