Hi Meg: I met you at the SCBWI summer conference in Los Angeles. It feels so long ago. What you said about how you did all sorts of jobs because you never thought you could make a living as a writer hit home for me. Me too! I have been a writer my entire life but not really "made a living as a published author" - might you share how you "did it" and suggest steps? Thanks.

Meg Medina Hi Paolina! It's such a challenge to generate enough income when we are early in our writing careers. There's a long spread of time between advances, and we might not have a backlist of titles that can help tide us over, either. First there is no shame in having other jobs while we are building our career. My suggestion for moving toward full-time writer status is to start to align your efforts around your expertise and interests in writing. Consider speaking engagements at schools, conferences, etc. (These won't be very highly paid in the beginning either, but they will help spread the word among your state librarians groups, etc.) There are work-for-hire pieces you can do, either for local newspapers as a freelancers or for publishers, such as Capstone (check it out here: https://www.capstonepub.com/contact/s...) . What you are trying to do is create a portfolio of experiences that help you improve your writing craft and public speaking skills, and that get your name out in the writing community. I'd also consider joining writing organizations, so that you're in the loop of conference opportunities where you can further network and hear about other opportunities. Here in Richmond, VA, it's James River Writers. Nationally, many folks follow PEN or SCBWI, as well.

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