The "Pros" of Making Writing a Profession

Life has been crazy so today I'm revisiting a post from my personal blog jenniferarcher.net that I wrote years ago. I hope you enjoy it!


THE "PROS" OF MAKING WRITING A PROFESSION

Ditching the "real" job to write full-time is the dream for most writers, yes? It was my dream and it finally came true several years ago. Following are what I've found to be a few of the high-points of that decision--the "pros" as opposed to the "cons."

1. I can work in my pj's, or my underwear, or even stark naked if I'm so inclined, although I've never taken advantage of that particular privilege since I'm cold-natured.

2. I make my own hours. I don't have to get up with the sun. I can work 14 hours on Monday and 2 hours on Tuesday. No time clock to punch or boss looking over my shoulder.

3. I'm paid for making up stories (well...most of the time). What could be more awesome than that? I get to lie for a living, look out the window and dream while sitting at my desk, talk to myself and to imaginary people. (All these things would probably get me into trouble in most any other profession. I might even earn a trip to a room with no windows while wearing a straight jacket).
 
4. I meet a lot of interesting characters. Some of them are real, some of 'em aren't.

5. Sometimes I'm fortunate to receive a glowing review of my work or readers say flattering things about my writing. Once a woman at my booksigning told me she had stayed up until three in the morning reading my novel ONCE UPON A DREAM and that it made her laugh. She said, "What a wonderful talent you possess." Talk about an ego rush. Another woman at a different signing told me my novel THE ME I USED TO BE touched her, and that she was so overcome with emotion at the ending that she had to explain to the girl doing her pedicure why she was crying.

6. I've met many, many other writers and a few of them have become my best friends.
 
7. I don't have to drive during rush hour...on icy roads...wear makeup or dressy clothes.

8. On occasion I have a book signing in an exotic location. (Okay, I've only had two that qualify, but still . . . ) The first one took place in Toronto. (See the first photo). I'm the one with my head down, and yes, when you live in Texas, Canada is considered an exotic location. The second took place in Hawaii. (See second photo).

9. Once I received flowers from my publisher. (And once...Champagne!)

Stay tuned for the flip-side of this coin--The Cons Of Making Fiction-Writing A Profession...coming soon to this blog.
 
Happy reading!