Cutting Time

It always chaps me a little bit when writers say that being published is hard because there's no "job security".

If you haven't heard this lament, it goes like this: "Being a published writer is not all it's cracked up to be. I could lose my contract at any time. I'd be out of work just like that!"

Wanna know something? It's layoff time at my day job. We lost a slew last year at this time, and this year it's going to be worse. There are going to be a whole lot of gobsmacked people being escorted to the door. Just like that. Folks, job security is a myth. For everyone.

I'm not a full-time writer. My day job pays the bills and keeps me in RWA memberships. In return, I give them most of my time, and my writing suffers. It's a trade-off. Being a full-time writer is a trade-off, too: Lots of writing time, no biweekly check. But neither one of us has job security, and we really shouldn't be thinking the grass is greener as we look over the fence at each other.

If you lose your contract, go do something else; unless you're seriously helpless for whatever reason, you have options. Copywriting? Teaching? Tutoring? Mowing lawns? Come up with something - be creative. We're supposed to be creative folks. Don't get hung up. Whatever it is, it won't be permanent, either. It's only until you get the next book in the publishing pipeline. Think about it. You published a book, which most people never accomplish in their lifetime because it takes grit, determination, discipline, and talent. The world is your oyster.

And if you lose your job, just know you're not alone. We're all in the same boat, and we just keep rowing.

Abby