I think that is a very mature approach to things. Not saying you aren't a good writer--you are--but really evaluating if you can put the time and energy in to be a professional is a hard thing.
I have too many people on my LJ list that are like, "I'll make a living off of writing!" simply because it's fun and don't realize just how much work goes into it. And I put a shit ton of work into college and probably couldn't do it. Mostly because I hate the idea of an editor disliking my premise for stories or them not being marketable (they aren't, but that's half of why I write them).
I think there's not shame in being a hobby writer (I am) and having a "day job" so to speak. I think it's a lot more realistic. It doesn't mean you can't get SOME income off of writing, though. I notice you RP a lot--have you ever looked into writing scenarios for that? I know someone that has gotten things added to manuals and the like.
I'm kind of in the "well what now?" phase too, even if I got The Degree I still haven't a clue about the future beyond "ask work how much they can pay you, move out".
Anything you choose to do in life will be hard, but it's deciding what sort of hard you can tolerate that makes it worth it. Even if I adore history and writing and probably would make a bang-up professor in those things I decided not to because I can't tolerate the politics of such work, how subjective it is, and basically prefer something more performance based.
I assure you, there are things out there where you can be creative that aren't terrible. Evaluate what you have now before seeking further. If you need to take a class, see if a community college has it first (as they are cheaper and great for just trying something out).
And remember, just because you aren't a FULL time writer doesn't mean you have to give up if you want at least ONE thing published. There are lots of cases of people that spend years on a novel that does eventually get published. Go at your own pace with that in the meantime, just make sure you've found some way to stay fed. XD
If you ever need anyone to talk to, I'm here, and I know a couple people that switched life goals later in life (and one of them has a kid too) if you ever want perspective on that.
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Date: 2010-01-03 02:59 pm (UTC)From:I have too many people on my LJ list that are like, "I'll make a living off of writing!" simply because it's fun and don't realize just how much work goes into it. And I put a shit ton of work into college and probably couldn't do it. Mostly because I hate the idea of an editor disliking my premise for stories or them not being marketable (they aren't, but that's half of why I write them).
I think there's not shame in being a hobby writer (I am) and having a "day job" so to speak. I think it's a lot more realistic. It doesn't mean you can't get SOME income off of writing, though. I notice you RP a lot--have you ever looked into writing scenarios for that? I know someone that has gotten things added to manuals and the like.
I'm kind of in the "well what now?" phase too, even if I got The Degree I still haven't a clue about the future beyond "ask work how much they can pay you, move out".
Anything you choose to do in life will be hard, but it's deciding what sort of hard you can tolerate that makes it worth it. Even if I adore history and writing and probably would make a bang-up professor in those things I decided not to because I can't tolerate the politics of such work, how subjective it is, and basically prefer something more performance based.
I assure you, there are things out there where you can be creative that aren't terrible. Evaluate what you have now before seeking further. If you need to take a class, see if a community college has it first (as they are cheaper and great for just trying something out).
And remember, just because you aren't a FULL time writer doesn't mean you have to give up if you want at least ONE thing published. There are lots of cases of people that spend years on a novel that does eventually get published. Go at your own pace with that in the meantime, just make sure you've found some way to stay fed. XD
If you ever need anyone to talk to, I'm here, and I know a couple people that switched life goals later in life (and one of them has a kid too) if you ever want perspective on that.
It'll be ok.