Well, following on from last Sunday’s post, I am officially an employee once more. I can no longer say I have given up the 9-5 to write, as such, because here I am going back to something similar. Perhaps fewer hours per week, but the principle remains the same – it is the end of my writing life in its current form, at least for a while.
Since I gave up work I’ve studied creative writing, written a complete novel, drafted another and am bashing out a third; I run a small but successful writing group; I have performed my poetry to the public. So those are successes and show that I have made something positive of my time off. In non-writing terms, I have become heavily involved in a local charity which is something I would never have done if I was still in my old role – this is also something that brings me a great deal of satisfaction and a sense of being part of my community.
So what changed from the start of my journey? Well, I didn’t enjoy writing short stories so my original idea of sending them off regularly got pushed aside to make way for novels; that ended my plan of earning regularly through writing which has led me to where I am now! I haven’t found an agent willing to take on my slightly contentious story and have not yet reached the point where I want to pursue self-publishing.
In my more confident moments I think I can carry on as I am, much as I suggested last week. My desire to write hasn’t ended, it’s just how I use my time (and the amount of time I have) that’s shifted.
It’s another new beginning which is exciting in its own right – and after this one there will be another in November when I get married. In fact, life is full of them.
The reality is I’ll probably do less writing than I hope, but more than I did before my break – and that will be enough for now. When I get into the swing of work again I can assess everything and see what I can manage.
I can’t feel too bad even if the writing life has changed – I wouldn’t give up these four years for anything, nor the joy I have found in them. What matters most now is that I remember I’m a writer, and keep getting those words on paper.
Happy writing,
EJ
🙂
I wish you the best in all your new beginnings. You’ll always be a writer. 😉 It doesn’t go away.
Thank you 🙂
You’re right – I just have to make sure I find time to prove I’m a writer by actually writing something!!