Ask Jerry
Balancing Life and Writing
Asked by Skyler Meany on February 27, 2020
I'm in a weird limbo with my writing and life balance. I'm working on the third draft of my fantasy novel (part of a series). I worked jobs that got me what I needed to get by, but such things drain both my time and enthusiasm. Do you have any advice for a compromise to get me by while I publish my first works? I've looked into being an editor for small publishing houses, among other jobs that involve creativity, but options are limited where I live. If I'm unable to find a job worthy of my degrees or talent, do you have any advice for retaining a writer's enthusiasm while dealing with the mundane?
Jerry's Answer
Skyler, I've been where you are, and it comes down to how badly you want to do this. Frankly, I think it's good that your necessary work is not creative, so you can reserve your passion for your writing. It takes compartmentalization, of course. You need to set aside an appropriate portion of your time for writing, and then be sure to redeem that time.
When I was working full time and raising a family, I could write only between 9 and midnight every night, and I'm a morning person. But I wanted it badly enough to persevere until I was able to go fulltime freelance. I sense that's your goal. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts. :)