Authors Anonymous discussion

Most writers wants to quit their day job to write. But do you think that is a desirable goal?

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Have fun.
Gamal

Desirable if usually unachievable.

I've been fortunate enough to take some time off to write. Now I'm not so sure I ever want it to end. But I suppose all good things come to an end, because I agree, it's rarely achievable.

I'm too psychotic to be hired for a day job.

Colleagues, I think we need to separate fiction from non-fiction in this discussion. For many nonfiction writers, writing is an outgrowth of their day job, so the two are inextricably intertwined. They can quite neither since they feed on each other. In that case, no quitting the day job is not desirable.

The historian who writes nonfiction may find that their day job inhibits their ability to do the research they need to write with authority on their subjects. In that case, quitting the day job may be a prerequisite for writing.

Fiction is a different situation. Yes, quitting is a desirable goal. Marketing a book can be a full-time job in itself. No, quitting is not generally attainable, but the impossibility of the task does not mean that the attempt should not be made.

"The impossibility of the task does not mean that the attempt should not be made."

Well said, Robert.