This is the perfect piece for me right now because I was asking myself that very question last night, after an agent's disappointing rejection of a full. Like you, I feel like I've tried many other creative outlets and this is the one that stuck. So for now, I'll endure the pain of rejection, and carry on with it.
I've only recently begun writing formally on Substack but still hold an office gig to pay bills. If the writing becomes something that I can live on, I'd be ecstatic.
I always wrote, to some degree, mostly expansive email responses to friends. Ideas and thoughts always tumbled out of me and some people suggested I start a podcast to share them, likely because they were tired of hearing me vent in conversation or seeing them over email. I'm not confident enough about my own speaking voice or ability to hold people's attention speaking off the cuff, so the podcast idea is on a back burner. I'm only barely more confident to write it down and so I do.
Writing has become my outlet for the many things I think and feel. Without it, I have no other way to share because it's impossible to speak it all to anyone in person. Even if no one reads it, getting it out in a composition is cathartic and sustains me.
I'd do more photography. But the problem is I'd still want to write about and share my thoughts about the places we've been. I wonder if I could completely quit. It's an interesting question.
I would be a lawyer. I chose to start a newspaper over going to law school. I regret that every day. And not. I’ve spent my life avoiding being a writer,, but not being able to escape it.
Jul 12, 2023·edited Jul 13, 2023Liked by Ramona Grigg
As usual, I'm overthinking. Is the question predicated on making money with the pursuit? Does it assume I'm making money now, with writing (other than a handful of paid subscriptions, nope!).
When Understandably's Bill Murphy asked the question of how his readers would spend a year, if money were no object, I swayed down a similar path. That one was a little less fraught with indecision, because it theoretically eliminated both the financial and aptitude components. I came up with ideas like going back to school for a degree in social work (that's my Brene Brown brain talking), or psychology, or neuroscience. I'd enjoy going deep into less formally academic explorations, like eating and cooking with figs from all around the world.
On the more traditionally creative front, I'd probably try my hand(s) at learning guitar again. I love the idea of taking up pottery. I might more seriously consider publishing--a collection of essays or a children's book. I've always wondered if I would enjoy glass blowing.
The sad truth is that I've not figured out how to live without an income, so I addle every egg before it hatches assuming I would never be good enough, or get there soon enough, to afford to take the risk. Ugh!
I'm an artist first and the writing is a way for me to make money from my creative output while leaving the art as my passion project. I'm always making something.
I think for me writing is only starting to be something I am doing or actually am rediscovering my love for. I don’t feel very good at it yet, I have other things (painting/drawing) that are my go to creative outlets. But I am hoping that writing will stick:)
Jul 12, 2023·edited Jul 12, 2023Liked by Ramona Grigg
Making music, writing songs, playing in a band, making comics, going for walks, playing video games, watching television, reading, hanging out with friends and family. The same stuff I do now when I am not writing.
Writing is just one of the many things I do. I would call myself a musician more than I would call myself a writer. Music was my first love and strongest creative passion. I came to writing later in life.
Jul 12, 2023·edited Jul 12, 2023Liked by Ramona Grigg
I also have former creative pursuits that I could possibly return to (theatre, dance) but neither feels as satisfying now as writing does. Without writing, I’d be helping my hubs produce social media content for his art, researching our family history (I find the investigation very creative), maybe gardening (but quite a learning curve there for me...)
I'm not sure what I'd be doing but I'd definitely be making more money.
If I couldn’t write. I’d cease to breath. So- I guess I’d have to be a fish?
This is the perfect piece for me right now because I was asking myself that very question last night, after an agent's disappointing rejection of a full. Like you, I feel like I've tried many other creative outlets and this is the one that stuck. So for now, I'll endure the pain of rejection, and carry on with it.
I've only recently begun writing formally on Substack but still hold an office gig to pay bills. If the writing becomes something that I can live on, I'd be ecstatic.
I always wrote, to some degree, mostly expansive email responses to friends. Ideas and thoughts always tumbled out of me and some people suggested I start a podcast to share them, likely because they were tired of hearing me vent in conversation or seeing them over email. I'm not confident enough about my own speaking voice or ability to hold people's attention speaking off the cuff, so the podcast idea is on a back burner. I'm only barely more confident to write it down and so I do.
Writing has become my outlet for the many things I think and feel. Without it, I have no other way to share because it's impossible to speak it all to anyone in person. Even if no one reads it, getting it out in a composition is cathartic and sustains me.
I'd do more photography. But the problem is I'd still want to write about and share my thoughts about the places we've been. I wonder if I could completely quit. It's an interesting question.
I would be a lawyer. I chose to start a newspaper over going to law school. I regret that every day. And not. I’ve spent my life avoiding being a writer,, but not being able to escape it.
As usual, I'm overthinking. Is the question predicated on making money with the pursuit? Does it assume I'm making money now, with writing (other than a handful of paid subscriptions, nope!).
When Understandably's Bill Murphy asked the question of how his readers would spend a year, if money were no object, I swayed down a similar path. That one was a little less fraught with indecision, because it theoretically eliminated both the financial and aptitude components. I came up with ideas like going back to school for a degree in social work (that's my Brene Brown brain talking), or psychology, or neuroscience. I'd enjoy going deep into less formally academic explorations, like eating and cooking with figs from all around the world.
On the more traditionally creative front, I'd probably try my hand(s) at learning guitar again. I love the idea of taking up pottery. I might more seriously consider publishing--a collection of essays or a children's book. I've always wondered if I would enjoy glass blowing.
The sad truth is that I've not figured out how to live without an income, so I addle every egg before it hatches assuming I would never be good enough, or get there soon enough, to afford to take the risk. Ugh!
I'm an artist first and the writing is a way for me to make money from my creative output while leaving the art as my passion project. I'm always making something.
Probably much more focused on business ownership and investing.
I like the time I spend writing, though! I'd love to keep doing it.
I think for me writing is only starting to be something I am doing or actually am rediscovering my love for. I don’t feel very good at it yet, I have other things (painting/drawing) that are my go to creative outlets. But I am hoping that writing will stick:)
Painting.
Making music, writing songs, playing in a band, making comics, going for walks, playing video games, watching television, reading, hanging out with friends and family. The same stuff I do now when I am not writing.
Writing is just one of the many things I do. I would call myself a musician more than I would call myself a writer. Music was my first love and strongest creative passion. I came to writing later in life.
I also have former creative pursuits that I could possibly return to (theatre, dance) but neither feels as satisfying now as writing does. Without writing, I’d be helping my hubs produce social media content for his art, researching our family history (I find the investigation very creative), maybe gardening (but quite a learning curve there for me...)
It makes me think of the classic advice to actors and writers. If you can not be a writer, don’t be a writer. That leaves only those who must.
I loved reading this. I too tried pottery - bought a wheel on TradeMe (NZ's ebay) for $40. Sold it for $20 two months later 😂.
I love writing - if I didn't write I'd probably drink more! It's a huge win-win.
Thanks..........
Wow I set out to answer this and I can’t answer this! I’ve considered myself a writer since I was six years old!