By Jody Hedlund, @JodyHedlund
Occasionally when I'm out at appointments or other events, people will stop me and ask something like, "How's life as a published author these days?"
Of course, I almost always answer with something profound like, "Good."
Every now and then I'll add a nugget of insight like, "I'm keeping busy" or "It's a lot of fun."
As you can tell, I'm bubbling with information about published author life.
The trouble is, there really is no easy answer. And since I don't want to go into great detail with most people, I give pat answers.
But today, on my blog, I decided to give the more complicated answer about what life as a published author is like—at least what life is like for me (because every author will have their own story—pun intended!).
After several years of writing under contract, I'm definitely in a different spot than I was when I first got my agent and book deal back in 2009. I've learned a ton about the industry and grown a lot as a writer.
So what's life really like? In what ways have I adjusted to life as a published author?
On a personal level?
My writing isn't something that I do in my spare time anymore. I've had to come to grips with the realization that I'm a working mom with a home writing business. I try to set regular work hours and stick to them.
I've also come to realize that I can't be supermom. I can't keep up with the housework, cooking, and all the other responsibilities that come with being a mom AND still have time to write. I've had to delegate, accept help, and give up some of my expectations.
I've also had to let go of many of my previous outside commitments. I can't be as involved with friends, groups, or activities. I have to limit where I go and what I do.
Overall, I've set personal boundaries, and in doing so I've been able to reduce the stress in my life. Because of the boundaries, I can enjoy both my family and my writing—which are my two top priorities.
On a professional level?
I've realized that being an author isn't a road to instant fame. As I go about town on business, nobody stops me for autographs. In fact, I doubt most of the strangers I pass even know I'm an author. Sometimes acquaintances will ask me questions about being an author or let me know they've read one of my books. Closer friends occasionally ask me how things are going. But overall, life goes on as usual without much hoopla.
I've also realized that the income is slow and steady. My publisher only sends out royalty checks twice a year. And while my books have earned royalty, it hasn't been nearly enough for a family of seven to live on. I'm hoping that as I continue to build a readership, my income will continue to grow. But I've learned that building a readership takes time too.
Finally, I've come to understand that there is a LOT more to being an author than just writing books. There are many other responsibilities that take time. I'm my own secretary, administrative assistant, travel agent, researcher, editor, publicist, marketer, as well as writer. If I want something done, I have to do it. Plain and simple. I'm the manager of my business. I'll only get as much out of it as I put in.
The pay off in my writing career hasn't been in fame and fortune. Rather it's come in the form of hearing from readers and knowing they're enjoying my stories. Each email, facebook comment, or tweet warms my heart.
The other payoff is in the incredible satisfaction I find in the process of writing. I truly love spinning together stories. I can go places, do things, and be a part of adventures and lives in ways that just aren't possible in my real life.
So what's published author life really like?
It's nothing like I imagined. But it's definitely fulfilling!
Maybe the answer is simple after all. It's good. Real good.
What about you? Writers, what's the writing life been like for you? Is it what you expected? And readers, are you surprised by any of the realities of published author life?
Good morning, Jody!
ReplyDeleteThis is simply very well put together. But more importantly it seems that you are enjoying the journey... I like that.
Thanks for the post.
Ganise
Good morning to you too, Ganise! I AM indeed enjoying the journey! Always love your bright comments so early in the day! :-)
Delete:-) - I really smiled to that one!-
DeleteThanks, Jody!
Ganise
Nice thoughts, Jodie. One thing that surprised me about five years in (and is news to most beginners) is that the writing gets harder, not easier. We are writing under deadlines, but we also know more, we can see the bar being set higher (and we should be doing that ourselves). We're better at the craft and can see flaws more clearly in our writing. We care about the readers we're making and don't want to let them down. It's all a subtle pressure, and it's not really bad--it should compel us to keep getting better at what we do. But no one should think that once you're published you've "made it." You've only just begun.
ReplyDeleteLOVE your insight, Jim! I think I'm beginning to relate with that subtle pressure. I don't want to let my readers down in any way. So you're right, that pressure should push us to keep trying to do better. AND to continue to find fresh and unique ideas. I'm finding that it's all too easy to settle for plot ideas that come naturally (and that I've likely already done in some shape), rather than stretching myself for something new.
DeleteBTW, I do know how to spell your name, but at 4:47 a.m. my time, I was typing as the coffee brewed. Anyway, I like your idea of "stretching." Take some risk each time.
DeleteLOL! You were up early! And that's why I rarely do anything without at least one cup of coffee. ;-)
DeleteI loved reading this, Jody. I think because I keep coming back to that--love of the craft. And I'm learning that in any stage that's what I always want it to be about for me.
ReplyDeleteThe writing life has been better than I expected. The publishing life has stretched me in all kinds of ways.
Btw I think you should travel agent yourself to New England for a little writer's retreat with yours truly!
I like that you've separated the writing and publishing life, Wendy. I just don't think we'll make it far or keep going in the publishing life if we don't first completely embrace our writing life. The joy and passion for writing have to be there to hold us through the tough waters of the publishing industry.
DeleteAnd I will be travel agenting myself to New England this summer for vacation with the family! Wish I could squeeze a writing retreat in there too!
Jody, I think your perceptions pretty much say it all. There's no instant (or even almost-instant) fame. Instead of working on a manuscript when you have time, you work on it even when you have to steal time from family, friends, and fun. The little voice in your head keeps saying, "You can't possibly do it again." And, all in all, it becomes work.
ReplyDeleteThat having been said, I wouldn't trade the experience for a dull existence. Thanks for letting me and other authors know that we're not alone in feeling this way.
Hi Richard! Thanks for always adding your insights too. I appreciate your wisdom! Yes, "stealing" time from family is something I really struggle with. Since we work from home, family and writing time often get intermingled so that you sometimes feel that you're not doing justice to either.
DeleteCan I just say yes, Yes, YES? :) Everything you said is what I'm now beginning to experience - I've always worked under self-imposed deadlines, so that part isn't 'new', but it's different now that someone else has a deadline for me. If that makes any sense at all.
ReplyDeleteI for one can I say I am supremely happy that you continue to write and pursue this profession of entertaining readers with a Christian worldview. I'm eager to read your coming novel!! ;-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for this peek into your life at the moment. While I don't expect to be published for years more, it's good to know what to expect and prepare accordingly.
Love this realistic look. I also like what you said about setting work hours and trying to keep them, even with kids at home.
ReplyDeleteRight now, I work full time and write in my spare time. I'm hoping someday to be a SAHM and write, but I know the grass won't necessarily be greener. There will always be something that COULD take up my time. A lot of it seems to be about organization and prioritization.
As my first release gets closer, I find myself thinking about this an awful lot. My immediate goal is to do well enough for the sequel to be given a shot. My short-term goal is to build up enough readership and a back catalogue to become a full-time author. I'm hoping that this will happen within the next 4-5 years. I'm not expecting instant fame and fortune, but close enough to my current yearly income would be a nice first step.
ReplyDeleteI signed a two-book deal with Tyndale when my firstborn child was three months old. She's now only five months, so I have a whole lot to learn before my debut in June 2013. Thank you for this, Jody. I also struggle with trying to be super mom and super wife and super writer. It's nice to know I'm not alone, and that I can also achieve that balance.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jolina
What a wonderful expose of what being a 'successful' author is really like! You are certainly an inspiration and you seem to have your head on straight! I wish you the best as your readership grows
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic blog post... it's so true. As women we're alread pretty much an all-in-one package deal. Add to this the writer's journey and *poof* our responsibilities explode along with a business we find ourselves submerged in. I'm in the same boat as u... the journey took 9 years but when I meet my readers at author events it's all worth it because I've spun a tale (a series, actually) that they WANT to read :)
ReplyDeleteYou are SO right!! Life is no longer the same for me, and I'm not even published yet. Being a 'one-man' business is difficult. Editing, pre-marketing, building a platform, writing new projects, etc. As time-consuming as it is, it's also exhilarating since it's in my blood. I have many irons in the fire and hope it will pay off in the future.
ReplyDeleteOhhh, this was SO good for me to read, Jody! I'm still wrapping my head around how to handle all the changes and how to still be the wife/mom I need to be and still commit the time I need to for my writing. You are seriously my hero, and I love learning from how you handle it all!!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope one day to make the jump to become a publish writer instead of writing in my spare time. I like how at the end of the day writing is not about the money or fame, but from hearing from your readers that they enjoyed your stories.
ReplyDeleteSounds like the "good stuff" to me.
ReplyDeleteI continue to learn from your journey. I'm in awe of how well you balance. I see publishing as years down the road, but I think the season isn't quite right in my life either. But I really enjoy gleaning from your blog.
ReplyDeleteYikes!! Sounds fun and scary all at the same time!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your honesty, Jody. As a new author, I'm learning some of these things, too. We can't do it all, but we do have to establish writing as one of our priorities. The road from writing to publication is long, arduous, circular, and fulfilling all at once :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree, Brandi, the road to publication is definitely long and arduous! But it's completely fulfilling at the same time. I think that's what keeps us going when things get rough.
DeleteThis is great advice! I have other things I do so I work around that stuff to write. I love your writing style on this blog and may read one of your books.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Livia. I appreciate the kinds words about my writing style on the blog! Glad the posts have resonated!
DeleteGreat post! The insight that writing is a very absorbing task, and that boundaries have to be set so that you give the proper attention to both writing and family, is very helpful. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear you acknowledge the need to adjust expectations about being a Supermom (or a Superanything). That's a difficult step for many of us as wives, mothers and other employed women, because guilt can overwhelm as priorities shift to find a new balance. Before publication we write whenever we have the time. After publication we must make that time. I suspect those who successfully write for a living are people who were able to handle the shift without too much trauma or resentment.
ReplyDeleteYup, this is exactly how it is with me! I laughed at the autograph part, because someone did ask me for an autograph the other day - but it was some man trying to flirt -he had no clue who I was *laughing* -- there are some in my small town that know me, but generally, I just am "that writer up thar on the mountain."
ReplyDeleteGMR will be stopped on the street, "Hey! I saw you in that play!" and I just stand there un-noticed - oh heavy sigh :-D
Like you, I have received good royalty checks and so-so royalty checks but not enough to pay my mortgage and bills by myself! But I do have gratitude that I actually am receiving checks (twice a year like you), and that readers have been so kind and wonderful.
It's a lot of sacrifice - but it's the best job ever, isn't it?
I used to try to bring up in conversations, oh so innocently, that I am a writer, but I find that since I've been published (in 2009, also like you), I don't do that anymore and in fact, I become shy when someone asks me what I do, or says, "aren't you that writer on the mountain?" . . .
I almost never click from Twitter but your title caught my attention. This post is a nice pause between meeting goals goals goals this week-- a reminder than I won't ever "meet" all of the goals, I'll simply work my way into new ones! New goals and responsibilities. I read a comment exchange between you and another reader and got some good insight and then I saw his name and realized I am reading one of his books on revision. The writer's world is smaller than it appears at times. Thanks for the words on work and family, too-- timely.
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Interview an author
Your comments are very similar to some of the things that she says. Writing is hard work