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Proposals"},{"term":"Branding"},{"term":"Ebooks"},{"term":"Friendships"},{"term":"Giveaway"},{"term":"How I Do It"},{"term":"Interacting With Readers"},{"term":"Interviews"},{"term":"Rejection"},{"term":"Discouragement"},{"term":"Finding Ideas"},{"term":"First Drafts"},{"term":"Free books"},{"term":"Multi-Published"},{"term":"My Writing Journey"},{"term":"Negative Reviews"},{"term":"Publication Process"},{"term":"Traditional Publishing"},{"term":"Trailers"},{"term":"Waiting"},{"term":"Writing Output"},{"term":"Allegiant"},{"term":"Audio Books"},{"term":"Best Seller List"},{"term":"Blog Tours"},{"term":"Book Series"},{"term":"Book Titles"},{"term":"Books Into Movies"},{"term":"Bookstores"},{"term":"Courtship and Dating"},{"term":"Debut Authors"},{"term":"Failure"},{"term":"Genre Differences"},{"term":"Historical Romance"},{"term":"Historicals"},{"term":"Influencers"},{"term":"Insider Insights"},{"term":"JK Rowling"},{"term":"John and Abigail Adams"},{"term":"Launch 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Hedlund"},"subtitle":{"type":"html","$t":""},"link":[{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/feeds\/posts\/default"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8539581256374625880\/posts\/default\/-\/Writing+Career?alt=json-in-script\u0026max-results=3"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/search\/label\/Writing%20Career"},{"rel":"hub","href":"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/"},{"rel":"next","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8539581256374625880\/posts\/default\/-\/Writing+Career\/-\/Writing+Career?alt=json-in-script\u0026start-index=4\u0026max-results=3"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Jody Hedlund"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12424307540530719614"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"generator":{"version":"7.00","uri":"http://www.blogger.com","$t":"Blogger"},"openSearch$totalResults":{"$t":"31"},"openSearch$startIndex":{"$t":"1"},"openSearch$itemsPerPage":{"$t":"3"},"entry":[{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-4599736152676083392"},"published":{"$t":"2017-12-18T06:00:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-11-06T20:53:43.413-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Beginning Writers"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Writing Career"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Should You Become a Writer?"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-VTvdqx8oZqI\/WjQ6Sgj-oPI\/AAAAAAAAFL8\/tJeaqP7M5KsIIEsOL7lvV8L7RUi2UR57gCLcBGAs\/s1600\/Should%2Byou%2Bbecome%2Ba%2Bwriter.PNG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"515\" data-original-width=\"410\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-VTvdqx8oZqI\/WjQ6Sgj-oPI\/AAAAAAAAFL8\/tJeaqP7M5KsIIEsOL7lvV8L7RUi2UR57gCLcBGAs\/s400\/Should%2Byou%2Bbecome%2Ba%2Bwriter.PNG\" width=\"317\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBy Jody Hedlund,\u0026nbsp;@JodyHedlund\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI received an email from a young writer named Noor who asked: “\u003Ci\u003EI’m in middle school and will be in high school soon. I was wondering if I should become a writer. I love to write and it's one of my passions. But I know a career in the arts can be a tough thing, so I'm not sure if I could do it. Can you give me some advice?\u003C\/i\u003E”\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EShould you become a writer?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis is an excellent question and one that many budding writers struggle with no matter their age.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFirst, let’s define what it means to “become a writer.” Many people love to put words on paper in a variety of formats and do so for \u003Ci\u003Epersonal inspiration or pleasure\u003C\/i\u003E. There are some writers who decide to pursue publication with their inspired words because they want to \u003Ci\u003Eshare their stories with others\u003C\/i\u003E. Then there are those who want to \u003Ci\u003Emake a career \u003C\/i\u003Eout of sharing their words and stories with others.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo my simple answer is, yes, if you love writing, be a writer. Bring life to the words bubbling inside you and find great pleasure in it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EShould you share your words with others? And should you pursue a career of sharing your words?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIt depends.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EShould you share your words with others? \u003C\/b\u003EJust this week my husband told me about a facebook post from a high school student getting ready to self-publish her first book. As he read the post, I cringed. And then I said: \u003Ci\u003ENo one should ever publish their first book. Ever.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMy daughter is a freshman in college studying to become a nurse. If you went to the ER, would you want a freshman nursing student to treat your injury? \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EShe has to study, learn, grow, and practice (A LOT) before people will want her to fix their problems. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou have to take the long hard road of a educating and practicing the craft of writing before people will want to read your words (that is anyone besides family and loyal friends). A first book is simply part of that process of \u003Ci\u003Ebecoming\u003C\/i\u003E a writer. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E(\u003Cb\u003ESidenote:\u003C\/b\u003E I’m guessing some blog readers will probably argue that a first book isn’t always un-publishable. Maybe there are writing geniuses who can pull off a first-book wonder. Some might be able to eventually overhaul their first book and make something of it. But most of us scrap that first book and chalk it up as a practice effort.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIn other words, don’t rush to share your words with the world. Take your time to become the best writer you can be first.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EShould you pursue a career of sharing your words? \u003C\/b\u003ELet me be honest. Being a full time author (where writing and publishing books is your \u003Ci\u003Emain\u003C\/i\u003E job) is extremely tough in today’s saturated book market. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYes, you may hear stories of both traditional and self-published authors hitting it big. But the large majority of career authors struggle to make a living off their books. I’ve been writing full time for close to ten years. I’ve published over twenty novels, mostly with traditional publishers with a couple of indie books in the mix. I haven’t gotten rich off my writing.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAnd in rubbing shoulders with LOTS of authors, I’ve come to realize that most of us are in the same boat. We’re staying afloat, but our careers are more like steamboats chugging upstream, not luxury liners with smooth sailing.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAll that to say, if you want to make a career out of writing, be prepared for the realities of a competitive publishing market and the possibility of having a supplemental job that can pay the bills.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ERather than end this post on a negative note, I’ll close by saying that if you have a love and passion for writing and want to make a career out of it, then definitely go for it. Chase after your dream. I can honestly say I LOVE my job. I can’t imagine any other career more fulfilling than sitting down every day and creating stories.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBut as you chase after your dream, be prepared to work harder than you ever have for anything else. Give it all you have. And with enough hard work and determination, someday you may find yourself chugging upstream too.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhat about YOU? What advice would YOU give if someone asked you if they should become a writer?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8539581256374625880\/posts\/default\/4599736152676083392"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8539581256374625880\/posts\/default\/4599736152676083392"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/2017\/12\/should-you-become-writer.html","title":"Should You Become a Writer?"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Jody Hedlund"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12424307540530719614"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-VTvdqx8oZqI\/WjQ6Sgj-oPI\/AAAAAAAAFL8\/tJeaqP7M5KsIIEsOL7lvV8L7RUi2UR57gCLcBGAs\/s72-c\/Should%2Byou%2Bbecome%2Ba%2Bwriter.PNG","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-5362749521423361784"},"published":{"$t":"2014-06-03T06:00:00.000-04:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2014-06-03T06:00:01.150-04:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Beginning Writers"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Writing Career"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"8 Steps For Getting Started on a Writing Career"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-RvefHSlLtv8\/U4skP3IcmtI\/AAAAAAAAEOU\/pDvqXT1l4To\/s1600\/MP900399741.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-RvefHSlLtv8\/U4skP3IcmtI\/AAAAAAAAEOU\/pDvqXT1l4To\/s1600\/MP900399741.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"266\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBy Jody Hedlund,\u0026nbsp;@JodyHedlund \u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI got an email last week from a recent college grad. She'd stumbled across my \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.com\/for-writers\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EFor Writer's Page\u003C\/a\u003E, appreciated the information there, but was curious how to get started with a writing career.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHere was her question: \u003Ci\u003E\"I am a recent college graduate and I really want a career in writing\/publishing my current novels that I am working on. Perhaps you can provide me with some advice on how to get started in that particular field. Thanks for your time.\"\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ERather than write her a lengthy response, I told her I'd answer her question in my blog post this week since I'm sure she's not alone in wondering how to have a writing career.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ELet me start by saying that I think \u003Cb\u003Ethere's a huge difference between getting published and having a writing career. \u003C\/b\u003EI've seen many people either traditionally or self publish one or two books and go no further.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMaybe they only had one (or two) books burning within them to share with the world. Maybe they decided writing isn't their passion after all. Maybe they realized that getting a book noticed is a lot more work than they anticipated. Maybe they didn't have the sales or fame they'd dreamed about. Maybe their publisher dropped them as a result of low sales.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhatever the case, getting published is the relatively easy part (especially nowadays with the popularity of self-publishing). But actually going on to have a writing career takes a whole lot more work and determination.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, how does one move from publication to career writing?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIn my personal experience and from watching others, \u003Cb\u003Ehere are a few of the steps that can help lead to a writing career:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E1. Learn everything you can about how to write (and edit) well.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ELike any profession, writers must learn the basics. Yes, there are guidelines that help shape those awesome ideas into a format that readers will enjoy. I share writing tips here on my blog (for a categorized list check out my \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.com\/for-writers\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EFor Writer's Page\u003C\/a\u003E). There are also tons of helpful writing technique books. Learn, learn, learn. There's no way around it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E2. Put that knowledge into practice by writing more than one book.\u003C\/b\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOne book just isn't enough practice or time to hone writing skills. Most career writers had to write numerous books before they finally began to have publishable quality books. (I wrote 5 before I was ready.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E3. Familiarize yourself with the writing industry.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIn today's ever-changing publishing climate, it's more important than ever to educate yourself on your options. Both traditional or self-publishing are viable options. But before deciding which route to pursue, learn what goes into each of them. Weigh the pros and cons. And realize that no matter which option you choose, both will have challenges.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E4. Become savvy with social media. \u003C\/b\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe truth is, there's really no way to have a writing career unless you're on social media. At the very basic, every writer needs to have a home base website or blog with a bio, books, and contact info. But the more a writer knows about the various social media and how to integrate them, the better.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E5. Build relationships with other writers. \u003C\/b\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETry to form writing friendships well before publication to avoid \"using\" people. Mutual friendships can often lead to critiques, endorsements, advice, referrals, help with promotion, etc.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E6. Partner with a knowledgeable agent. \u003C\/b\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWith this particular point, I'm speaking more to those who decide to go the traditional publication route. Most traditional publishers do not accept unsolicited manuscripts and only look at work presented by agents. In fact, an experienced and hard-working agent can make all the difference when it comes to garnering book deals.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E7. Learn how to market your books.\u003C\/b\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhether you go the traditional route or self-publish, you will have to get the word out about your books. There are many, many right ways to market. And there are also some very wrong ways. Give your book the best shot by learning how reach readers without antagonizing or alienating them.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E8.  Keep learning and write lots of books.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EDuring setbacks, during slow times, even during busy times, always keep writing. Career writers  are constantly putting out new books. They persevere during those times when they're tempted to quit. They weather the stormy reviews. They're driven, hard-working, and passionate. And because of that, they never stop writing. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-aLCPwxhHcDs\/U4sprQHZ2rI\/AAAAAAAAEOo\/c-iXlIcfXTs\/s1600\/MP900385763.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-aLCPwxhHcDs\/U4sprQHZ2rI\/AAAAAAAAEOo\/c-iXlIcfXTs\/s1600\/MP900385763.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"219\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhat about you? Do you have any more tips for getting started on a writing career? (Or questions?)\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/feeds\/5362749521423361784\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/2014\/06\/8-steps-for-getting-started-on-writing.html#comment-form","title":"11 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8539581256374625880\/posts\/default\/5362749521423361784"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8539581256374625880\/posts\/default\/5362749521423361784"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/2014\/06\/8-steps-for-getting-started-on-writing.html","title":"8 Steps For Getting Started on a Writing Career"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Jody Hedlund"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12424307540530719614"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-RvefHSlLtv8\/U4skP3IcmtI\/AAAAAAAAEOU\/pDvqXT1l4To\/s72-c\/MP900399741.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"11"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-4595178771236870802"},"published":{"$t":"2013-09-24T06:00:00.000-04:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2013-09-24T06:00:10.595-04:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Time Management"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Writing Career"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"The Sacrifices Writers Make in Order to Have Writing Time"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-aceiKj0egH4\/Uj-fxgZChoI\/AAAAAAAADs4\/TBDoAtxJHDk\/s1600\/MP900448441.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-aceiKj0egH4\/Uj-fxgZChoI\/AAAAAAAADs4\/TBDoAtxJHDk\/s400\/MP900448441.jpg\" width=\"312\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBy Jody Hedlund,\u0026nbsp;@JodyHedlund \u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAs a mom of five children, I'm often asked how I do it. How do I find time to manage my busy household, homeschool, AND write?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThere are lots of writers who work day jobs, have families, and try to eke out writing careers. And I'm no different. I teach during the day, juggle family responsibilities, and write whenever I can.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ELike any other person trying to balance dual careers or multiple responsibilities, I’ve had to look for ways to have a writing career alongside everything else. Of course there are numerous ways I try handle it all: I simplify home life, enlist help from my family, and stick to a strict writing schedule.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EEven so, there are plenty of days where I struggle to find writing time. The truth is, no matter what we do, we won't find more time . . . unless we make sacrifices.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYes, those who juggle multiple responsibilities have to make tough sacrifices in order to have writing time. We can't add writing to our already full plates without taking something away. Otherwise we risk \u003Cb\u003Eburnout\u003C\/b\u003E. And we risk \u003Cb\u003Emediocrity\u003C\/b\u003E because it becomes difficult to do anything well when we spread ourselves too thin.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOver the years, here are just a few of the things I've given up in part or whole in order to make time for writing:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E1.  Sacrifice social activities\u003C\/b\u003E. I choose social engagements very sparingly. There are always numerous things going on in my community, church, and circles of friends. But I have to say \u003Ci\u003Eno\u003C\/i\u003E more than I say \u003Ci\u003Eyes\u003C\/i\u003E. I reserve most of my socializing for when I go to my kids' activities.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E2. Sacrifice housework.\u003C\/b\u003E I still try to maintain some semblance of order in my home. And I require everyone who lives in the house to help with the housework. That's only common courtesy and good practice. My husband even does the grocery shopping. But I have to admit, I hired a cleaning lady last year. At this season in my life, paying for help has been worth it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E3. Sacrifice TV.\u003C\/b\u003E I don't watch much TV. It helps that we don't have cable. Even with a few basic channels and Netflix, it's still all too tempting to turn on the TV. But I work hard at limiting the amount of time our TV is on, even for my kids.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E4. Sacrifice hobbies\u003C\/b\u003E. There are many things I enjoy like gardening, scrapbooking, and doing crafts. But one by one, my hobbies have fallen to the side (unless I do them with one of my kids).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E5. Sacrifice outside commitments.\u003C\/b\u003E I don't commit to many responsibilities outside my family. I don't coach sports teams. I don't teach Sunday school. And I don't serve on any committees or boards. At this point in my life, I'm using my gift of writing to serve others. I don't allow myself to be guilted into taking on more.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E6. Sacrifice fellowship.\u003C\/b\u003E Notice I said \u003Ci\u003Efellowship\u003C\/i\u003E, not \u003Ci\u003Efriendship\u003C\/i\u003E. I still value my friends dearly. And most of my closest friends understand that I have less time in my life for getting together, and they support me anyway. But the fact is, I don't often have the luxury of going out for coffee with friends or having families over for dinner.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-mYiiNi-8DDE\/Uj-fESk2vHI\/AAAAAAAADsw\/tuYQH9mZkmU\/s1600\/MP900439085.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"263\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-mYiiNi-8DDE\/Uj-fESk2vHI\/AAAAAAAADsw\/tuYQH9mZkmU\/s400\/MP900439085.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESo what haven't I sacrificed? \u003C\/b\u003EI try not to sacrifice spending time with my family. I still go to my kid's activities and games (even if it means writing less). I haven't sacrificed my own spiritual, emotional, or physical care. In fact, I even added running to my weekly schedule.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOf course there are many things that remain constant in my life. \u003Cb\u003EBut as my writing career has progressed, I've had to give up a lot in order to fit in the time I need to write\u003C\/b\u003E. The bottom line is that \u003Cb\u003EI don't have much free time\u003C\/b\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI'm not sure if I'll always need to make so many sacrifices. My hope is that one day I can add back in some of the things I've cut out! But for now, \u003Cb\u003Ethe sacrifices are worth the opportunity to pursue a lifelong dream and desire to write novels\u003C\/b\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWriters, what are some sacrifices you've had to make to find more writing time?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAnd readers, what do you sacrifice in order to do the things you love?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/feeds\/4595178771236870802\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/2013\/09\/the-sacrifices-writers-make-in-order-to.html#comment-form","title":"16 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8539581256374625880\/posts\/default\/4595178771236870802"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8539581256374625880\/posts\/default\/4595178771236870802"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/2013\/09\/the-sacrifices-writers-make-in-order-to.html","title":"The Sacrifices Writers Make in Order to Have Writing Time"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Jody Hedlund"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12424307540530719614"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-aceiKj0egH4\/Uj-fxgZChoI\/AAAAAAAADs4\/TBDoAtxJHDk\/s72-c\/MP900448441.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"16"}}]}});