Any part-time writers / authors out there?

[Migre]

I've been threatening to have a bash at some writing for a while now but have always found it difficult to find the time, what with trying to balance home life (consisting of a wife, 3 year old daughter and hyper-active Jack Russell terrier), work commitments and other hobbies of mine (guitar/piano/band, cinema, football etc.). However, as I'm now in my mid-30's and careering headlong towards 40, I'm revaluating a lot of things and looking to make the time to write, if only for 10 minutes each day. I'm a little concerned I'll carry on in this way and look back on life in 20 years or so and really resent not giving it a go.

Do any of the other covers write? Either for pleasure or as a second income? In saying writing, I'm not restricting this to novels either - could be short stories, factual articles for newspapers, magazines, websites etc - anything really?

[Claes Gefvenberg]

In Reply to Parent Post by Migre

I'm revaluating a lot of things and looking to make the time to write, if only for 10 minutes each day.

I have a suggestion: Have a look at the Literature Network where you can find lots of other budding as well as some quite accomplished writers along with an even greater herd of readers. I should also mention Readers Corner here in the Cove. I also know that some Covers write books (mainly work related of course.

In Reply to Parent Post by Migre

Do any of the other covers write? Either for pleasure or as a second income? In saying writing, I'm not restricting this to novels either - could be short stories, factual articles for newspapers, magazines, websites etc - anything really?

Nothing much, but it happens. Recently it has been mainly Letters to the editor in some Swedish rags.

/Claes

[reynald]

I know some do write books, others publish via the web. The reading room
sometimes have posts of pre-published work for constructive criticisms.
I myself want to write, but keeps on losing focus after i started a few page and have to stop to attend to other matters. I really wonder how they do it.

[Vic de Beer]

I am a closet writer.... write when I can.
The best advice I was vevr gine, was by a past editor of the Smithsonian, an old friend of mine....
never delete what you've written already.....

[AndyN]

I have started writing two books, some time ago, and have had industry magazine articles etc. published. It can be difficult to find the time with such commitments.

It doesn't take me much time to sit down and put my thoughts on paper/screen. I'd agree with Vic's buddy's comments about not deleting anything you wrote!

But now I have grown kids, no wife and no dogs, don't play an instrument, have a job which allows me the time to write etc. I do, however, have a Land Rover which keeps me poor and always working on it, fixing things....

[Wes Bucey]

When you fret about adversity and distraction limiting your creative output, think about the adversity and distraction J. K Rowling went through to get her first Harry Potter novel written and then published. It should probably mollify even the most vociferous complainer of "too many distractions."

Bottom line:
only you can set your priorities - a lawyer in my town (Scott Turow) has written a successful series of mysteries while commuting back and forth on the train from his suburban home to his downtown law firm. The rest of us commuters just read the paper or played cards.

[RCBeyette]

One of my outlets for writing is www.fanfiction.net. I enjoy how it allows me to work off of already developed characters from my favourite television shows, movies and books. I have published some material and one my longest (and favourite) stories has resulted in pages of awesome reviews.

[Migre]

Thansk for the responses folks - some interesting and illuminating points there.

Regards,

Mick