A Day In The Life Of A Unpublished Author by Deanna Jackson

Let’s welcome back monthly columnist Deanna Jackson as she shares with us “A Day In The Life Of A Unpublished Author.” Enjoy!

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“Anyone who says writing is easy isn’t doing it right.” – Amy Joy

When I first got the idea to write my novel it sounded fun and I couldn’t wait sit down at my laptop and start writing. It is still fun and exciting to me but I never imagined how difficult it would be to fit in writing along with working two jobs, spending time with my family, and keeping my house clean!

Some days I think I only have time to write because I have a wonderful support system around me. My husband takes care of most of the chores and cooks dinner almost every evening. On the nights I don’t work my second job, honestly the last thing I want to do is write. I feel like there is so much to do, but he reminds me that writing is my passion and I will be disappointed if I don’t see it through. I can’t imagine if I had kids. Kudos to those unpublished and published authors who are juggling everything I am along with children. You are superheroes.

People have asked me why I started working an evening job right in the middle of trying to write a book. My first response is I am crazy, and my next is because it’s not cheap to publish a novel. There are extra expenses that come along with it, and if you didn’t know that (I surely didn’t) then I am here to tell you it’s true.

Hiring an editor is not cheap. You can try and tackle editing by yourself but I don’t suggest it. I did that at first to try and save money and when I sent to it to a professional, I missed so many errors it looked like a red ink exploded on the pages.

I am not saying everyone needs an editor, but unless you have taken courses on it at some point in your life, you probably will need one. Again, classes are another thing that costs money. There are also writing contests and yearly fees to be a member of your genre writing associations.

I won’t lie and say it is easy fitting my writing in during the week. I make sure when I come home, whether it be from my day or night job, that I dedicate time to write. Even if it is just an hour. I get more satisfaction knowing I wrote something than nothing at all.

I have most weekends off, and I have found I enjoy writing the most at night. So during the day I spend time with my family or cleaning, and at night I write. Sometimes I am beyond exhausted, but I am a true believer in nothing worth having comes easy.

If you are an unpublished author get ready for a wild but exhilarating ride. I know published authors who still work their day jobs and struggle with the same things I do, so you must be dedicated and in it for the long haul. You can write but if you are doing so as a hobby, you most likely will never become published. Unfortunately that is the harsh truth and is only said so you can evaluate how much time and effort you want to spend to be able one day to hold your published book in your hands or see it on bookshelves.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I am an unpublished author working on my first romance novel. I have taken classes in creative writing and editing at the University of Cincinnati. When I am not writing, I enjoy snuggling on the couch with my husband and three fur puppies.

Blog site:
http://blog-djackson.weebly.com/

Twitter: @Jackdeanna