When I was at college, I worked in a cake shop every Saturday in the days when we had to add up in our heads and wrap crusty bread in tissue paper. (I am very old.) On Sundays I worked in a petrol station, which involved filling up customers' cars in the sub-zero temperatures of a Staffordshire winter. I used to get so cold it made my nose bleed. Then during the holidays I would also work in a factory, standing on a line packing biscuits. At least this was warm and we could eat as many custard creams as we wanted to, a novelty that wore off after a couple of days. I earned enough to keep me in eyeliner and concert tickets, but there were some very grim days amongst the good ones.
The latest newsletter from the ALCS includes a profile of author Peter May, who gives an honest account of how much he earns. He is a full-time writer and his annual income is - wait for it - £11,000. While the J K Rowlings of this world earn the big bucks, most of we jobbing wordsmiths are just bobbing along, poor but relatively happy.
I’ve been making music and writing songs for over fifty years. About twenty five years ago I started writing longer pieces for the church magazine and it all went on from there.
ReplyDeleteI started keeping blogs about ten years ago. I’m a writer. My first book has just been published and I have at least five more in various stages of production. Are they any good? That’s for others to judge.
I don’t write to impress. I write to express. There’s a world of difference. I don’t think about how many copies I will sell or whether I should tailor it to a particular audience. I write because that’s what I do.
Too many people get motive and reward mixed up. The motive is why you do something. Your reward comes from doing it well.
My books may not sell enough to cover my expenses, but that’s irrelevant. Some renowned painters never sold a canvas during their lifetime.
I write because that’s what I do.
Dave Clemo
Wise words, Dave - and I'm looking forward to reading your first book.
DeleteIf that’s what Peter May is making, there’s no hope for the rest of us!
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to believe, isn't it?
DeleteYou know, I think poor but happy beats rich and worrying about losing your money any day! Rich people seem to come with their own set of problems. Bet they don't sit out in lawn chairs with their neighbors and watch the sun go down while they sip on ice tea or beer. They miss all the fun! :D
ReplyDeleteI agree, but I wouldn't mind a little bit more money as a fall-back, just in case.
DeleteI'm really surprised that's all he makes! I remember some good and not so good Saturday jobs. Just as well we don't write for the pay.
ReplyDeleteHe must have a lucractive sideline or two, Rosemary.
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