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#IWSG October 2020: A Working Writer Sometime Needs Leave Without Pay

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Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click the image to learn more or sign up.

Optional Monthly Question: When you think of the term working writer, what does that look like to you? What do you think it is supposed to look like? Do you see yourself as a working writer or aspiring or hobbyist, and if latter two, what does that look like?

To me, a working writer is one of two things, depending on how you look at it. 1) Ideally, a working writer is someone who makes a living as a writer. Writing is the work that pays their bills. 2) More commonly, I feel, a working writer is someone who works another job while also writing full-time whether it pays off or not. By full-time I mean, it’s just as much a part of their daily life as their paying job, and not a hobby they pick up when the mood is right, or vacation time is plentiful. (To clarify, there is nothing wrong with that. Writing should fit into your life in whatever manner suits you best.)

I think a working writer is supposed to look like someone who has a steady income stream consisting of: book sales, branded merch, guest articles and appearances, affiliate links and endorsements on their blog/vlog (or in this day and age, their podcast), and is at some level an influencer, even if it’s just within their local community.

I used to see myself as a working writer, but I recently had to take a leave of absence without pay (Just temporary. I’m back to work now.) I’ve struggled to read, struggled to write, and struggled to stay connected via my personal blog/platform and social media. I’ve struggled to see the point in sharing my words when I feel that so many of mine, and the words of other black people and people of color, seem to just go completely unheard by the powers that be.

So, the answer to this month’s question is also my insecurity. I’ve continued to cling to a few small supportive groups where I feel mine, and other struggling voices are not only heard but appreciated. Perhaps one day, down the road, I’ll be able to write an IWSG post where, as a working writer, I’ll be offering encouragement to someone else, whether a working, aspiring, or hobbyist writer.

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Thank you, again, for the WEP 1st-place award for the Long Shadow contest. If you’d like to see the guest article I posted at the WEP blog, click on the image.

Though I’m not reading as much as I like to (hardly at all) right now, I’m still excited about the release of Frozen Crimes, the 5th book in the Disaster Crime Series by our very own Chrys Fey.

BUY LINKS: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunes

I’ve read the whole series and followed Chrys for years. Whenever I regain my reading strength, this will be at the top of my TBR.

Now, on to the personal updates.

I’m still here.

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What does being a working writer mean to you?
It may take some time, but I promise, I will stop by your blog.

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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Jemima Pett,
Beth Camp,
Beverly Stowe McClure, and
Gwen Gardner!

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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #37).

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords #blacklivesmatter

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By Toi Thomas

Author and illustrator of children's books, as well as clean adult fiction and nonfiction. Toi is a geek-girl blogger, vlogger, reviewer, and advocate for a healthy reading lifestyle. She finds comfort in faith, family, and creative expression. Toi believes in the dream of world harmony and hopes all your dreams come true.

32 replies on “#IWSG October 2020: A Working Writer Sometime Needs Leave Without Pay”

Hi,
I am going to say two things from my heart to you.
1. Don’t ever give up on writing because you are a writer.
and 2. Don’t ever let how other people see you stop you from moving forward. You can’t let other people’s perceptions keep you from your purpose.

Take care, Lady.

Shalom aleichem,
Pat Garcia

Thank you for the encouragement. I know I’m a writer no matter what, but it does get tough sometimes. Being part of this community has really helped. I really appreciate your words.

I hear your struggle, Toi. I understand how hard it is to want your words to mean something, to be heard. Not all of us achieve that. You just keep doing what you can, day by day. Good luck to you.

Thank you. I’m actually back to work, but I did have to take some off. It’s been a slow process getting back on track with my job and my writing.

Thank you. I updated the post. It was a temporary situation. I’m back to work but it’s been slow getting back into the swing of working and writing.

I’m sorry about the layoff.
I’m with Pat on her two pieces of wisdom. Your voice will be heard. It may not be this moment, but it will be heard.

Thank you for the encouragement. I’ve updated the wording on the post. I didn’t mean to let everyone believe I wasn’t currently working, but it means a lot that people care.

Thank you so much for shouting out Frozen Crimes! You are the best.

Many of the answers to the question this month have made me not feel like a working writer. lol My writing does not pay the bills. My editing helps me to pay for what I need to do as a writer, but I am a full-time writer. It’s what I do. 🙂

My thoughts are with you, Toi. Don’t ever quit. Don’t ever let anyone silence you. Keep going. And please take care of yourself. <3

Thank you for the encouragement, Chrys. You are totally a working writer. Even if editing is your main income, you write full-time- you work and you write.

I’m with the first commenter on encouraging you to keep putting yourself out there. But we all need to take a break sometimes, and focus on what is essential in our lives. You’re really talented, and that’s all that matters.
PS Thanks for visiting both my posts – I’m a little late catching up 🙂

Toi, I feel you’re just finding your writing voice. Keep going. The world needs your voice. I pray you’ll keep finding the words. And again, congrats on your second consecutive WEP win! You’re going to be excited to see our prompts for 2021, I promise you.

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