I didn’t get as much writing as I’d like done this past weekend. In fact, I only got about 500 words. Why? Because I am stillso very undecided about what my next step is. I’m a big believe in instincts and ‘There’s no such thing as a coincidence.’ and I can’t shake the feeling that the next step I take in my career is crucial. Maybe because I know my own patience is running out.
Y’see, I know my own personality, and I’m pretty clear on what my capabilities are.
1) I figure I can do anything if I set my mind to it.
2) I don’t have a lot of patience.
So, while I love writing, (and yes, I do admit it is a love/hate relationship at times. LOL ) if I can not support myself doing it, I need to find something else. It’s that simple. I am, Ugh, hitting middle age soon, and I’m single, and I have no security as far as pension or retirement savings and such. Being a bartender for 20 years doesn’t really help you out with that.
See the dilemma?
Now, Being single with no kids, it doesn’t take a lot to support myself. In fact, I’ve never in my life made enough to be above the “poverty line” according to tax Canada. (Yes, that includes this past year of non stop writing and sales too) Do I feel poor? Not at all. I’m comfortable. 🙂 But I have no savings or anything, and I need to start thinking a bit more responsably finacially. This means I can’t keep putting time, money and effort into a career that won’t support me.
So, I’m looking at my next sale/deal/offer to tell me if this career can do that. Yes, I know it takes years and years for authors to build a readership and build a solid career. And no, I don’t think the 4 years I’ve been doing this is that long. But, I’m not exactly a patient person.:oops:
For the last 6 months I’ve been trying to figure out my next step. Remember when I asked what y’all would like to see form me next? Sci- Fi, suspense, paranormal? Well I have the direction I want to write …now I just need to see if the editors out there think I’m a sustainable author. And yes, that does include my erotica/erotic romance stories. I do plan to continue those, always. However, my own short attention span means I need to do more than just those. 🙂
The conclusion. I did a lot of thinking this weekend, and not much writing. LOL Now I need to write my butt off (I wish I COULD write my butt off, seriously, more fun than the treadmill) and send out some proposals and see what the publishing world thinks of them. Cross your fingers and toes for me. Please?
Toes, can do. Fingers…well, crossing fingers are a greater sacrifice. :crying:
Can I cross something else instead? Legs? Not eyes though, I’m afraid.
Good luck!
Legs will work.
Thanks, May!!
Consider them crossed. 🙂
Thanks, Jordan!!
1. you are simply not allowed to stop writing because you would be depriving people (namely me) of your incredible gift and things get oogly when i don’t get my fix.
2. i’m working with my staff on a new area of promotion that i’m going to field test with authors. This will give certain authors that have already hit a certain market level (like you) some additional free exposure while i’m figuring out all the ins and outs of the new marketing arena. (play time = training time)
Don’t wanna get into details cuz it’s such a freaking awesome idea and is still under wraps. But expect to hear from me in the next week or so and hopefully my staff will have everything in place for me before end of summer. I wouldn’t be mentioning it yet, but your post gave me heart failure.
I love how you write. Just keep at it and you’ll keep me smiling.
Rhian~ I’m very intrigued. 😛
I’m sure you know how slow this industry works at times, so don’t panic yet. More books are already in production, and more are still contracted to take me to the end of this year. I’ll give pleenty of notice of any major changes.
BW~ Thank You. I enjoy making people smile.
Everything crossed for you, luv. I do think you’ve found your niche with erotic romance. Your voice has always been strong/distinctive in this subgenre and you meld both parts effortlessly and flawlessly.
Perhaps it just a matter of hitting on that particular twist/mix that will kick it to the next level. Either way, I can’t see you stop writing, you’re too talented for that.
I do, however, understand about future security. I always laugh my ass off every time they send out that Canada Pension Plan notice that tells you what you’ll be eligible for based on your lifetime earnings so far. It’s one of the reasons I have no plans to quit my day job, if I were so lucky to be published. I’ve got amazing benefits/stock options/pension plan/long & short term disability, etc. Not things I’d walk away from lightly.
Anywhoo, you’re building a name for yourself, hon. You’ve become an auto-buy for many already! It takes a bit of time, but before you know it, you’ll be an *overnight success*. 😉
Well I am a huge fan of your writing, and while I understand where you’re coming from, I hope writing will always be a part of your future. (Pretty please don’t stop writing! LOL)
Plus, I think this year a lot of readers have “discovered” Sasha White, and you’re getting the recognition you deserve. I know it’s a long, slow process, but I believe things worth having are worth working towards. Your fans are here for ya :great:
Jaq, if I were you I wouldn’t walk away from benifits like that either. LOL Honestly, I love bartending, and I love writing, and I think it’s a really good thing that I enjoy risks and adventure being the things I love and want to do, don’t offer much security. And I am okay with that, most days.LOL
Stacy, Thanks so much! I’m pretty sure thta even if I give up on writing as a career, you’d still see something from me every now and then. It would probably just be few and far between LOL .
I’m determined to give it my all for a while longer though, and hope I can hold on for the long haul. :great:
. Remember when I asked what y’all would like to see form me next? Sci- Fi, suspense, paranormal?
you know a great way is to put ALL 3 together 😀
fingers /toes crossed~
you are a great story teller!
Thanks Tami!
I have an idea, and a couple projects in mind. I’ll tell you all more abotu them as I work on them. And I think you’ll be pleased. 😉
I love your current work but I have all faith that you can branch out into other areas too. You have such a strong voice and great character concepts.
I can’t wait to see what you branch into – I’m a lifelong science fiction/fantasy reader so if you go that direction, i’ll be thrilled.
In the meantime, consider body parts crossed that you get the outcome you want.!
– Maura
Consider everything crossed Sasha!
Hi Sasha,
Don’t give up yet, I can’t imagine writing, because its just not in me. But you have stories in your head that need to be told, and I think in order to tell them you have to be patient. It’ll work out, imho you’re just developing your voice and style, plus you are talented and you gotta see where you can go from here 🙂 just my 2 cents
Take it easy
Hi Melanie! Thanks so much for the encouragement. It does my heart good.
I’m sticking with it for a while fro sure. :attack:
I believe in you and your writing abilities 150% Sasha!!!
Go, go, go!! write, write, write. I’ll talk, talk, talk and this should work, work, work.
:great: 😀