is being a writer a good career? why? or why not?

Question

please be honest!!!!!! and please don't leave a stupid statement!!!!!

Answer 1

I think a writer is a great career. I want to be a writer myself, but you also have to be smart enough to know that you need a back up plan/job just incase the whole writer thing doesnt work out. If you have a passion for something, go for it. Don't hold back on your dreams.

Answer 2

I think of the difference between a "good job" and a "good career" -- a job being what one does for money and the career being more like the thing you do for living -- not for "a living." It's nice when the two can be the same, but that doesn't happen for everyone.

I am a writer and actor by career and have had several jobs as well. Writing is rewarding on its own terms. It has provided me quite a bit of monetary reward in a variety of ways -- published poetry, produced and commissioned plays, writing the occasional column for newspapers. Most of all, it is something I have to do; I have tried not to and I just can't stop. I get drawn back to it.

To express the emotions or ideas that are inside me, my observations, it all gives me a feeling of satisfaction to have the things inside me put out into the world... and sometimes recognized and validated by other people.

On the downside: writing is a pretty lonely thing to do and can be frustrating. Sometimes the ideas don't turn out the way you want and when you're on a deadline or responsible to other people they often don't understand why you're not getting it done. There is also the rejection -- you have to find a way to separate your writing from yourself so it doesn't feel like you are what's being rejected.

If you can find a way to express yourself, if you are willing to work at the "craft" side of writing, and if you are strong enough to cope with all the challenges, it can be great.

Answer 3

Depends on what you write. A column on a paper could be something. Novels on the other hand can be dicey. If you know what you are doing you can get thousands or maybe even a million dollars for a book (based on how much it sells and your contract with the publishing company). But it takes time to write and during that time you still have to make money somehow, so you'll probably be needing a job anyway. And if the book flops, you got no money for all the work you did.

It isn't impossible, and done right you could even become a millionaire, but it is tough.

Answer 4

There are lots of ways to make a living as a writer. Sometimes combining writing with something else you love is the key to having writing as part of your career. For example, people who write cookbooks or restaurant reviews, or gardening guides, or travelogues.

Most writers do not reach bestseller status, and some "literary" authors who are routinely read in schools have to supplement their incomes by teaching in universities.

If you love it, do it, whether you get paid for it or not. There are plenty of resources out there, online and in print, about freelance writing for the market. If you're smart enough to be a writer, you should have no trouble finding them, so I won;t make a list....

Answer 5

You'll probably make very little money, not enough to make a career of it anyway. You could make a little by freelancing, but there's no guarantee of job availability or the quality of pay. Writing is one of those things that is great for a hobby but almost impossible to pan out as a real job, kinda like acting or singing.

Answer 6

Depends on the market. And it depends primarily on YOU.

If you want to make a boatload of money, then you're going to have to see what's on the market and compete at a fierce level.

But not many authors make it anyway. Only 1% actually can live off of what they make without worry. The rest of us have to work our daily jobs and sell our books on the side when we have a spare moment.

But if you're going to write for yourself and not be so concerned with making a living off of it, then my advice is to take your time and not rush the process.

Writing a really good book takes awhile--if you want to get it done right.

Answer 7

I always wanted to be a writer and i would think that it is a good career....if thats what you want i say go for it.

Answer 8

It depends on if you love doing what you do...if you do, you will excel...go with your passion. You will be a much happier person in the end.

Never hurt an author to have a part time job on the side either

Answer 9

ANYTHING can be a good career if you are skilled and market yourself properly. If you are good at selling novels it will be a very good career. Especially if u get on Oprahs book list.

Answer 10

Sure if you have talent.....Its a great career.