Writing Full Time
Ever since I decided to become a writer, I’ve dreamed about what it would be like to pursue my passion full time. If I can write 2-3 books a year while juggling a day job, how much could I get done if I had all day to write?
Well, that day has come. After a divorce with the old day job a month ago, I became a full time writer, though without the full time pay. The adjustment of working for 30 years and suddenly not working took some time getting used to. So, what did I do to get through it?
I wrote. Writing has always been my private island, the perfect escape, the place where reality never gets past the bouncer. As the shock wore off, the time I devoted to writing increased. I actually looked at this as a needed break so I can devote proper attention to the slew of projects I had agreed to take on.
Now it’s time to reflect. After a month, what have I accomplished? Well, I have 3 novellas that I was scheduled to write for an as yet unnamed publisher later this summer. Now that I had time, I set my ass down to start the first. Draft #1 was completed in two weeks. It’s now resting in my laptop. You need to give your story and yourself time to breathe before jumping in to the editing process. Or at least I do. Rewrites start in a few days.
At the same time, I started working on my next monster book for Severed Press. I have about 10,000 words to go before I can type THE END on draft #1 of that puppy. I figure that’ll be done around July 7th.
Then my family and I head to house-sit for a friend up in the country where I’ll finally finish the novel I started last fall, WE ARE ALWAYS WATCHING. There are literally just a couple of chapters to go, then I have to do a ton of rewrites because the story kept changing as it went along. This is a dark one. No monsters. Nothing paranormal. Just people at their strangest and worst on a Pennsylvania farm.
After that, I have a special project I’m going to write and self-publish, followed by the other two novellas I’m still contracted to write this year. And Lord only knows what else I’ll agree to along the way. Let’s just say this chapter in my life will be marked with a boom in my creative output.
I’m also catching up on my TBR pile and getting new books from the library every 3 days. I’ve decided to re-read everything Hemingway for the rest of the summer. Then there’s more time to spend with my family at independent league baseball games, movies and swimming at the pools and beaches nearby. My old day job actually gave me a gift – my first summer off since I graduated high school! I don’t plan to waste it.
27 responses to “Writing Full Time”
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- - July 6, 2016
Hunter Shea 
AWESOME! So glad to hear this. You’re one of the people in this industry I look up to the most. From the way you write to the way you interact with your fans and peers, you deserve the opportunity to do this full-time.
Looking forward to The Jersey Devil (and everything else you have coming down the pike).
See you up this way sometime this summer?
Thanks Glenn. You’re making this old guy blush. I may have to cancel STC. But for now, I’m still going.
That’s great news, man. Really happy for you! Can’t think of a more deserving dude. You earned this!
Thanks Tim. When life gives you lemons, make monsters.
We’ll be sure to celebrate at Scares That Care with lots of beer! First round is on me!
Great to hear this and you have more books coming out😁
Oh, there will be lots and lots o books! 🙂
You’re living the dream, man. And congrats on such a solid output for the past month – that rocks. I’m going to be over here writing my own novella and salivating at the prospect of WE ARE ALWAYS WATCHING, which sounds wicked as hell. Keep it up!
It started as a nightmare, but I’ve turned it into a dream. 🙂
Oh, nice! Well done, you! Congrats!!
“This is a dark one. No monsters. Nothing paranormal. Just people at their strangest and worst on a Pennsylvania farm.” Hmmmm…. my in-progress novel also takes place in rural PA, but there’s something paranormal going on. I’ve dubbed it a ‘taboo-horror’ as part of the strangeness of it is generated via taboo subject matter, thus making it very dark and uncomfortable. No monster, per se, just people being weird and demented.
My own work came first this weekend, but I’m reading “The Jersey Devil” as fast as I can and very much enjoying it! I’ll get that review out as soon as I am able to the usual places!
What is it about rural PA and the taboo? Some wicked stuff goes down in my book. Can’t wait to read yours! Hope you’re diggin the devil. 😉
Well, I’ve spent a lot of time in rural PA so…. um…. anyway. I’m done with the Devil. Will write up the review this weekend probably.
Hunter, congrats on your move from the old day job to your new full time job. In the immortal words from one of the Grateful Dead’s songs, “Keep your day job… until your night job pays..” and you did just that. Fantastic.
I’ve been trying myself but always get bogged down or get distracted, but you’ve been a great boost for me yourself. Love your stories and imagination. Keep it all flowing Bro.
Jeff Grenier
Thanks Jeff. There will be another day job down the line, but for now it’s just time to ride the wave.
Always here to support you. ❤
You are the best!
Congratulations! I left my job at the end of May and have almost finished a very rough first draft of a brand new novel. It was a scary, difficult decision to leave, but as of right now, I couldn’t be happier! Best of luck to you, Hunter! You know I’ll always be watching! 😉
Congrats and the best of luck. It’s a lot like bungee jumping, right? 🙂
That is fantastic news, Hunter! I’m so pleased for you. (And as usual, you are an intimidating inspiration.)
Thanks Mrs. Rude. 😉
There are few things that feel quite as good as being gainfully self-unemployed.
Hunter! I am so happy for you! You are the third writer of my acquaintance to go full time with his/her writing, and it’s such a rush to see people making it happen for themselves. Congratulations!
-aniko
In a similar position myself scary/excited sums it up really. Hope you get on well with Hemingway. I’m dipping into Steinbeck as my starting point in catching up on the greats.
We’re both learning from masters. Best of luck to you, too. Scary and exciting sum it up best.
That’s fucking great news. I’m so happy for you, but happier for me. 😉 Best of luck, Hunter!
Thanks Shane! I’ll try to make you proud.