So, you can’t quit your job just yet to pursue that writing career? You are just not ready to let go of that bit of security? Don’t worry, you are in good company. That’s why I am posting today. Well, aside from the fact that I am still hoarse!
You don’t have to quit your job to start writing books and making money from them. In fact, I wouldn’t recommend it. You can do so many things these days, and keep the job at the same time. If you discover after an attempt at writing books that it isn’t for you (and it’s not for everyone!) then you can easily stop and go back to your normal routine with little or no setbacks.
Over on my blog, Kim Smith, Author which you should read religiously, I share many of the same ideas. If you do your due diligence, make smart choices, and not get in a hurry – you will ultimately be much wealthier as an author. This is how I started selling books, all while I was still working 8 to 5.
Where To Find the Extra Time
You wake up early, go to work on time, and come home late. How the heck are you supposed to find time to write a book? If you’re single, maybe you can spare a couple hours each night to work on your manuscript, if your social life will wait. If you’re married or have children, finding even a glimmer of free time can be near unthinkable.
Five ways to find time
Notice Your Free Time.
Even though you work long days, you do have some free time. There are times like your morning drive. Use that podcase or voice recorder on your phone to dictate the book and type it in later. On your morning break, or your lunch break, on your afternoon break, or on your drive home, your time at the gym, and some of the free time you have at home (after the kids are in bed), you might find an extra 2 to 4 hours in there to write. TRY IT!
Compound your Activities.
We often don’t realize how to best use our time. Make use of those moments when you are not able to type a book out by listening to educational podcasts. There are a bunch out there. They will help you to understand how to publish and market once the book is done. That will motivate you to DO the writing. This is what I do as I work my job.
Stop Watching So Much Television.
If you stopped watching television, you’d free an extra 750 hours a year! Imagine what you could do in 750 hours. Now, I’m not saying you should quit watching T.V. forever, but you have to admit, you probably watch a lot of television. I did. I tried really hard to cut down and I stuck with just my few favorite shows (The Big Bang Theory, I admit). I used my extra time to read, learn, and do. That’s why I have about 11 things published.
DON’T Combine Your Day Job With Your Book Writing Life.
If the rules at your 9 to 5 job include: don’t use the Internet for anything non-business related, know that your book writing efforts do not count as a business related item. If you can use your breaks to surf the net at your leisure, go ahead and use that time to do some research or read some articles – but don’t use any supplies or print anything related to your writing. IT can and often does monitor the network and yes, the boss is watching, and you will get caught. It could cost you your job, or a least a lot of explanation and time. Just be smart and use your common sense.
DO Combine Your Day Job With Your Writing. Wait – what? Let me explain. What I mean here is to think about how writing a book can relate to your 9 to 5 job. Think about the things you do at work. Is there something that could be improved with your knowledge? Could you use your writing talents at your job?
I am sure there are a bunch of other things…but I am out of time. We will have a wonderful podcast guest next week!