By Tom Joyce —
Want to be a writer? Make time for research, marketing, business planning, social media, reading for blurbs and reviews, personal obligations, and the other job you’ll need to pay the bills. Oh yeah – you’ll also have to write at some point. In this month’s edition of Nuts & Bolts, author V. Castro gives some tips on balancing all those elements.
Q: IS THERE ANYTHING ABOUT WRITING FULL-TIME THAT BEGINNING WRITERS TEND NOT TO EXPECT?
A: You must have a good budget and plan with your short-term and long-term needs or goals. And this isn’t just about money, also budget your time because as a full-time writer I often have to juggle multiple projects at once with several deadlines. There are also the in-person book events that I treat as work and typically work through even if my social media makes it look like it’s just a party! Publishing can be very slow so waiting for that next pay could be some time. Having a back list of books you receive royalties from is also helpful. Unless you have a working partner or other wealth, you must keep an eye on what is coming in and when.
Q: CAN YOU BREAK DOWN THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF A FULL-TIME WRITERS’ JOB – WRITING, SELF-PROMOTION, SOCIAL MEDIA, ETC.?
A: I try to post every day and check socials for reposts and tags. If people don’t know what you have, then they don’t have the opportunity to buy it or take an interest in you as an author. Publishers have a limited budget, so I work like I have to do it on my own even if the publisher is putting in time and effort for a project of mine. Sales matter.
I make content once a week. That could be about my writing life, books, reviews, events, etc.
I read books for reviews or blurbs most nights before bed or while waiting to pick my children up from school.
Writing gets done every day even if I have to take a lot of breaks. If there are no deadlines, then I let ideas marinate.
Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR BALANCING ALL OF THOSE ELEMENTS, AND LEAVING ROOM FOR A PERSONAL LIFE?
A: I treat this like I am an entrepreneur. If I need to take time off for my family then I do so, however, if I have deadlines then I must make that time up somewhere. I make content whenever I am on vacation or read books for blurbing. My computer goes with me everywhere.
Q: WHAT DO YOU THINK BEGINNING WRITERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE BUSINESS OF WRITING?
A: Don’t quit the day job until you create a life budget. Make room for everything. There are parts of publishing you can’t control and can affect the flow of income. Any lulls in publishing should be filled with writing the next project.
Don’t ever stop thinking that sales in traditional publishing don’t matter because the bigger the publisher the more it does. Also, a side hustle never hurt anyone! Many writers offer editing or other services depending on their skill set.
The sooner you can earn out any advance the sooner you will receive royalties unless it is a flat fee project.
Q: WHAT SHOULD THEY KNOW ABOUT THE CRAFT OF WRITING?
A: You don’t need an MFA. If you are unsure of any aspect of craft, there are many other low-cost ways that also take less time. You can find blogs and podcasts by authors who offer advice or courses.
Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY PROJECTS YOU’D LIKE HWA MEMBERS TO KNOW ABOUT?
A: Please order Maria The Wanted, out February 10th!!! Thank you.
 |
V. CASTROV. Castro is a two time Bram Stoker award nominated writer born in San Antonio, Texas, to Mexican American parents. She’s been writing horror stories since she was a child, always fascinated by Mexican folklore and the urban legends of Texas. Castro now lives in the United Kingdom with her family, writing and traveling with her children.
|
Tom Joyce is a volunteer and affiliate member who writes a monthly feature for the HWA blog called “Nuts & Bolts,” featuring interviews about the craft and business of writing. Please contact him at TomJHWA@gmail.com if you have suggestions for future interviews.