Maybe add "Marry Well" somewhere between "Get a Patron" and "Rob a Bank".
Last month I 'celebrated' 45 years as a full-time paid journalist. I was lucky to enter the business with journalism jobs were much more plentiful and secure.
When I was caught in a big layoff in 2001, I managed to live on freelance work for a few years.
Now nearly every one of my clients from back then either doesn't exist or doesn't take freelance.
I've been looking for work because I have ethical problems with my bosses. At age 64, I can't find another job of any sort.
I'm still lucky for my security. But it's awful working hard for people you don't believe in.
Yes, there are parents who can sustain a lifestyle, which few of us have, but there are parents who could theoretically avert disaster, which I've also had. That means a lot.
Promote yourself.....Oh go on then! If its charmingly idiosyncratic chin-stroking philosophising you're after (with an occasional side-order of rock music) then check out my Slouching Towards Bethlehem Substack: https://grahamcunningham.substack.com/ "Reflections on the Spirit of the Age....the political underpinnings of our 21st c. Zeitgeist; the rise of its 'Social Justice' religion and victimhood cults. Plus occasional posts on more cheery stuff."
I would have snubbed this advice when I was younger, but there's a good case for getting a job outside of publishing and doing writing in your free time. You may not get the clout of calling yourself a full-time writer, but you'll avoid much of the unglamorous and middlingly paid work of the publishing industry, and you'll also have something to write about that isn't writing.
"If you are excited to write, prepare to convey your excitement to others."
But not by simply stating that "I'm so excited to ..." I unceremoniously block anyone who begins a piece/note by postulating excitement; it reeks of unoriginality.
How about having something interesting to say and the ability to say it in a fairly entertaining way?
Thanks for this Ben, valuable advice moving forward for sure.
My pleasure!
Interesting stuff, Ben.
Maybe add "Marry Well" somewhere between "Get a Patron" and "Rob a Bank".
Last month I 'celebrated' 45 years as a full-time paid journalist. I was lucky to enter the business with journalism jobs were much more plentiful and secure.
When I was caught in a big layoff in 2001, I managed to live on freelance work for a few years.
Now nearly every one of my clients from back then either doesn't exist or doesn't take freelance.
I've been looking for work because I have ethical problems with my bosses. At age 64, I can't find another job of any sort.
I'm still lucky for my security. But it's awful working hard for people you don't believe in.
Sorry to hear that, Gord. I hope you come across work that is good for the heart as well as the wallet!
My days of marrying well are behind me.
Rich might be a stretch, but my parents are doing well and generous, so I admit that's always been in my back pocket.
I started my Substack just about exactly five years ago, in fact!
Yes, there are parents who can sustain a lifestyle, which few of us have, but there are parents who could theoretically avert disaster, which I've also had. That means a lot.
Damn, I currently write for The Spectator Aus...
Hilarious AND useful. Nice one
Glad to hear!
Amazing strategy—have rich and generous parents.
This works for many careers alongside being a writer!
I will tweet my support for Harmeet Dhillon to replace Pam Bondi for $1,000
Promote yourself.....Oh go on then! If its charmingly idiosyncratic chin-stroking philosophising you're after (with an occasional side-order of rock music) then check out my Slouching Towards Bethlehem Substack: https://grahamcunningham.substack.com/ "Reflections on the Spirit of the Age....the political underpinnings of our 21st c. Zeitgeist; the rise of its 'Social Justice' religion and victimhood cults. Plus occasional posts on more cheery stuff."
A shot well taken!
And thanks Ben for the opportunity.
I would have snubbed this advice when I was younger, but there's a good case for getting a job outside of publishing and doing writing in your free time. You may not get the clout of calling yourself a full-time writer, but you'll avoid much of the unglamorous and middlingly paid work of the publishing industry, and you'll also have something to write about that isn't writing.
"If you are excited to write, prepare to convey your excitement to others."
But not by simply stating that "I'm so excited to ..." I unceremoniously block anyone who begins a piece/note by postulating excitement; it reeks of unoriginality.
How about having something interesting to say and the ability to say it in a fairly entertaining way?
Oh, for sure. Show rather than tell is in this case the key.
Having sent a pitch to him the other day, I found this very timely.