So… you’re ready for the big-time. You’re a writer, and the writing is almost paying the bills. Hurray!

Now, how do you balance your life so that you can make the jump to writing full-time? How do you manage your time? How do you keep your artistic side from accusing you of selling out? The Writing Excuses Crew answers these questions and more, as we explore the business side of writing.

Also if you listen closely you’ll hear Smart Howard somewhere in this podcast. We think he’s like Howard’s evil twin.

And this week from Tor, The SFWA European Hall of Fame

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Transcript

As transcribed by Mike Barker

Writing Excuses #11: The Business of Writing

from http://www.writingexcuses.com/

There will be several podcasts about the business of writing, this one is an introduction to being a business person as a writer.

What changes when you become a professional?

1. have to rethink your schedule. The first thought is that now you can do the work anytime. No. You have to set yourself a schedule.
2.  you need to be motivated — self-motivated.
3. I like games, but I had to cut way back on them. You’re the employer and the employee — boss yourself.
4. When I started, I wrote for fun. Then I realized that I had to think that this is a job.
5. Pro is as Pro does. Examples posting a web comic every day, writing a book every year.
6. Have to teach the family your rules. I may be in my office, but the door is closed so I am not there.

You have to be some percentage of business and some percentage artist. How you handle that balance?

1. I break down my work. Some takes Smart Howard, like scripting and penciling. Other is for Dumb Howard, who can chop wood or carry water.
2. I think you have to add as much business as you can without losing any artist.
3. COW: that’s what we call a 10 year overnight success.

How do you make yourself work when you don’t want to?

1. I queue up tasks.
2. I have lots of different tasks, other things to do. There’s lots on the burner.
3. I force myself to write, but then throw it away.
4. BICHOK: Butt in chair, hands on keyboard

[skip lightly past merchandise discussion]
COW: write what’s in your heart? When does the artist override the business.

Business person needs to focus on and be aware of business. Competition, editors, etc.

Final Words: What advice do you have for someone going from artist to pro?

1. Talk it over with your spouse or significant other.
2. Chase your passion.
3. Learn the business. It is not just an art.

And that’s #11. Next up, a real live editor joins the panel!