What's a Writer to Do in This Economy?

The other day I was in my car, flipping stations on the radio. I turned on one of the classical stations that I like to relax to. Unfortunately for me they were talking and not playing music. The conversation was about how the publishing industry is taking a hit in this economy, how sales and signing on new writers is at an all time low. This was the last thing I needed to hear.

The skills I have are little. They are artistic and academic. Academic in the sense that I like to teach Creative Writing to adults in a continuing education program here on Long Island. I only get paid if people sign up for my five week course and I get to teach. I am also looking for instructing jobs at local colleges,but being that I never finished my thesis I haven't found one college interested. I also enjoy learning and doing research. Artistic in that I am a writer and very into the arts and arts and crafts. My skills so far are not profitable.

Where does that leave me? It leaves me, and other writers, trying to get our names out there in a market that doesn't seem to want to budge.

I am thankful for Associated Content because it allows me to write about whatever comes to mind, and to read other talented writers out there (and trust me-you guys and gals are super-talented!). I am thankful to those of you who actually do read my work and give me feedback, whether it's positive or negative. I am thankful to my writing group that meets once a month at Barnes and Nobles. They help me fine tune what skills I've got, and I often learn things that I never knew about. I also enjoy reading and listening to other writers in the group read their work, and talk. We engage in all sorts of conversation. In this group, we are all at different levels of the writing process, but very supportive of each other. I am also thankful for family and friends, who keep supporting and pushing me forward.

Unfortunately, this being what I'm good at I'm finding it troublesome getting work. I believe in doing a job that makes you happy. That is what we learned in high school. You should do what makes you happy, because if you don't it will affect your whole life in a negative way! Your family and friends will suffer! This has happened to quite a few of my friends. One friend got so fed up at work that she often took it out on her husband, not realizing that it was her boss and the kind of work she was doing that was making her miserable. Thus, she quit her job and is now going back to school and will be doing something she enjoys; and she is happy and her home life has turned around greatly.

I am happy writing and teaching. I am looking for an instructing job in either writing or in literature. I can also teach history. I also currently have a query in with a publisher in Minnesota about my book of poetry. I also am looking for freelance proofreading and writing jobs. I leave my card in various places...no business as of yet.

The economy is in a slump and so am I. With no income, it is literally hard to go out and network and meet up people. Teachers, doctors, policemen, firemen, and writers should be wealthy or well to do. Teachers take care of your children for eight hours a day, as well as teach them things to succeed in the world when they graduate high school. College professors inspire and help you learn skills to do your job effectively. Doctors (including psychologists and psychiatrists) help you live and maintain your life, keep you as healthy as possible. Policemen and firemen protect you in all sorts incidents. Writers help you see the world in different lights, inspire, and teach. There are more to this list obviously...

My advice to everyone is to keep writing and keep getting your material out there! We've just got to keep trying. Someone, somewhere will publish you, and for pay. I really don't write because of the potential income I could make. I write because I enjoy it. I enjoy the fact that I could be inspiring someone else to write. I enjoy the fact that I could be inspiring someone. I write because I enjoy writing! I enjoy the whole process. However, I do need an income in this, for lack of a better word, icky economy.