Is a career in creative writing usually a successful field to depend on financial security or should I direct my energy toward another more promising career and practice creative writing on the side?

Hi Madeline,

If you are truly passionate about being a writer then you should definitely explore that. However if your interest in writing is more of a hobby, then you should pursue the career field that you passionate about but still write your stories. Being a writer, or any career of the Arts is a labor of love. You may produce multiple pieces without receiving any compensation before you write your best selling book, screenplay or award winning short story.

If writing is your passion, I would suggest finding a job that you don't mind doing to earn money until you are able to generate income from your writing.

Hi Madeline,

Pamela's answer is great, and it's what I did. I'm financially stable, and I'm self-publishing books, all of which is wonderful. But I have some counter-advice.

I worked for many years at a variety of jobs while I halfway wrote on the side. I couldn't find a job that didn't frustrate me. None of them were the creative writing I wanted to do, and they left me unfulfilled.

When I finally took some time off and jumped into writing, I wished I'd started doing it way sooner.

So my advice is in two parts:

1. Start making time to write now. You don't have to write a lot, and you don't have to write every day. Write when you can, when you're inspired, however much works for you. Don't put it off.
2. Explore, explore, explore to find creative jobs. They're out there. They'll help you feel fulfilled. They'll help invigorate you to write more and do what you love.

Go after it.