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i'd love to know what an average day for a writer would look like

i haven't seen a lot of information on the daily life of writers ! i'd love to know what an average day would look like.

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Louis’s Answer

Hi Krystal,

The day in the life of a writer can vary depending on: the type of work they do, the clients they work for, and the industry they are in. As a freelance screenwriter who also writes copy for online marketing and feature publications, a day of work is spent (more or less) "glued" to my computer. Since I am a freelancer, I don't spend everyday doing or writing the same material. In fact, depending on the assignment, I am in a totally different head space.

When I am writing a screenplay, I'll usually rush to complete my morning routine and other necessary tasks for the day so I can spend as much time letting my ideas flow, putting them on paper (via the keyboard), and take short breaks throughout the day when I know my mind needs a minor reset. Many, many, many, writers can tell you about the difficulty in resisting the urge to not write and just forfeit themselves to "Writer's Block." This is why short breaks, and even walking away to do something non creative, helps keep the mind fresh. (As a matter of fact, I am writing this response while on a break).

When assigned an article to write for a client, I know I don't have the luxury of taking my sweet time, and make the assignment my top priority (kind of like completing an essay that is due the next day). This process is a little more fast paced, but still requires effort. I am researching, taking handwritten notes, and formulating my drafts almost simultaneously. Once I feel i've gathered enough information, then I write a proper formal draft and begin revisions. Sometimes the whole process can take hours, and longer than expected, but I never miss a deadline.

Now sure, the day-to-day of a writer may not be glamorous. But I look at it like this: professional writing allow you to get paid to let your imagination and creativity free all-day. If it is something you are passionate about, you wont mind doing the mental labor. Plus, in my case, I am passionate about a lot of hobbies and activities that are away from my computer; so you can live a nice balanced life as a writer too.

Best of luck to you!
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Tamara’s Answer

Many people write on a professional level, despite a great variance in backgrounds. Despite this, these types of folks aren't only writing as a way or means to make a living, but to supplement their experience and income. A writer, who only writes, can experience highs and lows due to the market fluctuating and as such, isn't a job for everyone. Many writers are said to smoke and perhaps even have a greater propensity for alcoholism. There are so many stereotypes and if someone avoids this, they too can create a new stereotype somehow because it's just always scrutinized.

Also, this type of work comes with greater respect for the human experience and as such, all the woes as well. Be sure to take care of your mental health and surround yourself with books and inspiration to keep going without falling into a desperate lifestyle or so-called "writer's block," keen budgeting to withstand financial lows and plenty of time to prepare your meals because the budget is slim at times. Despite all the downsides, it's a worthwhile journey that many good people undertake in favor of doing something "good" or even enjoyable.

All this considered, I'm assuming you have an inkling to write, and wonder how it's all possible. Look for ways of contributing with even internships and this may prove to give a better view or taste of what to expect since no two writing jobs will ever likely be the same.

Tamara recommends the following next steps:

Prepare yourself to make a lifestyle change
Do lots of research about potential areas of interest to work on
Take some time for soul-searching to see if you can work to a greater purpose, such as with journalism or even advocacy
Let go of doubts and fears when it comes to financial confusion and manipulation
Hope for finding like-minded people to work with and seek networking opportunity
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Nik’s Answer

Hello, Krystal. I am a writer for a public relations company. My days involve writing articles for our clients, which typically take one of three forms. They are either feature articles, which explain all of the wonderful things that the client is doing, journalistic articles, which report on a topic and use quotes from the client to explain the topic, or guest articles, which present a topic as if the client was writing it. Sometimes the writing involves interviewing the client to get some information, but more often involves doing a lot of research. I often use generative AI programs like ChatGPT to assist me in my research. Once a draft of an article is complete is reviewed by my managing editor, the client, and the outlet, any or all of which may request edits.
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Nancie’s Answer

When I am working on a book, I get up very early - about 6 - or so and get a cup of tea and write for at least 3 hours. May then take a break, shower, walk the dog or do what I need to do for a short time and then write again until 2 or so. I may eat lunch at my desk, or have a protein shake. Drink water while writing and do not do anything with social media or answer emails.Too distracting.
I may proof read what I have written later that afternoon, or not, depending on how writing is going.
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