Fishing for Work in Multiple Streams
There isn't one way to do it, but be aware of where your work and your income is coming from.
Today, I’m producing a podcast, writing an article for an online pub, and pitching a book. They all involve writing—the core and cornerstone of my business and my life. But dang are they different forms, for radically different audiences.
And that’s a good thing because having diverse projects is not only interesting, but it’s good for the bottom line.
Multiple Sources of Income
I receive quarterly royalties from podcast ad sales and my book sales—don’t get excited, the last one was $1.38. I get paid for the magazine and site articles I write, usually within weeks. The corporate writing I do pays within about 30 days. Speaking gigs pay on-the-spot.
But I don't always have a speaking gig. Sometimes the corporate checks don’t come on time. On occasion, my contacting editor will leave which means no assignments. The work and the income fluctuate. But usually not all at once.
With multiple writing assignments across different industries, I also have multiple income streams, which helps when one goes dry.
All the Eggs
That doesn’t mean I haven’t done all-the-eggs-in-one-basket thing. I have. When I work with good people doing good things, I will go all in. There is a risk to that because inevitably they’ll sell or move on. Something will change and take my income with it.
But, when you are aware of the possible risks, and you have at least a loose backup, hustle-if-you-need-to plan in mind, it can feel good to have this kind of singular focus.
The important thing is to take a look at where your assignments and your income are coming from. Then decide if that is the work you want to do. Is this area where you want to put your writing focus? Is it enough for you as a writer and for you as a person who needs and deserves a living wage? Are you curious about other things? For example, maybe you’re like me, a nonfiction writer who is also curious about writing a novel and writing for broadcast.
Then you will be clear on whether you want to expand your writing work and your income streams or focus on what you care about most that can also pay the bills.
What’s in the Desk?
On the Simp;y Write w/Polly podcast, we talk about writing craft and crafting a writer’s life. My favorite segment of the show is called What’s In the Desk? This is when the authors I’m interviewing share their favorite pens, trinkets, and tools they like to have around them when they write and I discuss my favorites too.
So, what’s in my desk today?
Minimalism Art A5 Softcover, black, grid rule. I reached out to the company to figure the grams per square meter and all that jazz, but never heard back. Still, I bought this baby years ago online and just cracked it. The paper is smooth, with a little tooth for my fountain pens. Feels soft and substantial in my hand, and lays flat. Using it for my Morning Pages this Autumn.
What’s in your desk—or on your desk? What do you like to have around when you write? Drop me a comment or note or shoot me a pic and I will include it in an upcoming newsletter.
Worth a Read
Interview by Jami Attenberg with Maria Semple
I’ve been writing about Writer’s Envy—yep, it’s a real thing, at least for me and many others—tune in to the Simply Write episode, Monday, Nov. 13, for more on it.
Anywho, while researching that, I came across this great 2016 Literary Hub interview that was fun and interesting and made me feel less alone as a writer because they shared some of the things I’m thinking about.
Check it out here: https://lithub.com/on-envy-the-internet-and-diana-ross/
Worth a Listen
Slate’s podcast Working features interviews with creative people about their work and process. The hosts Karen Han, June Thomas, and Isaac Butler—all writers and creative professionals—ask terrific, thought-provoking questions that illuminate the creative process.
Butler’s recent interveiw with choreographer, and director Raja Feather Kelly is fascinating and a testament to process and hard work.
All writers will envy other writers, other writing. No one who reads is immune. To write despite it I must implicate myself, to confess to myself, silently or on the page, that I am envious.
—Sarah Manguso
Now, sit down and Simply Write.
-p
