Last time I posted, I'd been unemployed for eight months and was severely depressed, doubting my ability and - well, I was wallowing in (deserved, I think) self-pity. I was two weeks away from being evicted.
I thought, "Okay, lots of crap has happened this year - so what actions am I going to take to get out of this rut?"
And wouldn't you know... A man I've known for years, one of the top sustainable planning consultants in the world (really), hired me to bring more evocative language into his plans (and other writing-related things)
Suddenly, I was (am) on four projects and working nearly around the clock. At $75/hour (before 30% tax), I billed $12,000 between August 15th and September 18th. I have no expectation of being able to continue this income (only a hope
).
The points, aside from 1) bragging and 2) reiterating "you never know what's around the corner," is that my writing is highly specialized and incorporates every other skill I have (environmental research, community psychology, theatre). There are approximately 500 applied/strategic storytellers in the world, and as far as we know, I'm the first to work specifically in sustainable community development. While we all grasp at whatever writing will pay, the more of a niche you have, the more full-time or contract opportunities you'll have. This is my second time working full-time in a creative writing position. The other one paid $67K + benefits.
I'm not editing my WNIP or my short stories and essays... but if he continues to contract me, I'll be able to make enough in three days a week to spend two days writing. And spending more time on AW
W00t!!
Sarah
p.s. I've always wanted to beat Chris
I thought, "Okay, lots of crap has happened this year - so what actions am I going to take to get out of this rut?"
And wouldn't you know... A man I've known for years, one of the top sustainable planning consultants in the world (really), hired me to bring more evocative language into his plans (and other writing-related things)
Suddenly, I was (am) on four projects and working nearly around the clock. At $75/hour (before 30% tax), I billed $12,000 between August 15th and September 18th. I have no expectation of being able to continue this income (only a hope
).The points, aside from 1) bragging and 2) reiterating "you never know what's around the corner," is that my writing is highly specialized and incorporates every other skill I have (environmental research, community psychology, theatre). There are approximately 500 applied/strategic storytellers in the world, and as far as we know, I'm the first to work specifically in sustainable community development. While we all grasp at whatever writing will pay, the more of a niche you have, the more full-time or contract opportunities you'll have. This is my second time working full-time in a creative writing position. The other one paid $67K + benefits.
I'm not editing my WNIP or my short stories and essays... but if he continues to contract me, I'll be able to make enough in three days a week to spend two days writing. And spending more time on AW
W00t!!
Sarah
p.s. I've always wanted to beat Chris
