by Michelle Monkou
(From the September 2004 issue of the Update.)
(“TOUGH LOVE for Authors” is my bi-monthly article that will tell it like it is! So far, I’ve spent more years as an aspiring author than as a published author. The two points of view give me a unique perspective that I want to share in the hopes that many more aspiring authors can gain the title—published, while also providing insight for the newly published authors.)
The classic stereotype of a romance writer paints a cozy picture of a woman typing her stories at home during the day. Only a small percentage of aspiring and new authors have it so good, while a larger percentage of veteran, best selling authors have become full time writers.
The majority of writers have to hold down a full time job, especially when living in the bigger, expensive cities. Although I don’t have the luxury of a full time writing career, I have something that is equally important. I am 100 percent committed to my writing. This is why I am a full time writer.
I have 24 hours in a day: 12 hours are taken up with dressing, work and commuting; 2 hours are spent on assisting my kids with their homework; 1 hour is spent chauffeuring my daughter to gymnastics; and 1 hour is used for dinner preparation and eating. 8 hours remain in my day, and I haven’t even taken any time out for sleeping. This means that I write for about 3 hours every day before I crash.
Since I only have a short block of time, I have to treat it with respect. I can’t answer the phone. I can’t get on the Internet and surf. I can’t catch up on the latest reality show. I can’t go to the mall with my girlfriends, just for the heck of it. I can’t bring work from my day job home to be done at night. Those 3 hours are valuable and precious. I guard them with a protectiveness that may label me as anti-social, introverted, stand-offish. On the weekend, I write 6-8 hours on Saturday and Sunday. This is why I am a full time writer.
I listen to my peers complain about finding the time to write. I hear empty promises about next week, she will start writing every day. The most humorous tidbit is listening to a writer talk about the top television shows. Nice that she has time to support a fellow of the arts when she hasn’t made it to the finishing line because her Chapter 6 still has a sagging middle the size of the Grand Canyon.
When you decide that you want to be an author, you have to take that determined step forward. You can’t write a little, otherwise, you’ll either be a one book wonder or won’t make it past the forbidding odds toward being published. You’ve heard the saying, you can’t be a little bit pregnant. You either are or aren’t. Take the same advice for writing. You either are or aren’t a writer. Whatever you decide to make as a writing goal, stick with it.
Do whatever it takes to get you in the zone to maintain discipline. Motivational tapes may help. Reading a biography of a successful writer or actor before you sit down to write may work. Surrounding yourself with positive influences also can provide an intangible boost.
Do I take vacations? Of course. After I finish a project, I stop to smell the roses. Then I get back into the zone and start working again.
Respect the craft. Maintain discipline. Become a full time writer.
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Creating a special mix of a cowboy, city girl, stalker, and Kwanzaa, Michelle Monkou’s fourth title, Making Promises, a BET Books Holiday feature, will be on shelves in October 2004.
