Danielle Said:

Any advice from fellow writers on how to be a writer and a student while also holding a full time job?

We Answered:

I have exactly this problem, except I'm a few years down the track from where you are. If possible, try to get a job where you use your writing skills on a daily basis (eg. in journalism, marketing or communications). Even though it's going to be non-fiction writing, your technical skills will be exercised as well as your creativity (albeit a different form of creativity).

It is very difficult to balance work-life and writing because it is such a taxing and time-consuming pursuit. Depending on your style, you may need seclusion from others, which may require early rising to gain time to yourself. There are many things you can sacrifice to gain yourself some writing time (eg. complicated cooking, cleaning, yard, exercise, working late, hanging out with friends, watching TV, going to the movies, reading, social networking etc.), but some of those things are so important to life that it becomes very challenging to balance.

You may need to consider some form of working from home arrangement, so that you have more control over your time/money and less travelling around. If you're anything like me, grabbing half an hour here or there to write is not very efficient as you need an hour or two before you can really get 'on a roll'. I really haven't solved this issue for myself, but I do believe that your lifestyle and your choices in life are under your control. You just have to factor in your desire to write whenever you make other lifestyle choices. Having a supportive family is very important so make sure you talk to them about it as well.

Terry Said:

Full-Time writing job without a college degree?

We Answered:

Entry level writers, even those with 4 year degrees, generally don't make much more than fast food, at least in the beginning.

Do this, work 2 or 3 jobs, just fill your days with work, save every dime you make and be ready to hit the books in September.

Working crappy little jobs will give you the impetus to go back to school and graduate.

good luck to you in your future.

Nelson Said:

Writing Full Time?

We Answered:

My freelance writing started with :30 commercial spots for small local radio stations in North Carolina, to writing for my employer's newsletter. I started to submit my writings to magazines as articles (specialized for individual targeted readers). I write any and everything. I am currently conducting feasibility research, trying to launch a magazine in my area. Good luck to you with that dream.