How do you know if/when it's going to work out for you to make your living as a full-time writer?  That's a question many people ask and sometimes, are very unrealistic and impractical with their answers. One wonders what it must have been like in the days when wealthy patrons selected artists and authors to sponsor.  Then again, did
these sponsorships come with no strings attached or were the poets expected to write a poem for the patron's birthday?  Were the artists supposed to create works of art that matched the color scheme of the patron's mansion?

Today, artists must piece together their income and support themselves with day jobs, a spouse or partner who believes in and provides for them, and/or grants.  These things keep them afloat while they struggle to find their voice, get published, and become astute enough at creating something topical.

Put pen to paper when you are considering cutting off a source of income to buy more writing time.  Figure out your expenses (be sure to include the cost of individual health insurance) and then double the amount you think you will need.  Also double the amount of time you think it will take for you to equal or exceed your current level of income.

Ask yourself if there is some type of work that you could do at home and have a flexible schedule that allowed you to write more. Consider that with 250,000 books published in the United States last year, the competition for readers' time and attention is fierce.  This means that the time and effort it takes to win their hearts has doubled and tripled.

All we're saying is: have your dreams but be realistic about price you will pay to achieve them.  Buying writing time is an expensive proposition.  If you are serious about it and you and your family are willing to make sacrifices, being a full-time writer is one of the most fulfilling careers you could ever choose.

Remember, life is your page.