-Have a day job and write when we can find time.
-Inherit a lot of money (this was the one she recommended).
-Marry someone who will work and let us write.
-Move to a country with fabulous government assistance.
-Seek a grant for support.
-Manage to sell enough of your work to make a living.
Sadly, that last... is less than 10% of writers, and the one before it tends to be MFAs who've won some sort of award. And the 3rd from the end... I think leaves Scotland... though I may be misatttibuting (Mark, don't they pay you to not work?)... Work full time, inherit, or marry...
Add family.
And suddenly you have a full time job in addition to your other stuff and the writing...
So those of us who didn't MANAGE to inherit... who didn't marry money (or at least a good job) and then decide to have a family... THIS would be an inconguent path... Working full time, writing full time and family full time is more than a person can manage. Something has to give.
Now in my OWN life... I tried my first hand at a novel when I was 26, before the family. But then career took over and kids came, and it was more than 10 years before I got back to it.
That is to say... not taking a path doesn't mean you can't find it again... it just can take more patience and... perhaps a delusional sense of dreamery... to come back when it might work again...
Imagine, then, how much harder it would be if your passion wasn't writing, but MUSIC (any performance art, really)--I mean sure, you could sneak the time to practice and write songs, but that part where writers are sending out stuff for feedback... you would need to be OUT THERE, performing... and there are only so many daytime gigs, and only so many options in your home town... this is a nighttime, traveling profession to pursue...
Now I don't have experience as a performer, but I have worked in the restaurant industry. My daughter was born when I was doing that, and night work and kids are NOT compatible. The hours are only the half of it. There is also a lot of drinking and a fair amount of drug use—and if it happens in restaurants, you KNOW how much more that is part of music.
Our blogging friend Jessica has just created a book trailer for her book that hits on exactly these themes (the book AND the trailer)... the decision to mother, when what one really feels passionate about is a career in music... the trailer is a song performed (beautifully) by Jessica, the original song written by her mother, and the lyrics changed some to fit the book. It is a haunting, beautifully performed song. Give it a listen then go get more details from Jessica's blog..
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And on an unrelated note, if anyone is interested in reading my full excerpt from the ABNA contest, they are posted. Kahlotus Disposal Site I would LOVE reviews that help me improve the work. At this level, I understand these don't do anything that helps us advance in the contest, so don't feel pressured, but if you have time... (the helpful part doesn't come until final round, and at THAT point, I'd prefer glowing reviews *shifty*)
