What is life really like as an author?

Asking this question is like asking, “What is life like as a human being?” First, we need to distinguish whether we are talking about life as a writer or as an author.

Life as a writer is one filled with books, research, deep thinking, lots of alone time and lots of writing. Life as an author will depend on what kind of author you are. Did you have someone else write the book for you? Do you have a team who promotes you and the book? Did you co-author a book with someone else? Do you show up for your book like a great parent shows up for their child? Or are you an author who is constantly in writing mode and avoiding the marketing and selling of your book?

You see all of the above will influence what it is like being an author. The truth is, most writers who are authors, and authors who are writers live on less than £7000 per annum. Yep, many struggle to get by. They struggle to pay bills, struggle to cover the basics in life such as food and clothing. Which is why it is imperative you manage your time between promoting the books, as well as writing.

There are also different factors such as whether you are published by a major publishing house or self published. If you are writing (read working) for the publishing house, then they will be dictating deadlines, publicity, and making sure you are paid.

The difference in genre will also impact your life as an author, and your level of success. If you are writing a personal development book or love story you are more likely to sell more books sales and gain publicity.

When it comes to the levels of happiness, adventure and socialising of an author, that will come down to you as an individual. Are you happy writing? Do you make time for life, or do you make time to write? Are you business minded or do you run from the business side of things? Are you working a day job and writing in the evening?

How are you living life now, and how do you want to live life moving forward? If you want some help clarifying what you want your life to look like as an author, then consider investing in Modules 2 and 5 of my 7-Week Author Course where you get to crystalise your vision and understand what it is to live and love life your way!