47 and thinking about law instead of writing

[Womanofwords]

I'm 47 and the author of non fiction books. I'm currently in the early stages of writing my 4th and finding it a huge struggle. My advance is £12k but after tax and agents cut etc this will obviously be much less. Plus I get it in 3 installments so it's spread over nearly 2 years. I'm feeling burnt out by the massive task of writing and researching and wondering if it's a mugs game, really.

I am wondering about jacking in the book and giving the same level of time and committment to retraining in law. I'm bright and passionate and think I could pass exams etc. And then after all the work I'd have a qualification and a new career that maybe paid well? Instead of a book that might never sell out it's advance.

What do people think? I feel life is whizzing by and I'm not earning what I should be for someone with a decent brain! I'm sick of being broke. Is law a better investment of my time? If not, all suggestions and advice considered!

Thanks all.

Thanks @CountryCousin very helpful advice. I am a dreamer. I went through a difficult time in my thirties and I made up a story making all those that I felt had wronged me during this time into villains! I suppose it’s revenge fiction I want to achieve knowing I have forever immortalised in a book those that I feel have done me harm (all have different names etc so unrecognisable). A bit psycho I know. I just have to get writing it I use every excuse in the book but I just have to get on with it. I did manage to write 2000 word synopsis on something else for a competition it was not good I used it more of an exercise. I’m just conditioned to only do when I have to for a deadline etc I just need to start implementing my own deadlines. I felt the creative writing degree might give me the kickstart I needed.

I'd be interested to hear from OP as to what she did as well, hopefully it's all turned out fine.

You really don't need to do an MA in Creative Writing in order to write a novel. You need a copy of Save the Cat! (the novel edition, not the screen play edition) which breaks down the structure into really easy to follow sections, a cork board for working out your chapters, and an egg timer to make yourself write for thirty minutes at a time until it's done.

Although if you want to do a Creative Writing MA, you already have the key lifeskill required for writing - chronic procrastination - so crack on.

Also, if you really want to write and help yourself stop procrastinating - what about joining NaNoWriMo. If you join up with buddies, it can make you accountable, and you've got a one month deadline.

@LizTrussed and @Vroomfondleswaistcoat thanks I know you are both correct I just have to do it. I’m sat here saying to myself I’ll just wait til my DC has finished their A levels and then I’ll not take on any new clients for 6 months and I’ll just do it. But…. my DH is making plans for all the DIY he wants help with and then there’s the cooking, cleaning, laundry etc etc. Honestly I know I could do 1 or 2 hours of writing a day but I am lazy and I admit to that. However, I will heed your advice and look into what you have recommended. OP hope your novel is going well.

Hi @CountryCousin and thanks for reminding me of this thread! No, I didn't come to a decision really, although this thread was helpful in terms of probably ruling out retraining in law. I'm currently working on a non fiction book for a major publisher and after that I don't know what I am going to do, basically! I am not making enough anywhere near enough money out of writing. I'm not in a very good place about it all, funny you should message today because I'm feeling particularly despondent :-( But not really sure what to do. Basically I have to finish this book before I can do anything else, because I'm contractually obliged to. xxx

@Womanofwords may I ask how you got started with the non-fiction books? I had a project with an agent a few years ago but it got dropped. I'd like to revisit - although it would have to be around my day job - but would be in a similar field. I'd be looking for a different agent. Did you approach an agent/publisher or did they recruit you? As you say - it's such a big project with so little reward!

@Acinonyx2 I did a lot of blogging, then freelance journalism, and social media, and kind of built up my name and reputation around my topic. These days I would recommend substack as a way to start experimenting with your chosen topic and hone your writing. But if you have a clear book proposal, you can approach agents with that? They usually like it if you have built up a following around your topic eg instagram. BUT that's not essential. Good luck! x

Thanks yes - I did a lot of blogging partly for that reason but dropped it. Really must get that going again.