You hear the term “work-life balance” in a lot of work environments. I think about it often in terms of the “work-write balance,” because my life revolves so heavily around writing when my other obligations are minimal. Unfortunately, that isn’t very often. In addition to working nearly full-time and being the mother of a toddler, I am also a full-time student. When the semester begins, something has to give, and it is, without question or hesitation, my writing.

For me, the key to the “work-write balance” is finding other ways to incorporate writing into my life when life doesn’t seem to be able to accommodate it. For example, I’m taking a class about business organization, and the question was raised today: what is the best candidate for a sole proprietorship? A writer, of course! Writing is a very self-contained, low-risk, low interaction career. There are a lot of sole proprietors out there who really ought to be operating as LLCs at the minimum, but writers, I was happy to learn, are truly good candidates for this sort of business enterprise. And writing really is a business, so it’s important to have an understanding of how to operate it as one.

I’m also fascinated with the intellectual property aspect of writing, but this particular course does not cover that information, at least not in depth. I will, at some point, delve into the manner in which writers should protect their work, including whether copyrighting one’s work is necessary. (I’m inclined to believe that it is not.)

As a writer, my craft is always on my mind, whether or not I can contribute the time and effort to the fun, creative part of it. Ultimately, although I am not able to spend my precious hours in creative genius mode, that doesn’t mean I can’t incorporate (get it?) writing into my other daily activities.

5 thoughts on “the business of writing

  1. I like this term “work-write balance” I think it’s difficult, but man, you’re working full time, a mother, and a full time student??!! I’ll think twice the next time I think “I worked today and don’t feel like writing”

    Really like how you kind of integrate your writing in other aspects in your life . . . like the business class. Hope you find more time for writing! Good luck 🙂

    1. Anthony, thank you for the kind words! Yes, it is a LOT of work, but I know it will be worth it in the end. I try very hard to make SOME time for writing, but it is almost impossible while I’m in school. It definitely puts writing time into perspective as a privilege!!!

  2. Yes, writing often has to take the back seat, or rather sit in the back of the mind. But as long as it’s always there, not left by the side of the road, you’re doing well. And with all your other commitments, you have my full admiration!

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