You are an amazing writer and source of inspiration, Dascha. I love your stories and your art. But it sounds like you are doing the right thing. Take care of your mental health. I had to scale my publishing schedule back a bit as well and it was the right decision for my own mental health.
Self care is vital. Sending hope for another source of sustainable income. A balance of doing what feeds your soul and something that feeds your body. A perception change, an opening of other gifts you have to offer that will maintain not drain. You are one of the most creative people I know. I trust the answer is within. Blessings.
Mar 21, 2023·edited Mar 21, 2023Liked by Dascha Paylor
It is sad but true that creative writing doesn’t pay anywhere near what it should. Only a handful of famous writers live on their fiction writing income alone. Non-fiction newsletters fare far better. After two and a half years, my newsletter only has 12 paid subscribers out of 1050 total subscribers.
I have accepted that writing is simply a creative outlet that earns a little money. But not until I way overcommitted my second year of the newsletter and burned out. So I got rid of paywalls and cut back to a one per week schedule, with nothing extra for paid subscribers. This allowed me to continue the newsletter. But I don’t expect it to ever be more than a hobby. Which is alright. I believe hobbies improve our lives and are vital to our mental health. It is usually when we try to earn money from our creative passions that the joy can disappear and they become work.
I hope you find another, better source of income. I started collecting social security last summer. It is not enough for someone to live on. But I still teach guitar part time and play music. Both of which earn money. And my wife works. So we are doing fine.
I feel for you. I hope that your spark for writing is rekindled and not snuffed out by stress and overwhelm. I hope you also find a sustainable income stream that doesn’t suck the joy and energy out of you. Hugs 🤗
You are an amazing writer and source of inspiration, Dascha. I love your stories and your art. But it sounds like you are doing the right thing. Take care of your mental health. I had to scale my publishing schedule back a bit as well and it was the right decision for my own mental health.
I wish you all the best! 🙏
Self care is vital. Sending hope for another source of sustainable income. A balance of doing what feeds your soul and something that feeds your body. A perception change, an opening of other gifts you have to offer that will maintain not drain. You are one of the most creative people I know. I trust the answer is within. Blessings.
Totally understand, take care of You.
I love that you are committing yourself to self-care. I'm here, always and forever ❤️
It is sad but true that creative writing doesn’t pay anywhere near what it should. Only a handful of famous writers live on their fiction writing income alone. Non-fiction newsletters fare far better. After two and a half years, my newsletter only has 12 paid subscribers out of 1050 total subscribers.
I have accepted that writing is simply a creative outlet that earns a little money. But not until I way overcommitted my second year of the newsletter and burned out. So I got rid of paywalls and cut back to a one per week schedule, with nothing extra for paid subscribers. This allowed me to continue the newsletter. But I don’t expect it to ever be more than a hobby. Which is alright. I believe hobbies improve our lives and are vital to our mental health. It is usually when we try to earn money from our creative passions that the joy can disappear and they become work.
I hope you find another, better source of income. I started collecting social security last summer. It is not enough for someone to live on. But I still teach guitar part time and play music. Both of which earn money. And my wife works. So we are doing fine.
Do what you need to do. I wish you all the best.
I feel for you. I hope that your spark for writing is rekindled and not snuffed out by stress and overwhelm. I hope you also find a sustainable income stream that doesn’t suck the joy and energy out of you. Hugs 🤗