Emma: So, what's your stroke?Ian: Sorry, my what?
Emma: Waiter stroke actress? Waiter stroke model? Waiter stroke writer?
Ian: Well, I'm a comedian.
Emma: Oh, we could use a comedian. We all like to laugh, I know I used to.
In the novel ONE DAY by David Nicholls, the question is posed "what is your stroke?" Basically, what is it that you do to pay the rent? And what are you pursuing or what is your dream?
I live in NYC and therefore everyone I know has "a stroke". Caterer stroke actress. Bartender stroke model. Office Manager stroke screenwriter.
I, myself, am a Nanny stroke Children's Writer.
The thing about writing is that even once a writer finds themselves published they still have to find other ways to pay the bills. A Picture Book usually only gives a $5000 advance. Subtract the agent fees and other promotional fees (curriculum guides, freebies, etc) and you are looking at a $2000 take home. But we don't do this for the money, do we? I know I don't!
So, Writers Weigh In...what is your stroke? I am curious...as I know others probably are. :)
I don't have a stroke! I am a writer and mom - both of which I love - lucky enough to be married to someone who can pay the bills that picture book writing doesn't cover :)
ReplyDeleteYou are lucky, Susanna! However, you could say that you are a mom stroke picture book writer. Although I wouldn't want to indicate that being a mom is a job...but isn't it? :)
DeleteI am a professionally trained 'crayon advocator' abc easy as 123 specialist, and an 'implementor of the raising your hand method' STROKE children's writer
ReplyDeleteIn that case, I am a "two-year old meltdown diffuser and dirty diaper changer" stroke writer. :)
DeleteI am a mom stroke picture book writer (one who wishes her advance was as much as $5000!) stroke distance runner. Most days the writing seems more achievable than the running!
ReplyDeleteI hear ya on the running, Amy! I cannot believe that I am supposed to run 26.2 in November. Writing a NY Times Bestseller seems much more do-able today. :)
DeleteI, too, am a Mom stroke Children's writer... Seems silly sometimes, because I hear "Oh, you're *just* a mom?" GRR! NO!
ReplyDeleteBut luckily, I have a hubby who gives me the gift of both my wonderful jobs.
Bethany, there is no such thing as JUST a mom. As a nanny, I do what you do but get paid for it. It is a job!!!
DeleteGlad you can pursue two dreams at once. :)
Mom/writer/illustrator/designer/any-pt-job-that-let's-me-stay-home-when-kids-are-out
ReplyDeleteThat's a lot of slashes there, Julie! You go, girl!
DeleteInteractive history presenter (teaching 300 children a week)/sock monkey making workshop leader/writer and artist.
ReplyDeleteI love the slash!
I frequently use in it conversation:
Example:
Let's go (then I literally say SLASH) are we going to eat before or after the movie?
I used to just make the slash sign in the air, but this is more fun :)
Children's writer stroke substitute teacher. Yes, even though I'm "in-the-know" about how those cute little kiddos try to pull the wool over the substitute teacher's eyes.... I'm going to jump in there this fall. I taught school 26 years, so I have some pretty good instincts about what is "wool" and what is not. I miss my teaching buddies....so here I go. Oh....and the money will definitely be useful. It will give me less writing time, but possibly pay for some conferences :•)
ReplyDelete