Most writers know this
sad truth: it’s hard to make a living. Many of us work other jobs to support
our writing, at least when we are starting out. But which jobs are best for
writers? Writer Abroad has complied a short list of jobs that may improve your
writing, along with successful authors who have done them.
ESL Teacher
How better to
understand the English language than to try to explain it to others? Teach
English to non-native speakers and you’ll also discover a new world of
characters and cultural understanding.
Successful author
example: Peter Hessler
Hairdresser
No one hears more of
life’s little stories than a hairdresser. Become a one and you’ll
probably also become a better storyteller.
Successful author
example: Deborah Rodriguez
Expat at Large
Take any job or maybe
no job at all, but do it in an entirely different country. Your old world will
become clearer to describe and you’ll have a brand new one open to you
as well.
Successful author:
Janet Skeslien Charles
Copywriter
Take a complicated
business problem and solve it with a one liner that entertains. Oh, and do it
in an hour, please. Become a copywriter and you’ll write succinctly and be able
to handle deadline pressure.
Successful author
example: Augusten Burroughs
Bookseller
No writer knows what
other writers are publishing these days more than a bookseller. Become one and
you’ll know the trends and markets that are important for writers today.
Successful author
example: Diccon Bewes
I would prefer copywriting.I'm not quite sure how much you could earn but it would be satisfying.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post! I often daydream about jobs that would help me as a writer. I worked for a police department before coming to Switzerland -- I think a cop gets to see a pretty full spectrum of human existence, and their whole day is spent interviewing people and piecing together what happened and then writing it up. Strangely I can't think of any authors who have this background, though.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could earn a living via publishing my casual diary journals! Lol!
ReplyDeleteI agree a hairdresser does come across people of all ages and social statuses. But one has to have the ability to retell the source story in an interesting manner.
ReplyDeleteThese jobs really seem to be a great support to be a writer.
ReplyDeleteCopywriter and ESL Teacher is a more likely job to be a better writer.
ReplyDeleteA cop must be a great thing for a writer to be! I can't think of an example off the top of my head either though.
ReplyDeleteThis jobs are really worth because they make us a good writer too.
ReplyDeleteYes, as you said it is hard to make a living. I love writing and I try my best to do what I love but unfortunately there are no much opportunities to stand along with writing nowadays. This post is really impressive for writers like me…
ReplyDeleteChantal,
ReplyDeleteOne might include the opportunities of teaching online. Of course, one needs a graduate degree to teach at the college level. While living abroad, I teach English Composition online at two different US colleges. It supports my writing, involves me in the academic and writing communities, and improves my writing at every step. It helped provide opportunities to give readings at many colleges for my book "Body of a Dancer," which had a successful release. Plus, the position seems to help with the great reception of my book, giving me an authority within the field. Online teaching is a great option for all writers!
Thanks for your blog, as ever, and your work on behalf of writers abroad.
Renee
I heard, Korea and Thailand famous for ESL Teaching. Have lots of chances
ReplyDeleteI think you can earn money from Copywriter works.
ReplyDelete