You might remember not so long ago I wrote a post called Am I A Writer? The Debate. I won’t rehash the full post here but the gist of it was me debating when I would feel comfortable calling myself a writer. Seriously, if you haven’t read it, have a look now (this post will make a lot more sense if you do).
The end result was that I would feel comfortable calling myself a writer when I was writing full time.
Which leads me on to my exciting news – last Thursday was my last shift at my “real” job and I am now officially a full time writer.
So, if anyone asks what I do for a living now, I’m really left with no choice than to say I’m a writer.
People’s reaction to me telling them I was leaving a stable job to write actually surprised me. I was expecting a negative response – a scoff, a laugh, disbelief, people telling me it’s not a real job.
But you know what? It wasn’t like that at all.
Everyone was really positive about it. They asked questions, but they didn’t seem to be questioning the decision, more that they were showing an interest. As I hate talking about myself, this was kind of awkward, but I muddled through it. I even got brave and told people I have my own books out on Amazon.
I’ve always had a far away dream of writing for a living, but until started this blog, I never really believed it was possible. Before the blog, I thought there was two ways to write for a living – get a publishing deal with one of the big five or be a journalist.
Journalism doesn’t really appeal to me, and getting a deal with a big five publisher as an unknown author is about as likely as winning the lottery. So I wrote the idea off as a dream.
And then I started blogging, and it was like discovering a whole new world.
I discovered self publishing was so much more than fan fiction and appalling grammar (yes, that’s pretty much what I thought it was until I really looked into it). I discovered paid content writing positions, and most importantly for me, I discovered ghost writing.
Ghost writing was something I’d heard of in an abstract sort of way, but I didn’t realise it was something that not only is easy to get into, but is also surprisingly well paid.
So at the risk of sounding rather slushy, starting this blog has truly changed my life.
I am so excited about the next few months – I have enough steady work at the minute (touch wood) to keep me going and earning more than I was in my previous job, but I have a lot of plans to put in place to really grow this and make it happen for real.
I decided a couple of months ago that I wanted to work towards leaving my job to write full time. I planned on doing this next May time, because I wanted to make sure it was sustainable long-term. About a month ago, I was having a conversation with a friend about my plans, and she asked why I was waiting until next year. I gave her my list of reasons.
And three days later, I replayed that conversation in my head. I realised not one of the things I told her were reasons – 
they were excuses I was giving myself for not taking the plunge.
I realised then that if I waited any longer, there was a good chance I would bottle out and never do it.
I firmly believe that we regret the things we don’t do, the chances we don’t take. I handed my resignation in the next day and I won’t be looking back.
As well as ghost writing, leaving my job will also hopefully give me more time to work on my own stuff. I am planning on releasing volume two of Twisted Tales at the end of November, and I have a new novel planned for the first quarter of next year (don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter in the side bar to be kept up to date with new release – no spam I promise). And I might even find the time to market it effectively.
Anyway, that’s enough excited babble from me – wish me luck!
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Good luck! =D
Thank you 🙂
congrats!
Thank you 🙂
That is so exciting, good for you and I can’t wait to read the next book 🙂
Thank you so much 🙂
Wow how exciting! Good luck
Thank you 🙂
Wow, congratulations.
I’ve found that I confuse some people when I say I’m a writer. Some take it too literally; I had one woman who thought I did calligraphy. Another guy thought I could design a logo for his restaurant. And so it goes…
Thank you 🙂 Oh dear, the calligraphy one is brilliant! I guess I’ve got all of this to look forward to haha
Fab news Debbie – wishing you all the best in your new career x
Thank you so much 🙂 x
I was draw to this post by the title, one of my favourite mottos in life, having read the book. A few years ago I was made redundant and I wrote a whole list of things I wanted to achieve. One of those was to have an article published. Bearing in mind I’d never written a thing! LOL. But now I’ve created my own blog, I realise, in a way, I AM achieving it! Well done on taking the plunge and long may you feel the fear and do it anyway! #BloggerClubUK
You are definitely achieving it – every time you publish a post! Thank you 🙂
This is such wonderful news. It can be both scary and exciting moving towards our goals in life. Well done Debbie. It is a big step.
Thank you 🙂 That’s exactly how I feel – excited, but a little scared as well. I think a bit of fear can be a good thing though, it keeps you focussed, and if you don’t feel any fear, it’s probably not something that’s important to you!
Exciting stuff! If I was you I’d be telling everyone from the lady at the bank to the postman that I’m a writer haha it’s an incredible achievement! #bloggerclubuk
Thank you 🙂 Haha, I should probably try to adopt that mind set!
Many, many congratulations!
#BloggerClubUK
Thank you 🙂
Wow congratulations, I would love to do this but like you I have a list of reasons on my head about why now is not quite the right time… and for us its probably not but one day I will take the leap! Good luck, it’s amazing that you are going to be able to do something that you love. #bloggersclubuk
Thank you 🙂 I think you just know when the time is right, and for me it was now. I hope you find the right time for you!
Oh I am thrilled for you! You’ve always been a writer in my eyes anyhow but to get an income from it is the goal isn’t it? Seriously well done lovely! I know little about ghostwriting but may have a little look xx #BloggerClubUK
Thank you so much 🙂 I would definitely recommend it! x
You’re absolutely right, you shouldn’t put things off and I’m glad you went back and saw them as excuses, not reasons. I applaud you. So many people aren’t that brave! Congratulations.
Sally @ Life Loving
Thank you 🙂 I am glad too!
This is amazing news! Well done and this is perfect for you x #blogclubuk
Thanks so much Laura 🙂 x
Gosh, how exciting! Congratulations! #BloggerClubUK
Thank you 🙂
Absolutely wishing you all the luck. It’s all about doing what we love to do and have the guts to do it. It’s success story all the way!
#bloggerclubuk
Thank you 🙂
Hi Debbie,
This is my first visit to your blog – it’s fab. And such a great first post to read! Congratulations on taking the plunge, a friend of mine is doing the same. As a new blogger, I’m also amazed at the sense of opportunity and the whole new world that has opened up.
Good luck and all the very best. ‘See’ you around a lot now I’m sure
Kimberly x
#BloggerClubUK
Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoy the posts. Welcome to the blogosphere, I’m sure we will see other around 🙂
Thank you. I hope it goes well for your friend x
This is fantastic! Well done! Such a brave decision to leave a steady job but if you don’t just go for it you never know what will happen. Much better to try, there is nothing worse than wondering ‘what if?’ because you didn’t try something. Good luck!
#BloggerClubUK
Thank you 🙂 I knew I would regret it if I didn’t do it!
Well done you! Give yourself a huge pat on the back for bravery and confidence! I felt the same when I recently told all my facbook friends about my blogging and launched my FB page. I expected laughter and bitchiness… or just nothing, I suppose and I’m terrified in making a fool of myself, but everyone has been so lovely and supportive. I think people admire your bravery and how many of them are sitting their wishing they could do the same but wouldn’t have the confidence? Well done and good luck!!
I was so surprised at the positive reaction – it was really nice and definitely encouraged me. Thank you 🙂
#bloggerclubuk I meant to add!
Oh my goodness this IS exciting!! Congratulations Debbie it must feel pretty amazing? Good for you, sounds like a whole new adventute ahead! X #BloggerClubUK
Thank you, it really does feel amazing! x
Amazing news. Congratulations 🎉 I really admire you for following your dreams and having the courage to go for it! #BloggerClubUK
Thanks Catie 🙂
Good luck! You will be wonderful and you ARE DEFINITELY a writer!
#bloggerclubUK
Thank you 🙂
Blimey Deb! You’re my inspiration. Well done. I’m in awe. And erm in need of tips as to how you’ve done it! I’m at that crossroads point where I love blogging but need more. Don’t be surprised if you get a message from me lol. Congrats again. Incredible. #bloggerclubuk
Thank you so much 🙂 That’s exactly where I found myself about six months ago. And feel free to message me anytime!
Good luck! How amazing 🙂
#BloggerClubUK
Thank you 🙂
Congratulations! Wishing you the best of luck xx #bloggerclubuk
Thank you 🙂 x
Congratulations, and all the best for your new job 🙂 I really envy you as this is also a dream of mine – to be called a writer – but not one I’ll achieve any time soon. I’m glad the conversation with your friend gave you the push you needed to take such a big step. Really wishing you all the success in the world xx
#BloggerClubUk
Thank you so much 🙂 You never know – I would have said exactly the same a year ago! x
This is such amazing news! Super pleased for you! Huge congratulations and well done for being brave and going for it! #bloggerclubuk
Thank you 🙂
I am so pleased for you. It’s wonderful when you get that, ‘yes, this is it’ moment and it’s often when talking to a friend when things suddenly become clear. Your future sounds so exciting and I wish you all the luck in the world. Alison x #BloggerClubUK
Yes, that conversation really made me see the truth of it all. Thank you so much 🙂 x
Oh congratulations Debbie that’s brilliant news, I can’t wait to hear about your journey. It will be amazing well done you for taking the plunge. Xx
Thanks Clare – I’ll be keeping everyone posted about my journey for sure. x
Wow, that is absolutely amazing Debbie. Well done you! Pen x #BloggerClubUK
Thank you so much 🙂 x
Ah good luck lovely! Exciting times ahead! xxx
Thank you 🙂 I’m still really excited about it all x
You go girl! I am so excited for you and also deeply envious #bloggerclubuk
Thank you 🙂
Wow, thats an incredible and motivating story! I often wonder at which point you can write ‘freelance writer’ on your auto signature…Now you are living your dream – enjoy! #BloggerclubUK
Thank you 🙂 I have had that debate with myself a lot over the last few months, but now, I really have no excuses to not use the term!
Fabulous! I can’t recommend blogging highly enough to people for the opportunities it’s opened up for me. Plus, the friends I’ve made. It’s also such a good confidence booster. Congratulations on taking the leap. x
Kat
#BloggerClubUK
I completely agree – it opens doors you didn’t even know where there! Thank you 🙂 x
This is fab news Debbie! 🙂
Thank you 🙂
Good luck! That’s amazing, such a brave move! #BloggerClubUK
Thank you 🙂
Wow! That is amazing. Congratulations. That is my dream too…hopefully some day. I’ll just keep plugging away. Excellent work!
#BloggerClubUK
This is fabulous! Congratulations! You have gone where so many bloggers aspire to go! I wish you all the luck in the world and hope it makes you happy 🙂
#bloggerclubuk
Thank you so much 🙂
Wow that’s really exciting and probably really scary at the same time for you! Good luck and I hope it goes really well for you x #bloggerclubuk
Yes, it’s a bit of both, but I’m so glad I did it. Thank you 🙂 x
You are what you do and that is write; so you are a writer. Enjoy the ride. #BloggerClubUK
Thank you 🙂
Wow! So, so exciting! Good for you. Living the dream. Something I still only dare to do 🙂 I’m in full admiration of you. Its such a brave, but wonderful thing to do. I say exactly the same thing when it comes to regrets 🙂 I cant wait to hear how your journey goes. Emily #BloggerClubUK
Thanks Emily 🙂 It was a scary thing to do, but definitely the best decision I’ve ever made!
Yes! I’m so pleased for you. It’s hard taking that plunge, I know, but you’ve got to try. Good luck xx #BloggerClubUK
Thank you 🙂 It was hard, but I’m so glad I did it. I would have regretted it forever if I hadn’t. x
How is the new career treating you?
#anythinggoes
I’m absolutely loving it – I have more time to work on my own books, I’m doing something I love, and I get to work in my PJs!
That is so amazing! You are my hero! Congrats! #AnythingGoes
Thank you so much 🙂
Wow Debbie this is really amazing for you! I am so proud of you and so happy for you! Can’t wait to read the next Twisted Tales! I am also doing multiple writing projects and have recently discovered a new passion for editing but sitting down long enough to concentrate on my writing without getting distracted as much as I do has become the challenge I face right now. I wish you the best of luck! #anythinggoes
Thank you 🙂 It can be hard to find the time to really get into it, and I imagine it’s even harder when you have kids. I’m really looking forward to reading your stuff!
Wonderful stuff! Wishing you lots of good luck, enjoy and keep doing your thing, believe in yourself 🙂 #anythinggoes
Thank you so much 🙂
Congratulations! You must be so excited for the future!
#anythinggoes
Thank you, I really am!
You have a new fan in me Debbie, 100%. I am in awe and I wish you nothing but the best in the future. As someone relatively new to blogging, it is so encouraging to see that what started off as a hobby can transform a life and become a profession. Amazing. Well done you.
Thank you so much Ross. I would never have believed a year ago that I would be where I am now!
Good luck – that’s fab news. You are definitely a writer now! #AnythingGoes
Thank you 🙂 I have to say I am now, otherwise I’m left with saying I quit my job for no reason lol