How Working Full-time Helps My Writing Journey

I am IT manager by day, and writer the rest of the time. My dream is to one day retire and write full time. While work gets in the way of writing more than one book a year for me, and it sometimes wears me out to the point that I don't want to look at a computer screen any more that day, it does play a role in my writing journey.

Work limits my writing/free time, so I am more apt to use my available time to its fullest. My work day is regimented, and I tend to structure my writing time out of habit. (When I'm off for holidays or vacations and I have multiple days to write, I'm less structured.) Most of my days start at 5:00 AM.

I get some great ideas, character traits, and quotes from my co-workers. I have even been known to name characters after some of my co-workers.

When I'm home working when I have more than one day off in a row, I'm usually sequestered with just the pair of Jacks. Working keeps me plugged in to trends, discussions, and other social interactions. I think the solitude and the social parts of a writer's life need to be balanced. I'm an extravert, and I get my energy by interacting with other people. I know that when I do decide to write full-time, I'm going to have to include other social activities in my week for balance.

Riley: "I'm bored with writing time."

Yes, when Disney was a puppy, she chewed on the corner of my desk.

I work in IT, and my team gets to test lots of new technologies and hardware. It's fun to try out cool tools. Plus, I have a whole team of SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) if I ever have technology, computer, or geeky questions.

My company is very volunteer-oriented, and it affords me a lot of service opportunities and experiences that I wouldn't normally have. Trying new things, meeting people, and making a difference in our community are always good. Plus, they often generate ideas for my writing.

I commute to downtown Richmond. Our office is on a hill above the James River. We have one of the best views in the capital city. It's a great place to walk around at lunch. There's lots to see, and the cityscape and river-view are inspiring. Plus, changes in scenery can spark your creativity. Downtown Richmond is full of activities, great restaurants, and lots of historical sites.

This is a view of downtown Richmond through the Virginia War Memorial.

Going to work every day, keeps me in a routine and provides lots of social interaction.  I'd like my writing life to become my job when I retire, but for now, I like the balance that my work life provides.