In this series of guest posts, I have asked a number of writers and editors to share the price they pay for pursuing their creative passion or what they sacrifice–whether that is money, time or lost opportunities. It might be how they pay the bills that writing doesn’t, or how they juggle working for a living or raising a family with the time it takes to write or edit. The people who have contributed have shared their personal stories in the hope it might help those new to the scene manage their expectations, or help others dealing with similar things realise they aren’t alone. You can read about the inspiration for this series here, and if you want to be part of it please let me know.

Today we are featuring Jo Anderton; award winning writer. marvellous crafter of short stories, and all round awesome person!

Here’s my life. On the weekdays I get up at 6-6:30 and write 1000 words while I eat breakfast. Then I go to work. I try to stick to my 8 hour day, but sometimes I’m there longer, just depends on how busy I am and what deadlines are looming. When I get home I squeeze in exercise, another 1000 words, dinner, and spending time with my husband. Often, I get to bed late as a result. On the weekends I balance writing time with social time. Sometimes I’m a bit of a hermit. Usually towards the end of a draft.

I’m not complaining. I really enjoy my job. I get to play with books all day, and am surrounded by lovely, passionate people. It’s challenging and fascinating. One day I’m researching the new Guillermo Del Toro movie, the next I’m looking at sales stats for business titles or paleo recipes. Also, did I mention I get to play with books?

Do I wish I could write more? Oh, absolutely. But I have weekends, and I usually spend my annual leave on writing retreats or writing weeks at home. And while 2000 words a day is nowhere near the amount I wish I could produce, I know that the turtle wins the race. 2000 words a day, every day, adds up. And it doesn’t burn me out, either. That’s important.

I am not sponsored. But I am lucky.

I work full time, I have always worked, and I have always written around these working hours. There have even been a few periods in recent history when I was the sole breadwinner in our family. Maybe these periods have given me a renewed appreciation for a good, stable job. One with people who understand my writing. Hell, my work colleagues have come to my book launches! They even made robot-related snack food. Can you get more supportive than that?

I’m lucky because I have this support, and because my family have helped me get into such a financially stable position in the first place. I am keenly aware that not everyone has these benefits.

While I used to resent working a day job, and felt like every hour not spent writing was a waste, I don’t feel that way any more.

I work hard at my job and at my writing, and I believe I can do both well. There are moments when I almost crack, when I wish I could just stay home with my words and dream of all the things I think I could produce if only I had the time. But life is a balance, and there is a right time for everything. One day, I hope to move writing to the front burner and pull back on the day job hours. Even if I got to a point where I could quit work altogether (ha!) I don’t think I’d do it. Not any more. The outside world and the realities of a day job can be grounding. Of course, as I said, I know I’m lucky. A day job you hate can crush your soul. A day job you enjoy is a blessing.

Anyway, the time for such decisions is not now. And that’s really okay. I will continue to write around my day job, and work my arse off, and hopefully do them both well!

Joanne Anderton cooks up speculative fiction stories for adults, young adults…and pretty much anyone who likes their worlds a little different. She sprinkles a touch of science fiction to spice up her fantasy, and thinks horror adds flavour to just about everything. She’s quite addicted to anime and manga (which is all her husband’s fault, and a little movie named Akira) and these are strong influences in her writing.

Her adult science fiction/fantasy novels have been published by Angry Robot Books and Fablecroft Publishing. Debris was shortlisted for the Aurealis Award for best fantasy novel, and the Ditmar award for best novel. Its sequel Suited was shortlisted for the Aurealis Award for best science fiction novel, and the Ditmar award for best novel. Book three, Guardian, was published in 2014. Her short story collection, The Bone Chime Song and Other Stories won the Aurealis Award for best collection, and the Australian Shadows Award for best collected work.

You can find her online at http://joanneanderton.com/