by Anne Marie Whitmore

Created on: February 26, 2009

Writers have a lot in common with cloistered nuns.

Poverty goes without saying. Obedience to the whims of tyrannical editors and the challenging marketplace are strictly expected. As for chastity, I don't have to tell you about what it's like to have a husband who has to have two jobs just to make ends meet.

Been there, done that. Having said all of the above, I thank God for my early teen decision, and wouldn't change it for the entire world.

My dream job now is to be a Travel Photographer, maybe with some writing thrown inat least the captions.

The satisfaction and pleasure of writing, of being published and read, is a pleasure like nothing else. It's a natural, almost spiritual high. Just don't expect much in the way of cold, hard cashor even a living wage. Volunteer opportunities abound to write for your local church, youth group or civic organization.

You may start off as a "free lance writer." This means you do everything-research, write, proof read (perfect, professional spelling and grammar, anything less marks you as an amateur) and try to sell your stories, on top of it. Many editors will look at it "on spec", hold it, and then decide not to buy it. Once you are published (even for free), then you can show your portfolio and clippings and negotiate for money.

Free-lance writing can, with patience, energy, and skill, be combined with any other jobincluding wife, mother and homemaker. You're your own bossyou can write at your own time and pace. You make your decisions: its peaceful.

A strong support structure may save your sanity. Consider joining a writers group, which may have critique groups, conventions (where you can network), and classes and lectures from those who have been there. All the knowledge you can gain helpsand helps keep you motivated.

Along with (maybe earlier than) other businesses, newspapers have been going out of business for years. A four year journalism degree was expected. Most people don't read much anymore, they are more visually oriented. The book market (should you chose the agony and the possible ecstasy of that route) is chancy and subject to the uncertainties of the economythey want established themes with established writers.

As well as volunteer work, the internet is an endless, expanding market.

If you must, GO FOR IT !

Does anyone know a publisher who is looking for a feature article on Hawaiiall expenses paid?

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