The sponsored writer: two contrasting views

[Feo Takahari]

I'm not sure which forum this fits best in, so feel free to move it if it goes somewhere else.

Salon has two articles up about writers and money. In one, the author says that she's only able to write because her spouse financially supports her. In the other, the author says that being financially supported by her boyfriend left her unable to write. The former thinks writers do each other a disservice when they act like they're supporting themselves solely through writing. The latter describes her situation as being a "pretty pet" with an "adoring owner."

What do you think? Has outside support done you more good, or more harm?

 

[Philip Overby]

My wife has been very supportive of my writing endeavors and I have two ways of thinking about it. On one hand, the first time I tried to "give it a go" by working part-time and freelancing, I had this guilt of not making enough money. It always kind of goes back to that. However, I'm being given a second chance to try to break free of full-time monotony and I'm thankful for it. This means giving my writing more of a chance and not shackling myself to crazy expectations. I suppose a woman being in this position would be seen one way and a man being in it seen another way. For me, I often am asked, "So what are you going to do?" And I say, "Well, I'm going to work part-time and focus on my writing." It always gets smiles. Like "Yeah, OK, and then what will you do after that doesn't work?"

However, I feel having a partner that supports your dreams is a wonderful thing to have. It's nothing to be ashamed of. I think if you're put in a situation where you can make the most of it, then you should try. Appreciate and cherish anyone that wants to help you accomplish your goals and do whatever you can every day to show them that.

 

[T.Allen.Smith]

The idea behind financial support lies in the freedom to write without concerns over making a living...art for art's sake.

The other line of thought believes the writer needs some level of desperation to succeed. That without the necessity to "make it", the artist doesn't inherently have the necessary drive.

They're both full of it. The only thing that matters is what the individual writer actually does. Are they committed & dedicated? Are they driven to succeed? Have they adopted a true work ethic & a "no quit" attitude? Does the underlying reason behind that dedication matter? No, it doesn't (although it may affect the product itself, but not in terms of quality).

There are writers on both sides of the equation who prove the folly of generalizing with either viewpoint.

 

[Terry Greer]

JK Rowling was 'supported' for well over a year on the UK's Job Seeker's Allowance - this allowed her to hone her craft and get the first book written.
She's become an outspoken advocate for support in this way as she realizes that without it she wouldn't be in the position she is today.
Other authors such as Stephen King have similar stories - he wrote full time for over a year before he managed to get anything published.

Unless you're rich or have means or another income - or are just plain lucky - you can't survive without help.

There's no real difference between where that support comes from - e.g. boyfriend or the state or some other source - its all needed and external to the writer.

T.Allen Smith has it right - it's what you do with that time and support that matters.

The only way you're ever vindicated is through what you do - though I'd argue financial success is no guarantee of quality (or vice versa). I've read some pretty appalling succesfull novels and some really great unsuccessful ones - there's a hell of a lot of luck in this - and an individuals ability to self publisise their work and be personable is often more the deciding factor than the work itself.

I know that a lot will disagree with me with that - but its true across all the media I've worked with over the last 30 years from writing, films and video games.

 

[psychotick]

Hi,

I agree. No problem with being supported at all. In fact - does anyone want to support me?

Cheers, Greg.

 

[FarmerBrown]

I happened upon the first article a few weeks ago in my Facebook feed and found myself nodding quite a bit--especially about the rich people who "struggled" to make ends meet while writing.... *facepalm*. I just read the second article and had to keep reminding myself to unclench my teeth, so I'm going to rant about that one. What was to stop her from getting a part-time job (even though she didn't "need" it) or taking up some volunteer work, both of which increase creativity and productivity? Nothing! I can't stand it when people who have ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD complain about it. Her problem wasn't being supported, it was in not being able to manage her time or interests. Those are learned skills. As a grad student, she should know how to manage her time, and I don't mean scheduling her day around Days of Our Lives. So, I am not sympathetic at all to the folks who are lucky to have support one way or another, because they can make it work if they have the will (and talent, I suppose).

 

[goldhawk]

Part of learning to write is learning what works for you and what doesn't. Some writers can only concentrate on their craft if they don't have to worry about finances. Others find being independent to be too isolating. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[Helen]

What do you think? Has outside support done you more good, or more harm?

For me, more good. Definitely.

 

[spectre]

access to the internet is what kills my writing, nevermind a dollar if there's paper and that's what i'm up to.