Thursday, October 09, 2008

Quitin' my day job, Episode II

Just over a year ago I wrote a post about quitting my day job. At that time I was just moving from one firm to another (and moving from litigation to "wealth transfer" or trusts & estates).

This time I'm quitting my day job for real. Yep, I'm taking the plunge into being a full-time writer. I handed in my notice on Monday and my last day is a week from tomorrow. Then I leave for the pre-pub tour and when I come back... I'll officially be a full-time writer!

It's totally crazy! I alternate between thinking "is this for real?" and "OMG, what am I doing?!" And honestly, it still all feels so unexpected. But I had to face the reality that I just couldn't keep doing both jobs and giving both everything. Something had to give.

It's kind of ironic -- the law job I have now is my dream job. It's high end and challenging work at a fantastic firm. And only one thing really could make me want to leave it: lucking into my ultimate dream job of writing. It's also a little ironic that I started at this firm exactly a week before my fantastic agent offered me representation. Talk about a crazy year.

And I'm so thankful to JP who's supporting me 100%+ (though he has promised me that come hell or high water I will be out of the bed and starting my day by the time he leaves for work :) Also, I'm so used to having a hyper-structured day where every 6-minute increment is accounted for -- I think it's going to take some work to transition away from that and find a writing schedule that works (and if anyone has advice on this -- please share it!)

But hopefully having more time means I can blog more, I can finally get my website up, I can write more and read more. It's a total dream come true and I couldn't be more excited!!

Crazy how much can change in a year!!!

15 comments:

JKB said...

Congratulations, Carrie. I'm very excited to see it all happen for you!

Pave the Whales said...

Congrats! Yay for no more billables!

Erik said...

Congrats on taking that leap. Best of luck!

B.E. Sanderson said...

Awesome news, Carrie! I remember when I quit and fell into my life of... writing, momming, schooling, domestic-managing, etc. I definitely couldn't do all this and still work outside the house. Not without losing my sanity, that is. Congratulations on the leap. I'm sure everything will go smoothly for you (just stay away from Tetris and day-time brain-sucking TV). ;o)

The Compulsive Reader said...

Ooh, congrats and good luck!

cindy said...

wow, that's huge. congratulations! so exciting!!

JenWriter said...

Oh wow, congratulations! This is awesome news, Carrie! I wish you the best of luck, and I'm so jealous right now!

Patrick Alan said...

That's Awesome!!!!

I'm very happy for you. Now JP just needs to get some novels done, too!!!

Sheryl said...

Congrats!!

My method is to go for page count. Hemmingway wrote one perfect page per day... and then he went to the bar.

When I'm actually writing the book I shoot for 10 pages a day. 2-5 pages per day when I'm plotting or outlining.

I sometimes only write 4 days a week and leave the fifth day for activities that help to purge the mind.

Can't wait to read more of your progress on your blog!

Patrick Alan said...

So, next monday we get to start in with the "Since you aren't working anymore..." calls?

Darcy Burke said...

Congrats, Carrie!! I'm really happy for you! And stoked that you finished book two! What an exciting time - enjoy!

Vicki said...

Major congrats this is great news! I'm really excited for you. :)

Ronald L. Smith said...

Good luck, Carrie! Looks like you're on the right track. How exciting for you.

Now get to work.

The Compulsive Reader said...

I sent you an email to the email address you have listed on the blog, but I remember you said that you didn't check it too often the first time I emailed you a few months ago. I just wanted to let you know that I made (or attempted to anyway) a widget countdown for The Forest of Hnads and Teeth.

http://thecompulsivereader.blogspot.com/2008/10/forest-of-hands-and-teeth-widget.html

Anonymous said...

I am a Teen Librarian and got my hands on a copy of your book, and I just want to say it is awesome! I love being a teen libraraian, but having to read so many not-well-written teen books can get a little boring. From the first page of your book, I've been hooked, and I can't wait to get home to read it, so I think it's a good thing you quit your day job because you clearly have huge talent in when it comes to writing! I can't wait for the release of the book so I can get my teens to read it...I know it's going to be a hit!!