If I haven’t said it explicitly I’ll say it here: I have officially handed in my notice at the corporate library. I will be a freewheeling writer and podcaster for the next 8 months or so at least. If things go well this may be a permanent lifestyle change, if not… well I will go back to the library world- which has always been a happy and comfortable environment for me.
A lot of things have led to this choice, but chief among them is how many opportunities and challenges I’ve had flying at my head. I don’t want to miss out on any of them, and it had got to the stage where I was doing as much as I could, while still working at a day job- even only a four day a week one. I knew that with more thing looming ahead I was simply not going to be able to manage both.
I want Geist to succeed, and I want to grab as many of these chances as I can. So I had to make a scary choice- and like the baby bird I keep mentioning I knew that I had to choose to jump.
I am sure some people are thinking I am all kinds of crazy doing this, so I feel like I should explain and clarify my position on doing it. I think I can make it work. I think I can make it work with diversity.
Geist is a book I am committed too- one I love and want to do well, but it is not the sole star I am hitching my wagon too. I am exploring all avenues to generate income. Right now, writing novels alone will not support me. (Especially with Geist about five months away from hitting the bookshelves)
So here’s the plan. Diversity in all things. It’s the whole don’t put your eggs in one basket parable.
Writing
I have Geist and the sequel Spectre coming out with Ace books.
I have also just sent over the final edits on for this anthology. I hope to do more work like this; for anthologies and blogs. I love writing non-fiction because it means I can use my librarian fu as well as my writing fu. If you have a paying gig then contact me pip@pjballantine.com
Audio
I will be bringing out a variety of content from my Erotica a la Carte table; high quality versions of the stories on CD and a print books.
I have just signed a contract to narrate a novella with a producer of audio content. This is the start of what I hope will be a decent revenue stream for me. If you have audio requirements that an experienced voice talent with a kiwi accent could fill, then please I am open to offers. (again pip@pjballantine.com)
All info and samples are here
So yes, times are hard, and writers have be more flexible and more diversified than ever before, however there is still opportunity out there.
Buckle up baby-bird– it’s time to fly!