Writing in a Recession

I've been remiss in my blog postings lately. Can't blame NaNo. I didn't participate. Maybe I can blame the stranglehold I've had on my muse for the last month (or is if vice versa?) in our ongoing argument over my current WIP. At any rate, I'm back.

A topic about the state of the industry seemed in order. Though most aren't ready yet to say the "R-Word" *grins at Arlene* that does seem to be where we've headed. Since I'm but an aspiring author and not an agent or an editor who has her thumb pressed to the pulse point of the industry, I can't speculate how bad things will get or how long it will last. What I do know is that it's great to be a writer, even at times such as these. Now how can I say that with publishing houses calling a halt to acquisitions and the big bookstores not exactly on a buying binge these days? Look at the (sort of) bright side.

The top five reasons why it's good to be a writer in a recession.

Number 5.
You have no employees to lay off. No lives to ruin. No families to put on the street when times are bad. You have only you to worry about.

Number 4.
Your product has an indefinite shelf-life. It's not going to spoil if it doesn't get marketed by next week. Keep it neatly tucked away on your computer hard drive or on a closet shelf and it won't be stale-dated when you take it back out and dust it off in six months or so.

Number 3.
You have almost no overhead. You probably write in a spare room, a home office or, like one of my IPs *waves to Dawn* in the front seat of your car. Sure you buy a bit of paper and pay some postage occasionally, but you don't have the exorbitant costs associated with running a business. Or even the high costs associated with most hobbies. Let's face it, writing is a pretty cheap pastime, for the most part. That's a good thing when money gets tight.

Number 2.
You don't have to have fancy computers, special equipment or even electricity to write. A pencil, some paper and natural sunlight will work. Sure, it's not the most efficient way to practice your craft, but a tight budget is no match for a determined muse.

Number 1.
If you have to cut back on movies, sports, Starbucks, clothes, Dish TV, gasoline and groceries....you'll have more time to write. And it costs nothing!

So there you have it. Yes, times are tough and may only get tougher, but aren't you glad you're a writer?

Oh, and if you're a reader, and not a writer, you can still smile. Books are one of the least expensive forms of entertainment. Stock up!