Wednesday, May 6, 2009

How can you be a writer when you're a school principal?

How can anyone be a writer when working full-time at any other occupation? Sadly, that is the reality for most authors. Very few make enough money to quit their day jobs.

When I get that question, it sometimes comes with bit of a sting. It's as if principals are rule enforcers, stuffy folks with ties tightly wound around their necks. (Okay, I do admit to some discomfort whenever I must do up the top button and sport a tie. I imagine ties were invented by the wife of the man who invented girdles.)

Before becoming a principal, I worked as a teacher. I became a teacher because I loved marking papers. Just kidding. I chose the teaching profession because I love working with kids. It is still a treat to create lessons and work them out in the real world of a classroom. Teachers (and principals) can be some of the most creative folks on the planet. They just need to make sure the paperwork doesn't overwhelm them!

I must admit that, after a day at school, I do not feel the energy or the creative spark to write. I have read about authors who schedule in the time to write each day and stick to this commitment. I, however, am not one of those people. Yes, I could sit in my home office and write for the sake of writing. Maybe after an hour I'd have a sentence or two I could salvage, but more likely I'd have a pile of mush that begs for the delete button.

Everyone has his or her own style. I write when I am motivated, just itching to explore some ideas. I am most refreshed and motivated during summer, winter break and spring break. Beginning this summer, I am taking a year's leave of absence from being a principal. I will get to experience a full year of being a full-time writer. No more excuses about fatigue. No more distractions (other than my two schnauzers). Of course, I'll have to live a simple life given that I won't have a steady income. The idea makes me nervous--and excited about the opportunity!

7 comments:

Cyndy08080 said...

A whole year off, A? Slacker - you better write a chapter for your new book everyday, otherwise I will challenge you to a letter writing contest -the likes of which you haven't seen since your TCU days.

LOL-
Your Old Pal from L-view,
CZ Steward

Cyndy08080 said...

Taking a year off from work, A? You better write a chapter for your new book everyday, otherwise I shall challenge you to a letter writing contest the likes of which you haven't seen since your TCU days.

LOL-
Your Old Pal from L-view,
CZ Steward

So proud of you - I can now say things like "I knew him when....."

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on this big decision, Gregory! It takes courage to throw away the excuses that come between ourselves and our dreams. I hope it's a very successful year for you.

Andrea Ross
JustOneMoreBOok.com

Andrea Ross said...

Congratulations on this big decision, Gregory! It takes courage to throw away the excuses that come between ourselves and our dreams. I hope it's a very successful year for you.

Nicola said...

Don't leave!! u r too good of a principle at Halfmoon Bay!!!!!!!!!

Maya said...

You are the best principle ever and the best author ever. Love your book. We will really miss you as principle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


#1 PRINCIPLE EVER

Maya (from halfmoonbay) said...

I love your use of language and how you put in humor to make it more interesting. The way you describe Tom and Craig make them feel very life-like. The mix of drama and adventure is truly brilliant.