Charlie,
I was given a small advance by CK Publishing in 2002 for Anne Droyd and Century Lodge. That and a handful of published letters in magazines earned back the Writers Bureau fee.
Unfortunately, because my interests are very limited, so is my adaptability. I am not able to turn my hand to any subject and write about it (as real freelancers do). Sci-fi is my thing, really, but science-fiction magazines rarely take on writers from outside their regular staff. For example, Doctor Who Magazine is penned entirely by staff writers commissioned by an editorial team. It is rare for a freelancer to get a look in.
Since Anne Droyd, I have written for fanzines and semi-pro magazines. I have appeared on television twice and on radio three times. My autobiographical book The Feeling's Unmutual and the new edition of Anne Droyd and Century Lodge are entirely royalties based, so the money comes in dribs and drabs through the year.
Additionally, I have written a 60 minute fan production of Doctor Who, a story called The Chattath Factor, which has been recorded, radio style, and should see the light of day on the internet in a few months, and I'm about to complete Anne Droyd II, Anne Droyd and the House of Shadows.
So I have been very busy - too busy to get back to the WB course - but am by no means making a living from it.
To really earn, one needs several magazine article commissions, a novel or two per year, a bit of radio and television work, and combined this might pay the bills and the mortgage.
In the real world, most authors never give up their day job.
But when you've got as far as I have now, it would be madness to give up!
Best,
Will.
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