My problem lies in reconciling my gross habits with my net income.
~Errol Flynn
This is an exciting time in life; my family on the brink of a shift.
Most of it’s wonderful, but like any move from blue ribbon to better, there’s little reward without any stairs to climb.
Sweet isn’t near as sweet if you’ve never known sour.
Some of the vinegar in the emigration to full time writer, is this long middling, when the idea of being a chooch frequently worms its way between my ears, lays eggs, then wiggles down my spine to settle where I sit.
Psst… Writer Dad.
Sigh. Yes, incessant voice inside my head?
Most readers don’t know random Italian slang. You only got yours because you read the forward to Mario Puzo’s, “Fortunate Pilgrim.” (Not that you actually read the book.)
Oh, incessant voice. Good point.
A chooch, according to Italians, is someone who allows their family to fully indulge in their eccentricities, even though they don’t lay a single crumb on the table.
I’d rather have teeth breaking through the skin on the side of my face.
I love writing. It’s harder than breathing, but easier than doing the dishes.
If I can carve out a living for myself, and my loved ones, by letting my fingers dance across these keys, then I’ll bow down and count myself as one of the lucky ones. But I can’t stand the idea of pouring over piles of syllables, belaboring every single page and paragraph of a novel that might take another year, and designing rhymes that no one will ever enunciate, when there’s a stack of bills that need to be paid (and quickly).
If I’m a writer, than my responsibility is to not only produce content that makes me smile, my family proud, and audience happy, but that also puts food in our tummies and fattens the college fund.
I don’t want to be the guy who goes to his garage with three drunk buddies and plays off key oldies, mouthing off about one day getting a gig, while his family’s inside passing a tub of popcorn and saying, “Where’s Daddy?
I want to write.
I want to write chapter books for my children, and a love story for my wife; something funny and tragic for my mom, and maybe a western for my dad. Perhaps I’ll pen something dark and quiet, cynical and sweet for my sister.
I can’t wait to write a book on raising children or running a pre-school, and I’ve got an awesome idea for a sci-fi novel. I’ll probably start on it as soon as I’m finished with the book being written right now.
I don’t need a Costco sticker covering up the last letter in the title of my tome, but my time must amount to something.
I just can’t stand the thought of being a chooch.
Writer Dad
Disclaimer: Daisy does not endorse this post. I have read it to her three times. One had this really hilarious ending that was far better than this one. But I digress. Daisy doesn’t think that I could ever be a Chooch, and poses a strong objection to the word, especially when used in relation to myself.
If you enjoyed my words, please subscribe. I promise I’ll be back tomorrow.
If you liked that, you’ll probably love, “Here’s a Macbook, Go Make a Million,” “Sink or Swim,” or “Your Baby’s Born in the Rough Draft. You Raise it in the Rewrite.”
About Sean Platt
I understand your impatience, I truly do. I’m the very same. Yet I side with Bill. That’s some good advice. Wish I’d taken it when I started. Things might be easier now! :)
stephs last blog post..Holding On
I agree with daisy and with everyone else: you’re not a cooch. You are a hard working person that obviously cares deeply about his family.
There’s nothing wrong with trying to make a living doing something that you love doing.
Vereds last blog post..Aging: May I Please Get Off This Path Now?
I agree with daisy and with everyone else: you’re not a cooch. You are a hard working person that obviously cares deeply about his family.
There’s nothing wrong with trying to make a living doing something that you love doing.
Vereds last blog post..Aging: May I Please Get Off This Path Now?
I think I like the new title better! You must be paying attention to Problogger!
Sals last blog post.."How" – Not Just a Funny Way to Say Hi
I think I like the new title better! You must be paying attention to Problogger!
Sals last blog post.."How" – Not Just a Funny Way to Say Hi
I think the past 20+ comments say it all, but I’ll say it one more time. You are not a chooch, you are a man on a mission.
Stacey / CreateaBalances last blog post..Arriving at the Moment of Your Dream (Wordless Wednesday)
I think the past 20+ comments say it all, but I’ll say it one more time. You are not a chooch, you are a man on a mission.
Stacey / CreateaBalances last blog post..Arriving at the Moment of Your Dream (Wordless Wednesday)
It’s the writer’s dilemma magnified by a billion when you have kids. Definitely not chooch-worthy.
crazedparents last blog post..Are you a good tipper?…
It’s the writer’s dilemma magnified by a billion when you have kids. Definitely not chooch-worthy.
crazedparents last blog post..Are you a good tipper?…
Oh, how I feel ya.
To date, my music has sold well enough, but I don’t see much money from that…still, I keep at it because the music won’t be denied (without my head exploding, and…eww).
As for publishing something I’ve written… I can’t get past the part where I’ve finished and have to actually send the poor things out into the world to fend for themselves.
Meanwhile, I stay at home and school my son and often wonder what I’m worth because I don’t contribute to family income. Sigh.
Yep, I feel ya.
For what it’s worth, I think it’s tremendous that you’re doing it, and I look forward to reading whatever you publish.
Shade and Sweetwater,
K
Kyddryns last blog post..Rain, Four Days, and a Mess
Oh, how I feel ya.
To date, my music has sold well enough, but I don’t see much money from that…still, I keep at it because the music won’t be denied (without my head exploding, and…eww).
As for publishing something I’ve written… I can’t get past the part where I’ve finished and have to actually send the poor things out into the world to fend for themselves.
Meanwhile, I stay at home and school my son and often wonder what I’m worth because I don’t contribute to family income. Sigh.
Yep, I feel ya.
For what it’s worth, I think it’s tremendous that you’re doing it, and I look forward to reading whatever you publish.
Shade and Sweetwater,
K
Kyddryns last blog post..Rain, Four Days, and a Mess
I set aside writing for 20 years to make a living and support my family. It was a horrible time. I love my kids, but the work never worked, the family was always stressed and my soul slowly shriveled day after day doing what I didn’t love.
The urge to write NEVER went away, it nagged every day until I could no longer ignore it. In the year since, I’ve blossomed with creativity and joy. Who wants to come along for the ride is welcome. There’s no stopping us now.
Kip de Molls last blog post..Ode to Hayward Street
I set aside writing for 20 years to make a living and support my family. It was a horrible time. I love my kids, but the work never worked, the family was always stressed and my soul slowly shriveled day after day doing what I didn’t love.
The urge to write NEVER went away, it nagged every day until I could no longer ignore it. In the year since, I’ve blossomed with creativity and joy. Who wants to come along for the ride is welcome. There’s no stopping us now.
Kip de Molls last blog post..Ode to Hayward Street
Bamboo: Thanks. You should’ve seen what I deleted.
Scott: Yeah, I don’t know why Daisy doesn’t like it. I can’t type it without smiling.
Ryan: The SAT was easy. Patience is hard.
Lori: Thank you, and you’re absolutely right. Without her shoulders, mine would be a lot heavier.
Dave: I’m glad you made a typo. It made the comments super fun, straightaway.
Steph: It is sound advice; impossible to argue. Now stop reading. You have emails that need attention.
Vered: I never said I was a cooch.
Sal: Funny that you say that. I admit, it is why I changed the name. I wanted to be in the contest, so I changed the name of the post and sent the link. You’re on to me, Sal.
Stacey: Ooh, I like that. I think it’s the title of an upcoming post: “Writer Dad, a Man on a Mission.”
Crazedparent: Chooch worthy. I can’t stop smiling.
Kyddryn: Thanks for feeling me. By the way, Daisy adores you.
Kip: Amen, brother.
Bamboo: Thanks. You should’ve seen what I deleted.
Scott: Yeah, I don’t know why Daisy doesn’t like it. I can’t type it without smiling.
Ryan: The SAT was easy. Patience is hard.
Lori: Thank you, and you’re absolutely right. Without her shoulders, mine would be a lot heavier.
Dave: I’m glad you made a typo. It made the comments super fun, straightaway.
Steph: It is sound advice; impossible to argue. Now stop reading. You have emails that need attention.
Vered: I never said I was a cooch.
Sal: Funny that you say that. I admit, it is why I changed the name. I wanted to be in the contest, so I changed the name of the post and sent the link. You’re on to me, Sal.
Stacey: Ooh, I like that. I think it’s the title of an upcoming post: “Writer Dad, a Man on a Mission.”
Crazedparent: Chooch worthy. I can’t stop smiling.
Kyddryn: Thanks for feeling me. By the way, Daisy adores you.
Kip: Amen, brother.
There will come a time when I am going to be on the brink of a cliff. When I am going to have to give up my full time Working For The Man job to full time Working For Myself. I know that it will mean a drop in income, and a huge risk that I may never bring my income back up to where I want it. Heck, I could lose it all. I dread the day I have to decide to jump or turn back, and I am excited for that day. All this to say, I understand that you are at a scary, but exciting place.
Urban Panthers last blog post..A sacred space
There will come a time when I am going to be on the brink of a cliff. When I am going to have to give up my full time Working For The Man job to full time Working For Myself. I know that it will mean a drop in income, and a huge risk that I may never bring my income back up to where I want it. Heck, I could lose it all. I dread the day I have to decide to jump or turn back, and I am excited for that day. All this to say, I understand that you are at a scary, but exciting place.
Urban Panthers last blog post..A sacred space
I echo several others’ sentiments. I feel you.
I feel the same way you do about writing — though my pursuit is music.
If writing is your passion, be sure that your income-generating activity takes good advantage of it. And to you I want to share my mentor’s words: “Your calling lies where your needs and the world’s needs meet.” Keep finding that sweet spot — and then your joy and your income will come from one single source.
At least that’s what I believe.
@Blogger Dad — thanks for sharing your story! That’s very inspiring, though sorry to hear it’s about to end. I hope it will open some unseen and interesting doors, if not soon, down the road.
ari
Ari Koinumas last blog post..Why You Can’t Do What You Love (Digest)
I echo several others’ sentiments. I feel you.
I feel the same way you do about writing — though my pursuit is music.
If writing is your passion, be sure that your income-generating activity takes good advantage of it. And to you I want to share my mentor’s words: “Your calling lies where your needs and the world’s needs meet.” Keep finding that sweet spot — and then your joy and your income will come from one single source.
At least that’s what I believe.
@Blogger Dad — thanks for sharing your story! That’s very inspiring, though sorry to hear it’s about to end. I hope it will open some unseen and interesting doors, if not soon, down the road.
ari
Ari Koinumas last blog post..Why You Can’t Do What You Love (Digest)
That picture cracks me up.
That picture cracks me up.
As long as no one is starving or naked I think you should listen more to Daisy and less to yourself.
As long as no one is starving or naked I think you should listen more to Daisy and less to yourself.
Urban Panther: Thank you for understanding.
Ari: I believe it’s a matter of when not if, and I do my best to understand that the lean times make me better.
Ultimate Blogging Experiment: Me too.
Texas Holly: Agreed.
Patricia: It’s nice to have you, and I’ll do my best to spread the love.
Jenny: Thank you. Much appreciated.
Urban Panther: Thank you for understanding.
Ari: I believe it’s a matter of when not if, and I do my best to understand that the lean times make me better.
Ultimate Blogging Experiment: Me too.
Texas Holly: Agreed.
Patricia: It’s nice to have you, and I’ll do my best to spread the love.
Jenny: Thank you. Much appreciated.
Writer Dad,
I enjoyed your piece very much and maybe it is in the change of weather or the back to school fees time, but that inner voice seems to come on strong at certain moments – how nice to enjoy it in your writing and sharing – do not forget the other side of the thinking the rejoicing in the joy of what you are endeavoring to accomplish – in love. The world needs more love not more fear in the atmospheric splendor.
Everyone likes to laugh – thank you for intriguing my laughter today!
Patricias last blog post..90 Seconds of Anger – 90 Seconds of Happiness
Writer Dad,
I enjoyed your piece very much and maybe it is in the change of weather or the back to school fees time, but that inner voice seems to come on strong at certain moments – how nice to enjoy it in your writing and sharing – do not forget the other side of the thinking the rejoicing in the joy of what you are endeavoring to accomplish – in love. The world needs more love not more fear in the atmospheric splendor.
Everyone likes to laugh – thank you for intriguing my laughter today!
Patricias last blog post..90 Seconds of Anger – 90 Seconds of Happiness
You’re one of the very best, WD, and that simple fact will bring you nothing but the best. All in God’s time, which is the only timing that matters. Meantime, we’ll all be reading and learning.
Jennys last blog post..Check Your Gig Line … Again
You’re one of the very best, WD, and that simple fact will bring you nothing but the best. All in God’s time, which is the only timing that matters. Meantime, we’ll all be reading and learning.
Jennys last blog post..Check Your Gig Line … Again
“I don’t want to be the guy who goes to his garage with three drunk buddies and plays off key oldies, mouthing off about one day getting a gig, while his family’s inside passing a tub of popcorn and saying, “Where’s Daddy?”
Me neither.
Really, I’m no one to say this but, you have nothing to worry about WriterDad.
Your writings are wonderful, and they keep people coming back. Sure, it’s tough right now, but I encourage you to stick it out, and I’m sure you will receive the success you deserve.
Honestly, I’ve never heard of any blog only 3 months of age getting 30+ comments on every post. If anything, that’s a sign of the success to come.
Keep at it WriterDad.
“I don’t want to be the guy who goes to his garage with three drunk buddies and plays off key oldies, mouthing off about one day getting a gig, while his family’s inside passing a tub of popcorn and saying, “Where’s Daddy?”
Me neither.
Really, I’m no one to say this but, you have nothing to worry about WriterDad.
Your writings are wonderful, and they keep people coming back. Sure, it’s tough right now, but I encourage you to stick it out, and I’m sure you will receive the success you deserve.
Honestly, I’ve never heard of any blog only 3 months of age getting 30+ comments on every post. If anything, that’s a sign of the success to come.
Keep at it WriterDad.
Writer Dad,
Shut up. You’re not a CHOOCH!
I think you put a lot more “crumbs” on the table than you give yourself credit for. Daisy: Would you tell him I’m right?
Andy @ bloginyourface.coms last blog post..Mini Blog#78 – Wow! What a place to work!
Writer Dad,
Shut up. You’re not a CHOOCH!
I think you put a lot more “crumbs” on the table than you give yourself credit for. Daisy: Would you tell him I’m right?
Andy @ bloginyourface.coms last blog post..Mini Blog#78 – Wow! What a place to work!
From the sounds of things, there’s two of you I need to get to know ;-) Oh wait, the picture might suggest a third, clown-like persona, or is that a secret identity? People have said a lot of things I would echo – you seem to be pursuing a dream that is devoid of “chooch”…that doesn’t sound right, does it? ;-) Keep up the great writing!
Jeremy (Discovering Dad)s last blog post..How Have Economic Pressures Affected Your Home?
From the sounds of things, there’s two of you I need to get to know ;-) Oh wait, the picture might suggest a third, clown-like persona, or is that a secret identity? People have said a lot of things I would echo – you seem to be pursuing a dream that is devoid of “chooch”…that doesn’t sound right, does it? ;-) Keep up the great writing!
Jeremy (Discovering Dad)s last blog post..How Have Economic Pressures Affected Your Home?
Luis: Thanks Luis, I appreciate the faith.
Andy: Daisy would agree with you one-hundred percent. Those pictures of Google were amazing, by the way.
Jeremy: Thank you Jeremy. You do excellent work on your blog.
Luis: Thanks Luis, I appreciate the faith.
Andy: Daisy would agree with you one-hundred percent. Those pictures of Google were amazing, by the way.
Jeremy: Thank you Jeremy. You do excellent work on your blog.
Came over from ProBlogger. Your title made me click, so well done. The blog was interesting as well, which is good, because when you come with the big guns like cooch in the title, you have to deliver.
You delivered.
Illuminatis last blog post..It’s an honor to make it to the next round
Came over from ProBlogger. Your title made me click, so well done. The blog was interesting as well, which is good, because when you come with the big guns like cooch in the title, you have to deliver.
You delivered.
Illuminatis last blog post..It’s an honor to make it to the next round
Hey! You’re doing pretty well for a new blog. I’d say keep at what you’re doing as much as you can. Hopefully (and it should if you believe so), the money will come soon enough.
All the best to your online success!
Evelyn
Hey! You’re doing pretty well for a new blog. I’d say keep at what you’re doing as much as you can. Hopefully (and it should if you believe so), the money will come soon enough.
All the best to your online success!
Evelyn
Great Post Writer Dad! I am putting you in my reader and I can’t wait for that sci-fi novel to come out.
Jamess last blog post..Happiness, with a Daddy Chaser
Great Post Writer Dad! I am putting you in my reader and I can’t wait for that sci-fi novel to come out.
Jamess last blog post..Happiness, with a Daddy Chaser
Illuminati: Thanks. I aim to please.
Evelyn: Thanks for the well wishing, and I do believe it (I just get impatient sometimes).
James: Thanks. By the way, “Luke, I am your father,” might be the best blog dad name on the planet. Smart and funny. Good job.
Illuminati: Thanks. I aim to please.
Evelyn: Thanks for the well wishing, and I do believe it (I just get impatient sometimes).
James: Thanks. By the way, “Luke, I am your father,” might be the best blog dad name on the planet. Smart and funny. Good job.
huahuahuahuahua… :)
huahuahuahuahua… :)
Hi, me poor foreigner, what’s a Costco?
Miguel de Luiss last blog post..Critics and how to chew them
Hi, me poor foreigner, what’s a Costco?
Miguel de Luiss last blog post..Critics and how to chew them
Nice post. Stop thinking and start writing, that’s what my husband keeps telling me. Money isn’t everything but of course it helps…Keep writing
Patricia