Debt!

Jethro and I are going to see Dave Ramsey tonight. He's a "get rid of debt" guru. I'm the one who is most excited about our adventure, since Jethro doesn't believe in credit cards or the like.

When I lived in NYC, I bought the party line that going into debt for my theater career was a sign that I had confidence. Yes, I even read a how-to book on theater that encouraged people to go into debt.

So I did, and what I found is this: It doesn't help. It tied me to jobs I didn't like, preventing me from doing the things I wanted to do. Plus, I had less time to write in the long run.

Since leaving NYC, I've seen the folly of debt. It doesn't do any good to owe anything to anyone if you can help it.

Throughout history, a number of writers have dealt with debt. They either haven't made enough money from writing or they extended themselves a little too far. Edmund Wilson comes to my mind, only because he's a southern writer who bounced in and out of NYC during a certain point in his life.

The good part about dealing with debt is that I value my writing more. It has made me go out and search for paying writing jobs. I've had to take my writing more seriously as a result. Otherwise, I would spend all day at home, writing stories and plays that only I care about.

Maybe at some point I'll go back to that. Meanwhile, I am a firm believer that the less debt you have, the better for your writing. But that's just my opinion...

Comments

[RLewis]

Didn't Cervantes write part of Don Quioxte while in debter's prison? I know he did the time. A big section of Don Q involves a guy in the debt pen (pun optional). And since you're looking for a life change that will spark your creative juices, it could be an option where Jethro wont have to worry about that upcoming affair (well, not of the hetro' variety).

I jest, but you're too smart not to find a doable answer that deals with your (plural possesive) situation in time. Says this guy with a plus balance on his credit card, but lives in a rat-hole on the Bowery. yikes!

ps. your blog ate part of my comment on the indie awards, but hey, less is probably still more.

[Laura]

LOL. It is interesting how many writers have dealt with debt during their lifetimes.

And sorry about the blog thing. I don't think I have a limit on comments, so I'm not sure what's up with that. I'll check on it.

[malachy walsh]

I've written a play about debt. It's the only play everyone seems to want to read at the big theatres.

Apparently it's a very new thing. Ha.