Friday, August 14, 2009

Financial Disclosure: Rage Gets Paid

As you may or may not know, A Rage of Angel was originally created to voice the soulful fury of the unpaid writer. Just look at the header above.

“I don't get paid. Nope. Sure don't.”

I’m fairly certain most of us are unable to support our families simply by our writing prowess, and sadly, must take (dare I say it aloud) an actual job amongst society. I don’t know all the reasons why each of us spends hours in solitude penning the fantastic tales twitching around our minds, but I like to believe the majority of us do it because our hearts would explode without this incredibly satisfying outlet. Yes, I know “poor in money, rich in spirit,” but the periodic layoffs from my current place of employment beg to differ.

Okay. So here’s the rub. I actually have received payment for my writing this year. I’ve grossed a grand total of $41. And that’s real American money too. Obviously not a large sum, but it does pose a conflict.

“I don't get paid. Nope. Sure don't.”

So now what? Must I edit this statement out? Add a disclaimer? Hmm…what would you do?

Let me tell you what I’ve decided.

Whenever there’s a choice to accept payment or donate it back to the publication, I will choose to donate it back. Any checks addressed to me will be cashed and utilized to support the e-zines, printed press publications, and editors I respect and enjoy. I’ve seen so many of my favorite print and e-zine publications fold.

Sure “I need money” and “I get hungry,” but it’s the hunger that continues to drive me.

No, that’s not a soapbox under my feet, and neither is there a halo over my angelic head. I’m not trying to sway you one way or another— no political or religious agenda; I’m just sitting here sharing my thoughts with you, not judging you. And hell, if tomorrow I happen to win a $2,500 short story contest, I may have to come back here and delete this post. In all honesty, I need my rage— that desperate passion to unite words. I can always find a way to pay my mortgage.

How you spend your money is your business, but as for me, I know I’ve wasted a lot of it over the years on fruitless joys. I’m ready to invest more than just my time into this irresistible craft. In fact, I’m inclined to give back everything it means to me. My measly donation or subscription renewal may seem insignificant, but it could make all the difference in the world to a struggling magazine.

Who knows…my boys may one day grow up and decide to become writers.

I want to ensure they have somewhere to submit.

6 comments:

  1. Particularly poignant after Jim Baen's Universe announced closing (and its reason for closing). Good that you're a charitable spirit, Angel. It'll also be good if you win $2,500.

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  2. A true writer at heart. It's the passion of story telling, not the moolah (although I do hope you make a living at it someday).

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  3. I think that's a great example. Writers should also buy the print editions of their stories when available. (mags, anthologies)

    You hit the nail on the head "...that desperate passion to unite words." We all need to ensure that places to submit those words remain viable.

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  4. noble deeds dude. now i encourage you to write for the paying pubs, nothing wrong with a few sheckles for your stuff wither. nothing wrong with that.

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  5. Sensible and enlightening stuff.
    I find nothing wrong for wanting $ for our words - it doesn't make them any less meaningful or one any less of a writer either, as long as our passion endures the traps and pitfalls that come with it.
    A well of luck to you!

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  6. Sorry to chime in so late, Angel. My thoughts are these: payment equals official. payment equals establishment. I don't know if that is good news or bad but until I am paid for my writing, I'm just dicking around while the kids wait for their dinner.

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