Writers and Their Day Jobs
4 days ago
- #writing-process
- #literature
- #day-jobs
- Herman Melville worked as a U.S. Customs Inspector for 19 years after his literary works, including 'Moby-Dick,' received little acclaim.
- Many famous writers, like William Faulkner and Charles Bukowski, held day jobs, including postal work, to support their writing careers.
- The author shares his own experience working for the USPS, finding it unfulfilling but using the time to write and reflect on the nature of work and writing.
- Writing is both labor and a privilege, offering moments of transcendence and beauty, as highlighted by poets and novelists who found inspiration in their day jobs.
- The relationship between work and writing is complex, with some writers finding their jobs unbearable while others drew inspiration from their daily labor.