questions for authors?

answers1: I'm not a professional author, but I have friends who are
published authors. One has a series of novels that have been
translated into several languages. None of them is able to live off
of writing alone. They all have day jobs (technical writer,
librarian, professor and programmer). One recently tried quitting his
day job to see if he can live off his writing, but that's mostly
because his wife has a regular job that pays well. He keeps making
jokes about applying for a job at Starbucks just in case. I once
took a creative writing class from a professor who had several novels
published. He said that around $12,000.00 per year is average to
good. Obviously it depends upon how many pieces you can crank out and
how successful they are. <br>
<br>
As for universities, just look for one with a strong creative writing
program. <br>
<br>
On the job front, think about journalism, technical writing,
advertising, or teaching.
answers2: Your questions other than the last have no clear answer. I
know successful writers and not so successful writers. Some live
large and others barely get by. <br>
If you're interested in writing, you need to be concerned with your
craft first. You're considering one of the most competitive fields
out there so remember, there are plenty of people who couldn't care
less about the money. They live to write, to perfect what they do and
they spend all their time doing it. If money is a major consideration
for you than I'd advise getting another job. There's no sure thing in
the world of writing. <br>
Good luck.
answers3: It seems you're focused on the money included with writing
and being published. The amount you earn really depends on how much
time you're willing to spend working on a interesting, innovative,
inspiring and creative plot-line. <br>
<br>
If you want to spend twelve months writing a story, compared to four
years, there's gong to be a lot of difference. <br>
<br>
And there aren't really "good" universities for aspiring authors. My
best suggestion however is to go into a subject in university you
really like, experience it and that will help you so much when you are
writing a book. Many authors, even if it is fictional writing, always
draw from their experiences - and the more you experience of the
world, the better. <br>
<br>
Edit: Journalism is probably one of the only other careers that
involve writing and considerable paychecks - but if you're interested
in creative writing, being an author is the best way to go.
Journalism, especially in reference to newspapers and magazines,
although it might be well-paid and an interesting career, is sometimes
extremely demanding and almost always competitive.