Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Oy, the Questions! (Part II)



Continuing on with the questions from the lads & lasses from KSU --

Question from A.M. -- If you hadn't become a writer, what do you think your career would be?

Ah, the old "What If?" question. Since I've had a number of careers before writing, this one isn't so hard to answer. I've always been fascinated with linguistics. I'm the sort of person who wants to read the early Christian gospels and Jewish texts in their original language. The King James version of the Bible is all fine and good, but I want to read the originals. That way I can judge for myself. I'm a bit of a skeptic, you see. Lots of life events have made me that way, so I don't always take someone's word for things like I did when I was younger.

Question from J.K. -- What sparked your fascincation with Jack the Ripper?

He got away. If Inspector Abberline had caught the fellow and he'd been hung, that's all sorted out, isn't it? But old Jack eluded both the Metropolitan and City police, Inspector Abberline at the top of his game, and vanished even though there were hundreds of cops on the streets during the height of the murders. That's nothing short of amazing. Madness or sheer chutzpah? I suspect a mixture of both.

Question from J.S. -- Could you support yourself and have a comfortable living on the money that you bring in from writing, or do you have to depend on a second income?

Unless I'm fine with living in a discarded refrigerator box under a bridge and eating toasted rodents three meals a day, my income is not going to support me in the fashion to which I'm accustomed. (Yet.) At present, I am blessed with a spouse who has a real job and keeps me warm and dry. He's a very sweet guy. Of course, he's hoping someday I make the big time and return the favor. I don't see a problem with that.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jana,

Thank you for taking the time to not only answer my question, but the many others as well. It is quite intersting to me that you must depend on a second income at the time being. I would think that someone who could write a book, let a lone a few, wouldn't be bad off... especially concidering some artist can write or sing one good song and live comfortably if the money was spent right. I think that is crazy. Good luck to you in the future!!!

Anonymous said...

Hey Jana,
thanks for answering my question about your other career choice. I have always been interested in linguistics myself so thats kinda cool. it was great having you come talk to us the other week. good luck with your new books!

Jana Oliver said...

Alas, only a small number of authors make a living wage. The rest of us do our thing because it's something we enjoy. Someday, if all goes well, we'll make more $$. But for me, it's telling the stories. The money will follow down the line.