Since you are reading this it means that you probably fall into one of two categories:
-people that like to read
-or people that write, as writers often tend to be a case of overall word addiction
But as you probably know, the job prospects for aspiring writers is in some nasty shape.
Journalism is dying. Or maybe it’s already dead and what’s left is made up of such huge beasts that if you shot it in the head on Friday its tail still wags for hours. It only takes a while for the nerves to run all the way down.
Up until yesterday, when headquarters decided to close it down, I had a day job at a music magazine. Nothing to brag about, literally I did the “paying your dues” stuff. But I didn’t mind because the joint itself was pretty cool.
I went to work everyday at what was essentially a warehouse of vintage music memorabilia with a pittance of cubicles scattered along the edges. Everyday to get my lunch from the office fridge I had to walk through the labyrinth, rows on metal shelves holding concert t-shirts, posters, records, reels of footage, photographs, and dust. I learned my way by the markers. The building was cluttered with the visual art of music. I had to walk past the Winterland Arena’s original door, the Grateful Dead’s lightning bolt stage prop, just begging to be plugged in and neon again, the Ted Nugent pinball machine, old black and white photographs of Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobaine, Janis Joplin, too many other music giants to list, and occasionally a picture of a rockstar’s naked girlfriend. I knew I had landed in the kitchen when I saw ahead the autographed Allman Brothers poster with lemons on it for the kitchen, very appropriate.
Looking back at me from these black and white pictures were music legends unraveled in a way that I had never seen them before, eating a sandwich, smoking cigarettes, slouched on the couch, dancing with their eyes closed. I was encouraged to listen to music while I worked, which made the day run by smoothly. I got in the zone and I stayed there. But now, just a month after graduation and the celebrations I join the hordes of recent graduates that are not fully employed and don’t know when we’ll ever get there. And it’s not just me that was fired, it’s everyone. The magazine is closing, just like dominos in a row. I’m scoping out the job prospects on Craigslist and I’m not sure if the abundance of “donate your eggs!” listings are funny or just depressing. Upon reflection, what little I have to show in my portfolio is scarred by insistences of embarrassing childishness. I remember once in particular when I referred disrespectfully on a blog to someone that I once knew and hold no hard feelings against. I wish I could take it back but it’s already out there. The way that the internet broadcasts our generation’s bumpy road to maturity makes job hunting even more complicated.
Is it possible for journalists, media people, people that tell stories so that everyone can know the truth around them, writer’s in general, can any of the above practice their art and still make a living?
For some answers I turned to AJ Jacobs, Esquire editor and nonfiction author. I had giggled to myself reading his attempt to tackle the Holy Book and his Jewish identity in “The Year of Living Biblically.”
For all of those who love writing and reading about intelligent, relevant topics, here is what AJ Jacobs recommends:
Do you think the niche journalism markets, such as Jewish journalism, music journalism, etc., still offer viable incomes for up and coming writers?:
“I’m no expert on this, but I think so. There are still a lot of very vibrant Jewish magazines and websites. And since we’re a people of the book, I hope there will be forever. It’s one of many glues that bind together a community. But it’s a very important glue.”
How do you feel that your (Olive Garden variety) Jewish identity has shaped your career and your writing?:
“I think being The Other is really integral to being a writer. It gives you a perspective on society. And being Jewish, even if it’s the Olive Garden variety, is definitely The Other.”
How do you find time to write while working a day job?:
“I actually don’t go into the Esquire office much. So writing is my day job. The real challenge is to find time to write while having three young kids.”
How have you managed to adapt to the changes in society, in journalism, in publishing, and continued to make your living as a writer?:
“Luckily, some people out there are still buying books. So I’ve been able to make most of my money from that. I feel I haven’t done enough online — my blog is woefully undernourished. But I’ve been busy with the books.”
Do you find this kind of nonfiction to be easier or more difficult than journalism work? How are the different and how are the enmeshed?:
“I actually consider this to be a form of journalism. You have to do all the traditional things: Pound the pavement, make calls, take notes, notice details, give people the five W’s (or 4 W’s and one H, or whatever it’s called; it’s been awhile since I took a journalism class). The main difference is having a little luxury of time.”
What are the after-effects of your experiments?:
“A huge amount stays with me from my experiments. Just to take the Bible book: I no longer stone adulterers. And I have gone back to wearing mixed fibers (which is forbidden by Leviticus). But there are many things I’ve kept. I try to observe the Sabbath. I try not to gossip (with varying degrees of success). I have more respect for my heritage’s rituals.”
What is the topic of this book that you are currently working on?:
“I’m writing a book about trying to be as healthy as humanly possible.”
Your books are heavily tinted with personal details and an intimate openness. How would you recommend writers balance transparency and identity with professional writing? Is there a line at all anymore between professional and personal? What dangers are there in blurring the distinctions?:
“I’m pretty comfortable with exposing my flaws. Some may not be. The hard part for me is to make sure I don’t hurt other people when I’m being transparent. As the Bible says, I try to keep evil tongue to a minimum.
(Alright, alright. Lesson learned. Jeeeez. Rub some salt on it, will ya’.)
Who is your favorite Jewish author of the moment?:
“I’m reading a novel by Sam Lipsyte that I think is brilliant. It’s called “The Ask.”
