Writer Problem#11: INCOMING RANT - Entry Fees

Okay, so I've done a few of these 'Writer Problem' posts in the past just as little throwaway thoughts on things that impact us writers. One that bugs me is entry fees.

So you want to get your work out there, maybe you're considering entering a competition which could lead to your work being published. Okay, entry fees may cover some costs for the publisher, but can you imagine forking out money for all the competitions out there? It would be crazy. Some of them are almost £20. I don't want to pay just to not be published. Now okay, I get it. Sometimes the payment and the risk is worth it and it leads to good things, but I know some people who have paid a lottttt of money entering competitions and never winning, never being chosen. It's not something I've resorted to yet, but I'm sure I'll try to avoid it at all costs.

Exciting stuff.

Today I got my first paycheck from the new job.
I'd forgotten how good it feels to earn money. Whilst living in Huddersfied I applied for many jobs over the course of three years and couldn't find anything. I travel South, walk into a building and asked if they were hiring. It just so happened they had just had a staff member leave and practically hired me on the spot. I held my paycheck the way Gollum held the One Ring.
My preciousssss....
The exciting part is that now, if I were to book 6 months in advance, I actually have enough to cover my flights to and from New Zealand! I've wanted to go to New Zealand for more than half of my life. Though I probably wouldn't travel until next year I'm very excited. Hope you've all had a good day.