Summary: John MacKenna has done practically every kind of writing: novels, short stories, newspaper articles, ads, biographies, histories, documentaries. And yet he admits that after all these years, he makes only half a living from writing. If it's so difficult to support oneself by writing, what's a writer to do? Join guest host Mick Halpin and John MacKenna as they explore the writer's life and conclude that in spite of the difficulties, it is a wonderful life indeed. In this fascinating interview, John talks about: * What types of jobs he thinks writers should try to get, and why * How experiencing life in all its varieties can enhance your writing, even if it feels like you're wasting time when you're not writing * How doing different kinds of writing can enrich your work * How deadlines can help a writer * Why bestselling writers deserve our thanks as well as our admiration * Why you need to write even if you haven't been struck by brilliance * Why all writing is autobiographical
