> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.themariejohn.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # I Lost My Job Last Week. This Week, I’m Editing My Second Book - URL: https://www.themariejohn.com/i-lost-my-job-last-week-this-week/ - Published: 2025-09-24T12:54:59.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-04T20:10:09.000Z - Description: if the universe wants me to be a full-time writer it needs to just say that- oh wait... - Author: Soul x SWMarie ✨ - Tags: Life, authors, working, Bloggers, unemployed, small businesses, advice, black writers, art, blogging, Newsletter, #Migrated-1791144068973, #Import 2026-10-04 20:05 ### *the universe wants me to be a full-time writer so bad…* You know, it’s crazy what happens when you finally have the time to do the things you really want to do. Last week, my job gave me the boot — I’d be lying if I said I even cared enough to be depressed about it. Yes, of course, a two income household is ideal especially in this economy. However, my moral compass was being tested everyday with that job. They did me a favor, honestly. Does it suck to have to budget with one income and three children? Absofuckinglutely. It’s tough wondering how we’re gonna get things paid right now. The job market is trash, the economy is in the garbage disposal, and life is moving at a mile a minute. But I have to say — the time I’ve had on my hands in just this past week to be able to work on my second book and my business has been *life changing.* This is the second time in a year that I’ve been granted ample amount of time to do something with my writing and grow my business to be what I know it can be. I’d be crazy to think this isn’t playing out the way it is for a reason. Allowing my writing to be my full-time job is all I ever wanted for myself. I know I have a gift and all I want to do is use it to be able to support myself and my family. It’s not as easy as some people online make it look, but there is a way to get it done. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ### *it was hard, but I made it happen!* In the midst of being a mom and taking care of my sick toddler the week before I was let go, I was able to finish my second book. I had been working on that draft for a while and it wasn’t easy to finish — but I passed go and collected a draft! Had she never gotten sick, I’m not sure this draft would’ve been done this year. If I’m being honest, this draft is something that’s been looming over me for a while now. It was supposed to be dropped in July, but life got in the way earlier this year and the last thing that was on my mind was writing. Although, I’m sure some great content would’ve come out of my pain and suffering — it just wasn’t in my playbook to get on the computer and tell anyone. So, here we were in early September and I’m realizing that this draft has to get finished at some point. I have another big project that I’m getting ready to start and without this draft being finished, I couldn’t put my energy into my new series. I felt like I owed it to my readers and those itching for part two to get it done… and soon. Between meltdowns, fevers, medicine and naps I carved out enough hours of my life to go all in and now I’m deep in the middle of edits and getting it ready for release. I will have my second book in my hands soon and that’s so surreal to me. My goal this year was to have one book out before I graduate and now?! It’ll be two! I can’t remember the last time I actually reached a goal and went the extra mile and did more. It feels amazing. Even through the bills piling up, even through the anxiety and worries, even through the tough decisions, I am a soon to be 2x published author with my own publishing company. It may not be a lot now… it may not be generating any real income yet, but the point is… I’m here. I did it. I’m doing it. Publishing books and having my own publishing company to do it all myself. This is my dream. And I’m living it!!! Like??? HELLLO!!!! This is HUGE!!!! ## *YOUR DREAMS ARE IMPORTANT!* What I’m here to tell you is continue working on your dreams no matter what. Yes, it would’ve taken me longer to finish my book had I not lost my job, but it would’ve still gotten done. It’s imperative to carve out time in your life to work on what really makes you happy — even if it’s just an hour a day. YOU MUST create. You cannot allow the state of the current world to take you away from your craft — from the very gift God gave you. I have yet to get a paid client looking for editing services. I have yet to scratch the surface of $1000 in revenue from book sales. But I wake up every single day ready to continue putting in the work. Why? Because who am I to give up on my dreams? One day, someone will email me asking if they can hire me to edit their book and on that day — I can say I’ve truly made it. This is all I want for my life and I’m working for it everyday because it’s my passion. And we don’t give up on our passions, okay!? So, take my words and hold them close. It’s okay to feel like you’re failing — you’re not. It’s okay to be afraid — I’m afraid, too. But what would the world be if people like you and me didn’t take a chance on themselves? It would be a pretty damn colorless place. Take a chance on yourself. It might surprise you what you can do when you put the work in! See you soon. <3 If you are interested in any of the services I provide, please check out my [author website!](http://soulthewriter.com/?ref=themariejohn.com) --- Check out my first post from my business publication! **A reminder:** *Please, please support small businesses, indie authors, and people with a dream. Your purchase, your support, and/or your kind words could go a long way. It could save a life in more ways than you may think. <3* [From Idea to Ink — 30 Days of Writing with SoulAs I wrap up my final term before graduating college in December, I want to shed light on the reality of balancing motherhood, studies, and writing. If I can make space to finish a draft in the middle of all that, I promise you can too — and I’ll show you how. We will work together! I am so excited for this course to drop and I hope you’re willing to be…![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/69/a5/69a50cf8-a236-4da4-b798-8dad6075188d/content/images/2026/10/27480bff-0ea7-4ed4-8c33-2841d976f78d_500x500.png)Soul Noir Ink House](https://soulnoirinkhouse.substack.com/p/from-idea-to-ink-30-days-of-writing)