Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Martin Dugard. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Martin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Way back when I graduated from college and got my first “real” job I learned very quickly that I didn’t fit into the corporate world. I desperately began looking for a way to make writing my career full-time. It took five years of freelance magazine work before I got my break. Out of the blue, I got a call asking if I could travel halfway around the world to Madagascar and cover a major endurance competition. The job would require taking a three week leave from my regular job. Well, I got the time off, made the trip, had such a great time that I wondered how I could ever go back to the corporate world, then had that question answered when I was fired my first day back. I’ve been a full time writer ever since. I moved from magazines to books, which have been my forte’ ever since. I keep regular office hours, love the solitude of my craft, and wouldn’t change a moment of the lean years for the satisfaction I get each day from crafting great stories.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I write narrative non-fiction, better described as “history books.” My works have sold more than 20 million copies and have been made into three motion pictures.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

My day is my own. My opinions are my own. My work is my own.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I don’t think most people who have a traditional corporate career knows what it means to have to hustle for every paycheck. Creatives do not get paid every two weeks, but whenever the work pays for itself. Makes it tough to budget.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.martindugard.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormartindugard
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/martinjdugard/
• Twitter: https://x.com/martinjdugard

Image Credits

Photo by Calene Dugard