Patrick Gale tells Hayley Spurway about how to get through the struggles of the early years.

Once your first manuscript was accepted, how long did it take for writing to become a full-time career?

If you count non-fiction writing, about two years. In the early days I did lots of journalism, which is a really good way of getting your name known and taught me a lot; it’s very good practise for concision writing.

But if you really want to be a writer then you must accept that you will be poor for at least the next 15 years of your life. And try to avoid taking on a full-time career job – you will become salary dependent and it takes up too much of your time. Instead you might try part-time or temping work, freelance business or feature writing or proof reading. Reviewing is poorly paid but good experience. Also if you are self-employed you can claim back tax on DVDs, CD’s, film tickets etc on the grounds that you need to be up to date with cultural trends. But take this warning: it’s not good politics to trash another writers work, they may get their revenge when you get published.

Teaching is an option and offers long holidays. But if you simply can’t bear to be poor you must be shameless to succeed – I suggest taking advantage of family members and marrying the wealthy…

What professional advice do you have for aspiring writers.

There is no trade union for writers, but you should consider joining the Society of Authors and The Writers Guild. They can protect you legally and check your contracts. They will also make sure that you claim any money owed to you from repeat fees.

You must register as self-employed. The Society of Authors and The Writers Guild can help find an accountant. You’re likely to be inspected in the first two years. If you are organised, then hopefully, they won’t come back. Don’t pretend to be an airhead who knows nothing about money, it will just make them suspicious. Tax inspectors may charge you for their visit. The Writers Guild offer insurance against this.