I used to write between lunch breaks at my corporate job. Now my income as a best-selling romantasy author supports my family

PUBLISHED Sep 12, 2026, 4:53 AM ET

Best-selling author Brigid Kemmerer transitioned from a corporate finance career to write romantasy full-time, building a successful literary career that now supports her family. Previously, Kemmerer balanced raising three children while working grueling twelve-hour days in corporate finance, writing exclusively during lunch breaks and stolen moments outside office hours. The career pivot followed commercial traction that led to New York Times bestseller status, securing sufficient financial stability to leave the corporate sector entirely. A decade after making the full-time transition, Kemmerer reflects on the realities of sustaining a writing career outside the predictable framework of traditional corporate employment. While the commercial success of romantasy titles has provided substantial financial rewards and family support, the shift from a steady corporate salary to freelance and publishing income introduces unique financial pressures and shifts in long-term stability. The account highlights broader economic and career shifts within the publishing industry, where specialized genre writing has emerged as a viable alternative.

By Neha R. | JQJO News

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 30
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 30

Explain Framing

Left: Highlights systemic corporate burnout and the necessity of alternative livelihoods. Center: Reports personal career transition facts and objective publishing industry economic trends. Right: Emphasizes individual enterprise, personal financial risk, and free market self-reliance.