Who are you?

I am many different people! Mum to my three girls, journalist and contributing editor of Women’s Running magazine, author, blogger at shewhodaresruns and in between I try to be a runner and coach, too.

What do you write?

Mainly about health, and specifically about running. But I’ve written a self-help book on divorce out very soon, called The Divorce Survival Guide, and my second book, The Road to London (my journey along the road to running the London Marathon) is in the pipeline. Really, though, I would like to spend all day writing children’s picture books.

Blogging is so cathartic; I love random stream-of-consciousness pieces about the challenges of life, parenting and trying to be a runner.

Do you have a ‘day’ job?

It seems I have several. Writing for Women’s Running magazine is my everyday work, but I squeeze that in between driving up and down the motorway for my youngest’s gymnastics; she’s just made the national finals in May for her age group. My middle daughter wants to be a dancer. My eldest aspires to be an artist. It’s a lot of running around! Finding time to write creatively sometimes feels impossible, but there’s usually at least half an hour a day where I squeeze in writing the next book. And as I slurp my coffee, or drift off to sleep, I dream of working on my children’s fiction.

How useful do you find social media and/or blogging?

For me it’s a lifeline. I would go crazy without the friends that live inside my phone. When you’re freelance and work at home, connecting with other journalists, mums, runners and readers is crucial to your mental health. Blogging is so cathartic; I love random stream-of-consciousness pieces about the challenges of life, parenting and trying to be a runner. My absolute favourite channel is Instagram as it’s so … instant! I’m not sure if any social media really earns you money, but I wouldn’t be without it. I have so many friends I’ve never met.

Imagining someone photocopying a feature I’ve written that may help change a life makes you realise, however much or little you get paid, you’re fulfilling your life purpose.

How long have you been an ALCS member and how did you hear about us?

I’m very new, just over a year. I am so happy we found each other! A fellow author and health journalist who empathizes with my ‘struggle’ insisted I join.

For what sort of uses of your work do you receive royalties from ALCS?

Photocopying of features in magazines I write for, though I’ve recently submitted for use of my photographs in magazines and once my book is published I’m hoping this, too, will contribute to royalties. When I see my magazines in libraries I inwardly smile as I know that the well-worn pages are earning me money. It’s also heart-warming as I write to inspire other women to believe in themselves and chase their dreams. Imagining someone photocopying a feature I’ve written that may help change a life makes you realise, however much or little you get paid, you’re fulfilling your life purpose.

Which is your most surprising source of ALCS income?

It all is! I never knew you existed until my journalist friend suggested I join, so receiving royalties for work I’ve already done is such a welcome and gratefully received bonus for a divorced mum of three. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Which is your highest-earning work from ALCS income?

Although it’s from my magazine journalism I’m hoping this will soon switch to my books. The dream is to one day focus 100% on fiction.

We are born writers; it’s a crazy way to live, so as long as I can keep tapping away I’m hoping the income will be there as a little boost every year; without it more creative projects couldn’t happen for me.

How important are your ALCS payments to you as a writer?

Important? The two I have received have been crucial. The first one last year allowed me to invest in illustrations for one of my children’s picture books. The second is ring-fenced for pushing that baby out into the world!

Are you aware of any potential threats to your ALCS income?

At the moment no, but I imagine the future is very uncertain. In many ways I am quite disconnected with reality, news and changing events during this busy time of family life. I will rely on ALCS to keep me informed of any imminent changes. We are born writers; it’s a crazy way to live, so as long as I can keep tapping away I’m hoping the income will be there as a little boost every year; without it more creative projects couldn’t happen for me.

What does the future hold for you as a writer?

If only we all knew. Let me get out my crystal ball and gaze into it for a moment … I love all of the different threads of my writing life: magazines, books, reaching out with blogs. There is never enough time for them all. However, the sparks that set my heart on fire are trying to capture the precious, gone-so-quickly moments with children when you read them bedtime stories, stories that inspire the ethereal magic of the imagination. How could there ever be a correct price tag for achieving this, or income return? Achieving this is more important to me than anything else.

Tina Chantrey’s  freelance career spans over 20 years, during which she has written on all aspects of health, fitness and nutrition. Tina is contributing editor of Women’s Running  magazine, the award-winning blogger shewhodaresruns; her book The Divorce Survival Guide: Body and Soul, will be published this summer.
You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @shewhodaresruns.