Survival Is a Pre-Existing Condition: Author (And More!) Spike Gillespie
“I’m willing to scrub toilets, or pet sit…. I’ve often had to augment and I’m not afraid to do crap work. I never want to do crap work again. But if somebody needed an article about how to express their dog’s anal glands, and I needed food, I will do that.”
Spike Gillespie walked away from her last office job as a magazine editor in 1988. She has been soloing ever since — and to great success.
The key to her longevity as a soloist? Diversification. Gillespie is a self-described serial entrepreneur.
Spike Gillespie
In her four decades of independent work, this Texan-by-way-of-New Jersey has been a journalist, a writer, a wedding and funeral officiant, a rancher, a venue owner, and, in her latest venture, a professional scone maker.
In this episode, Gillespie shares candidly about her unconventional career path, her experience soloing as a single parent, and the positive daily habits that sustain her creativity.
Note to listeners: Gillespie often paints as a way to relax, and was doing just that during our conversation. There's also a little bit of spicy language. So listen accordingly.
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Voted Best Writer in Austin TWICE by Austin Chronicle readers, Gillespie is the author of nine books. I can recommend any of them, but start with Pissed Off: On Women & Anger.
This book sat on my desk for a month and the title alone inspired dozens of interesting conversations with friends and family. Clearly, the topic hits a nerve.
For more information, visit Gillespie on Facebook and Instagram @spike.gillespie. And read our Q&A with Spike here.
—Nicole Dyer
Show Notes
Coming soon.