New York Writer Shares Challenges of Creative Life in the City

Novelist Emily Gould discusses the realities of building a writing career and sustaining it in expensive New York City.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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In a recent interview on the "You Decide with Errol Louis" podcast, novelist and critic Emily Gould opened up about her experiences moving to New York City at age 19 to pursue a writing career. Gould recounted starting in book publishing and later being recruited as an editor for the Gawker blog. She also discussed the financial challenges of maintaining a creative life in the city, including the difficulties of saving money despite steady work due to the high costs of child care and market-rate rent.

Why it matters

Gould's story sheds light on the realities many aspiring writers and creative professionals face when trying to build a career in an expensive city like New York. Her insights highlight the need for policies and programs that support affordable housing and child care to help sustain the city's vibrant arts and culture community.

The details

Gould moved to New York in 2001 at age 19 to start a career in book publishing. She was later recruited as an editor for the Gawker blog. Despite steady work, Gould said the high costs of child care and market-rate rent in the city make it difficult to save money and sustain a creative life. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has proposed initiatives to address the challenges facing writers and other creative professionals in the city.

  • Gould moved to New York City in 2001 at age 19.
  • Gould was later recruited as an editor for the Gawker blog.

The players

Emily Gould

A novelist and critic who moved to New York City at age 19 to pursue a writing career, starting in book publishing and later working as an editor for the Gawker blog.

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who has proposed initiatives to address the challenges facing writers and other creative professionals in the city.

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What they’re saying

“Despite steady work, Gould said the high costs of child care and market-rate rent in the city make it difficult to save money and sustain a creative life.”

— Emily Gould, Novelist and Critic (ny1.com)

What’s next

Mayor Mamdani is expected to unveil more details about his proposed initiatives to support writers and other creative professionals in New York City in the coming months.

The takeaway

Gould's story highlights the financial challenges many aspiring writers and creative professionals face when trying to build a career in an expensive city like New York, underscoring the need for policies that address the high costs of housing and child care to help sustain the city's vibrant arts and culture community.