In 1952 Asimov begins to understand that making a living exclusively on literature is more than a possibility. Its revenue reached and science fiction writing (if not exceed) their meager salary as a professor of biochemistry at Boston University, and has also begun to diversify their literary activities.
Gradually realizing that writing popular articles can be as rewarding as a work devoted to fiction and, indeed, as time goes on you discover that the former is easier and more enjoyable than the latter.
After writing a textbook of biochemistry with two colleagues of the University (which does not leave very happy and it's a failure of sales) Asimov felt the need to continue doing something along these lines. But not so much scientific texts intended for public science education, but popular articles for the general public.
Taking advantage of Astounding occasionally publishes some material from that style, and begins to write some post. Somewhat later, Anthony Boucher, editor of The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, asks a fixed column for his magazine science and Asimov and decisively starts an activity and never left and that, over time, should evolve its main source of income.
As the years go passing from small items of disclosure of essays and soon become the dominant figure in the field of popular science is largely thanks to his direct way of explaining things and his style plain and hearty, always making the most abstruse comprehensible science subjects. Should not underestimate either the profligacy of its production, as Asimov soon becomes a real typewriter, like turning the clock attached to the keyboard without doing anything else.
And some of it is, indeed.
For now, focus on the scientific literature has a negative impact on their academic environment: ever more neglected laboratory tasks (though never the classes, which for him is a pleasure) and is in fact called to order in more than one occasion . His answer, one of those times, is symptomatic:
"I'm a good science writer. I intend to become the best science writer in the world and as such, my reputation is beneficial for the University of Boston. As a researcher I am mediocre. And the last thing this school needs is another mediocre researcher more.
That does not exactly won the sympathy of some of his colleagues. At the moment he was safe, because both his supervisor and the dean felt sympathy for him and supported him. But that could change and flows into the final break Asimov with the University of Boston.
That was not so final, actually.
There comes a time (the dean has retired and his successor does not look so kindly upon Asimov) he no longer is a reprimand. For its repeated neglect of his duties as a researcher, the university is threatening to leave without pay. Discharge, in short.
By then the economic aspect cares very little and if Asimov did not respond to that threat with a "can get the pay for where they fit" is pure education. But to fire him is another matter.
A few years ago has risen to the rank of "associate professor" and do not plan to give it up. You've earned it and deserves it. So he tells his superiors that agreement, which will not charge or more classes, but the title of Associate Professor of Biochemistry at Boston University is theirs and can not remove it. They say yes and he insists that no, which leads to a dispute lasting several years and that Asimov ends up winning.
He leaves the university, but retains his title.
In a way, was the best that could have happened. Although by that time his salary as a teacher is a drop in the ocean of their income is fixed and sure gives psychological stability. At the end of the day, he thinks, every book is like starting again. Nobody says its popularity will always keep: a success and failure can follow it another. So even if you no longer need his salary as a teacher, still clings to it for peace of mind it provides.
When the University literally gives you the kick, you are doing you a favor. From that time is devoted entirely to literature, which means more time to write and therefore, more books on the market. And more money.
There is a story of those last years at Boston University, where Asimov struggle to retain his title of associate professor, who I can only summarize. A colleague says he admires his integrity and independence and how it is prepared to fight to the end.
Asimov shrugs and says:
"It has no merit. I can resumirte in two words the key to academic independence.
- What?
-External Revenue.
