Ever Curious About Freelance Writers?

For the last year or so, I've followed Kimberly Ben at Avid Writer in her freelance writing journey.  Her posts are always informative and helpful for both established and novice writers alike.  The article she posted yesterday, 3 Answers to Curious Questions About How to Become a Freelance Writer, was one that I can relate to.  Over the years, many curious friends, family members and acquaintances have asked me lots of questions about what I do.


Here are three commonly asked questions about freelance writing and my responses to them.

(1)  What sort of writing do you do?  I have been very blessed with a variety of writing opportunities over the last ten years, including writing many articles of various topics, lots of press releases, brochures, newsletters, and I even ghost wrote a book on parenting.  My articles and press releases have been published all over the web.

A few things that I have not done are publish an article in print, technical writing, grant writing, nor have I published a book - yet.  These (with the exception of technical writing) are all things I'd like to do some day.

(2)  How do you get jobs?  I've acquired a lot of the work I've done simply by networking with other people who love to do what I do - write.  I've learned an incredible lot by visiting other freelancing blogs, getting to know these people, and by learning from their experiences.  I've both worked for some of these friends, or they have actually referred work to me because they are too busy to take on more themselves. I've also sought out opportunities by querying or sending manuscripts to publications and gotten jobs in that manner.  

I think everybody goes about it differently and that makes sense in light of the fact that there's so many different kinds of writing to do.  For those starting out, it's important to remember that it won't happen overnight.  It takes time to get enough clips and articles to make you a credible writer, one that people want to hire. But the more you get, the more your credibility grows and before you know it, you're getting more assignments.

(3) Can you make money at freelance writing?  Well, as Kimberly addressed in her post, whether or not they actually ask, people often wonder if you can make money at writing.  The answer is yes.  In fact, there's good money to be had.  People do it every single day.  You must realize that just about everything on the web involves writing - blogs, websites (business or otherwise), e-zines and the list goes on.  It seems as though there's an increased need for good writers now more than ever. Other than internet, there's also local business opportunities, contests, print, and there's even money to be made on re-prints of your own articles.

So yes, if you're willing to do your research and seek out jobs there is most definitely money to make in the world of freelance writing.  It's your own hard work, determination, and perseverance that determines your level of success.

I look forward to my future as a freelance writer.  I know that as my children grow and mature I will be able to invest more time into this career that's so exciting and rewarding to me.  In the mean time, if you're considering becoming a writer, go for it!!! If you have the passion and the drive to do it, success can be yours too!





photo credit: Creativity+ Timothy K Hamilton via photopin cc

What's So Inspiring About November?

With November often comes the onset of cold gusty winds, gray, dreary days, and the first snowstorms of the season.  To make matters worse, the days become shorter and the sun seems to shine but precious little, but as "blah" as that sounds there's an upside to everything.  These are the perfect days to hunker down and light spicy scented candles all over the house, play board games with the kids or simply cuddle up under blankets with good books to read or a laptop for writing.

November is the beginning of many exciting and even inspiring things to come, especially this year.  On a national scale, American citizens will soon be casting their votes to determine who will be president for the next four years.  Some will be happy, some will not, but it remains a time of hope and change for a promise of a bright future.

Soon after election day, will come Thanksgiving.  What's more inspiring or joyful than sharing a delicious feast with your closest friends and loved ones?  For writers, taking a moment to jot down a few of their favorite memories, or even bits of funny conversations may become grist for the mill down the line.  It's those little things that might give your fiction, memoir, or even magazine article that special tidbit that makes it real for your readers. The ability to do that makes you a real writer.    

Of course, it's also the beginning of the Christmas season, and despite what others may think I love everything about this time of the year.  I'm one of those crazy people who can't wait to hear the first Christmas jingle on the radio.  After that, it's Christmas cookies and decorating all the way - all the way to Christmas day that is!  

For me personally, I will hopefully be publishing my new freelance writing website this month.  Getting it up and running will be my main writing goal, but I'll also be working on marketing and acquiring some jobs as well.  I'll keep you posted throughout my journey.      

So for me, the drear of November holds no threat.  I'm ready to hear the whistle of cold, wild, wind gusts, to see snow falling gently (or angrily) to the ground while I tap, tap, tap the keyboard of my laptop.  When the sun does shine, I'll greedily soak it in and think of all the great things to come this November!

Leave a comment and tell me what you are looking forward to this month?  I'd love to hear from you!


photo credit: susanvg via photopin cc