photo by: brykmantra

During my short stint at a private investigator, I had the opportunity to face my fears. I was afraid of a lot of things, but being determine wasn’t one of them.

Several months into it, my supervisor called me a “bulldog” because he said I didn’t let go of the target once I found it. In retrospect, I think it’s the same stubborn perseverance that has kept me writing thus far.
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Photo: Steve Wampler

Oh the things that freelancing has taught me! Some of the things I’ve learned are the importance of keeping good business records, receipts and tracking all my queries. If it was ever beneficial to be organized, it’s now!

But another gem came from the wisdom of other freelance writers. From discussion boards like those on Writer’s Digest and LinkedIn, and invaluable chats with people like fellow writer Jordan Rosenfeld, I’ve learned the secret of keeping my head above water, and my wallet out of the red.

It’s called, “diversify.” In my lil interview with freelance writer, editor and author, Ms. Rosenfeld, I learned the importance of being flexible and spreading my wings: “I think every freelance writer needs to have several layers of projects going at all times, though. You have to be able to multi-task. For me, I also edit manuscripts, and teach online classes as well as write.”
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I was going to start this post with something like, “How to Know It’s Time to Say Sayonara to Freelancing and Take That Full-Time Job” but I realized I’m no expert in the area. I am, however, going through this same situation and know other freelancers who are going through it as well. The question we’re all asking ourselves is, “Do we sacrifice our freelance freedom for regular pay at full-time job?”
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or do they? With magazines folding left and right, hundreds of staff writers being laid off at newspapers, there’s more than enough reason to panic. After all, if all the good experienced writers are suddenly out of work, where does that leave us freelancers?

Don’t give up just yet! Although it’s tempting to give in to the wave of panic, reacting out of fear won’t make things better. In fact, you might be setting yourself up for future regret.

Think of it this way. Remember when you were single and lonely? Or how about really hungry, let’s say starving? What do you do? You go out and date the first guy or gal that walks through the door or pig out on junk food. Both situations end up hurting rather than helping you reach your goals. You’ll never find the person of your dreams or lose those 10 pounds if you act out of desperation. Instead, maybe we all need to take a deep breath and just believe.

Believe that we’ll get through this hump and stop focusing on that nervous energy telling you that you won’t make it in this industry. The fear is mounting in this country. People are holding on to their jobs like there’s no tomorrow. But we don’t have to give in. Ride the wave of fear and focus instead on working twice as hard. Don’t let it make you desperate. Think positive. And remember, fear is a state of mind. Be one of those people who does well in spite of the economy.

When you’re staring at a blank screen all day and listening to nothing but the sound of time passing by, it’s difficult to be a freelance writer. Then you get days like today. By some stroke of luck I had the chance to connect with one of my writing idols. Can you imagine my excitement when contributing editor and columnist for Writer’s Digest magazine and fiction writer Jordan E. Rosenfeld invited me (!!!) to chat with her over tea and dreams? Yeah, pretty surreal! Fortunately I got some of her inspiring words down here, which I think is great advice for new writers.
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Photo by: TCM Hitchhiker

Sometimes the word writer and monster feels like one and the same.  You’re all alone. People think you’re weird-at least you think they think you’re weird.  You spend all of your time holed up researching online, in the library, reading at cafes.  You send out letters asking people for work like a desperate fiend needing his next fix.  Most of the time you wonder if, like Shrek, you’re the only monster in the woods.  Is there anyone else out there going through the same things as you?
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Photo by: Vicki’s Pics

Sherri Shepherd has a book coming out entitled, “Permission Slips.” If I had a book coming out, I’d call it, “Rejection Slips.” I’m sure every writer gets them. Those standard letters or brief emails that says, “Sorry the position is filled. We liked you but…” So close, and yet so far.

How do you keep querying, writing, and pursuing your dream as a freelance writer, when you keep getting those heartbreaking slips?
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photo by broken thoughts

I took an evening writing class late last night.  For 4 hours I sat, listening to the teacher speak.  Four hours later, I realized.  Why didn’t I learn this as an undergrad in English?!  Then it hit me.  There was this entire aspect of freelance writing that I hadn’t even considered previously…the Business Side of Freelance Writing!  Doh!
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Photo by: Onion

I’ve already listed “What Being a Writer Has Taught Me” in an earlier post, but one thing I didn’t mention was how it has changed me.

See, I’m a shy person.  As a grad student in Counseling Psychology I took the Myers-Briggs personality test which only confirmed my introverted-ness.  Yet, when I put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard I’m suddenly transformed.  Kind of like superman with his cape I guess.  It makes me “more powerful than a locomotive and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.”  Well, maybe only in my dreams.  But it does get me to walk straight up to a US congressman and interview random people passing by. Read the rest of this entry