‘Freelance Writing’ Archives
“I’m a writer and I have low self-esteem.”
"I'm a writer and I have low self-esteem." That's what I said on Penn & Teller's Showtime show Bullshit. It was part true, part Hollywood. But I think anyone would agree that writing for a living can break your heart at times, into itty-bitty tiny shattered pieces. And that's just on a good day. On a bad day, getting rejected or getting no [...]
The Freelance Writing Blues
Yes there's baby blues and even shopping blues, but freelance writing blues? Yep, I think so. If you're in the low right now, when your phone stops ringing, people stop emailing and your blog is as empty as an ice-cream shop in wintertime, then you know what I mean. You wonder if this is it, the last shebang, the final sign that you didn't make [...]
WordCount Blogathon 2010 Here I Come!
It's Day 4 of the 2010 WordCount Blogathon. Here's a bit of info in case you haven't heard of it. Reporter, writer, blogger, basically media/publishing entrepreneur, Michelle Rafter created a challenge for herself. In 2008, she blogged every day for the entire month of May. Asking others to join in the fun, she created the WordCount Blogathon to [...]
5 Ways to Burn Bridges in Business
This post will cover the five things you shouldn't do (not including the basics like failing to do any work for a client or refusing to pay a freelancer) if you want a healthy, happy long-term and profitable business relationship. Whether you're a freelancer or a start-up looking to hire a freelancer, there are a few things you should know [...]
Fun Friday Question for Freelancers (Say that Three Times Fast)
photo by: kevindooley It's the end of another long week freelancers. And on this freelance Friday, I must ask, "What do you do to decompress?" I know how it goes. You're toiling away at your computer, making phone calls, coming up with creative queries, networking, marketing your services and spending the spare time you have left on Facebook [...]
The Free in Freelance Writing
Ever wonder what the "free" in freelance writer stands for? Is it free for freedom? Or free as in non-paying? According to Dictionary.com, the word came from the 1820s meaning medieval mercenary warrior. And later referring to journalism in 1882. What a long way we've come from the original meaning. Or have we? As freelance writers, we're [...]
Guest Post: Writing Lessons I Learned Twice
I'm happy to welcome super talented writer and owner of the fabulous a.k.a. writer blog, Jesaka Long! Although I haven't had the chance to meet Jesaka in person, I've had the fortune of networking with Jesaka online and feel lucky to have done so. Jesaka is not only a talented writer, but has become a valuable writer friend. I was honored that she [...]
Keeping the Faith
Part of the gift and the challenge with being a freelance writer is not knowing what comes next. While you may be riding the wave of good fortune this month, you may be drowning the next. Although there is the rare writer who radiates an envious and endless optimism, most of us struggle day to day, typing along, hoping to be discovered and [...]
An Important Lesson for Writers from Mr. Walt Disney
A writer could learn a thing or two from Mr. Walt Disney. My husband and I attended the Walt Disney Family Museum in the Presidio area of San Francisco this weekend. You can read my overall impression of the museum here. But if you're a writer or author, stick around, this post is for you! I didn't know much about Walt Disney except for the [...]
Beginning Writer’s Dilemma: How to Survive as a Freelance Writer
I was talking with a fellow writer the other day and then it hit me. We were both striving for the same thing-to make a living as a freelance writer. But we had very different ways of reaching our goal. For me, business is a lot slower. I really want to focus on magazine and newspaper writing but the process is a lot longer than other writing [...]
