Have you ever been stunned like a deer-caught-in-the headlights when someone asks you, “What you do for a living?” Well I have and I can’t plea ignorance on this one!

All over the web, articles on creating an elevator speech have been popping up. I’ve seen them, read them, but failed to do anything about it.

Let’s see there was:

1. 5 Tips for Creating an Elevator Speech on Freelance Writing Gigs.
2. How to Write an Elevator Pitch for Your Freelance Writing Business on All Freelance Writing.
3. Anne Wayman at About Freelance Writing also posted an article entitled,”The Writer’s Elevator Pitch.”
4. And Freelance Folder’s article, “Creating an Elevator Speech: How Looking in the Mirror Can Help Your Business” even sounded like me. (The baffled, stumbling part.)

So really, what excuse did I really have not to have the perfect pitch right off the bat?

None really. I can only plead insanity.

Maybe I thought to myself,”I already know what I do for a living. Why waste time practicing it? Who’s going to really ask me anyway? How hard can it be to tell others what I do for a living?”

Learn from my lesson. Prepare. Practice. Then, preach to others. Don’t make the same mistake as I did.

When I went to a recent networking gig, everyone asked me what I did for a living. Doh! There’s supposed to. I wish I had brilliantly said that I was a “full-time freelance writer specializing in both web and print articles.”  And that this includes, “blogging on a range of topics from wallet-friendly ideas to inspirational articles on following your dreams to posts for beginning freelance writers.”

But I think I said, “Um. I’m a full-time freelance writer.”

And then asked, “What do you write?”

“Uh, like um newspapers and magazines and blogs.”

“On what?”

“Inspiring stuff. Home decor. Writing stuff.”

Can you tell I was nervous with a capital N? As in, I was sweating like I it was 100 degrees or under hot lights in an interrogation.

The worse was how I kept sounding like I wasn’t quite sure I was a writer or maybe I was, but I didn’t exactly know what I wrote about. Ack!

Here’s what I learned: Make the effort because as a full-time freelance writer every person you interact with could be a possible friend, mentor, employer, and/or client. I might have costed myself a few potential job leads all because I wasn’t prepared. So…

Be prepared. Practice saying out loud what you do for a living until you sound confident and sure of yourself. Write it down if you have to. Say it in front of your friends and ask them how you sound.

Practice alone and with others. Sometimes I forget that even in social situations with friends and at my husband’s work events, I have the opportunity to show-off my elevator speech. I can also put myself in front of a mirror and talk myself silly.

Practice until you don’t blush anymore. I think for some of us, telling other people what we do for a living (especially when we’re proud of it) feels a bit like bragging. It doesn’t help that a lot of writers (moi included) are shy and introverted. But the more we do it, the easier it’ll get it.

The takeaway? Creating an excellent elevator speech and being able to deliver it effortlessly are important. It’s important to our business and our future as freelance writers.

So get over it already! We need to get over this hurdle so we can move on, meet new people and get new jobs.

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 closer to a mercenary warrior (a courageous one who works for pay) then one that works for free, aren’t we?

Yet, I’m noticing more and more job ads requiring freelancers to write “on spec” (essentially for free) first.

MY CONFESSION:

I’ve been guilty of applying for several of these jobs. Jobs that ask me to write a blog or a short article for free. I’m always one of the top candidates when I’m asked to do yet another sample. And the end result? I typically don’t get the job.

WHaT Do YoU ThInK?

Have you ever written samples for free? What was the end result? And do you think it was worth the risk?

I’m of the more common variety. And after reading Julia Cameron’s Finding Water: The Art of Perseverance, I was relieved that even best-selling authors go through this too. It’s actually Cameron’s phrase “keep the faith” that inspired the title and content of this post.

I think it’s easy to get discouraged in this field. Like my husband often says, “You picked a very challenging career.” Although I’m not saving lives here, because writing is such a personal endeavor, I sometimes feel like the life I’m trying to save is my own.

Staying Positive

I have to work on keeping positive and optimistic so that I can get through the valleys and get on to the mountaintops. For me, this means going out of the house to meet with weekly groups (I just joined a professional work at home women’s club.), talking to other writers, and saying silly mantras in my head like, “I’m a successful writer.” I do this all to get through the lull and discouragement that is inevitable in this business.

All Rejection is Temporary Except Your Own

I remember reading somewhere that the only real and permanent rejection is your own. You may not get that seemingly perfect writing job or get your piece published in that national magazine, but those rejections are temporary. If you give up on yourself, then the journey is over.

No matter what stage you are in your writing, don’t give up yet. Keep the faith. And do whatever you must to keep pushing through. If you quit now, you’ll never know how close you were to success. You might have been just a day away…

There’s the fear of rejection, for example.

To the beginning writer, a letter of rejection sometimes feels like a Dear John letter. Our writing wasn’t good enough and in return we’re not good enough either.

Fear of going broke.

At times writing for a living feels like a lofty career. One that’s more for the rich and wealthy not the poor and desperate. At least that’s what our friends and family keep saying. Can we really make a living doing what we love? Although there are several writers and authors doing so, there are just as many struggling to get there foot in the door. And when you’re just at the beginning, the path between 0 to 100 feels like eternity.

Fear of being shamed.

Talk about putting it all out there. It’s a personal thing whether you are writing about home decor or your own personal struggles. The fear that people will snicker and roll their eyes at your work is the reason why several talented writers keep their writing in the closet. Who wants the weight of the world’s worst critics on your shoulder? And it’s not just about us. We’re worried we’ll unintentionally shame our family in a personal memoir about mom’s harsh words and dad’s emotional distance.

Fear of never accomplishing the dream.

It could be finishing that novel or getting published in a reputable magazine. But whatever it is, a lot of writers fear that they won’t ever be recognized for their craft. And that’s a real hard pill to swallow.

Fear that you’re crazy.

Crazy for believing that you have a one in a million shot of success. Once you tell people you’re starting your career as a writer, you’ll begin getting statements that make you feel crazy or at least wildly naive. They’ll say things like, “I have a friend who is a famous newspaper reporter and he just got laid off. If he can’t make it, how do you think you will?” And that crazy feeling will stay every time you ask someone for a pay rate you think you deserve or ask others for work. Because inside there’s a voice of self-doubt saying, “Maybe I am crazy. Maybe I’m not good enough. Maybe I’m stupid to even try.”

Fear of not trying.

This is what I think is the worst fear of all! Yes, there are times when the fear of rejection sinks down low. It ruffles my feathers and makes my stomach turn. But the fear of not trying, not writing hurts so much more. I might not be the next Stephanie Meyer, people may think I’m crazy and judge me, and I may never be a bestselling novelist or pulitzer prize writer, but you know what, that doesn’t make me any less as a writer. If you write, if you take in a deep breath and muster an ounce of courage to get to your computer or notebook or laptop every day, then you are a writer.

Best way to deal with those bag of beginner fears?

Keep at it, one word and one day at a time.

As a freelance writer, sometimes you work with people who are unprofessional or difficult. Is it ever a good idea to state honestly how you feel about the working relationship or is it better to cut ties cleanly and quietly?

What do you think?

Better to be honest and state what’s not working (e.g. low pay, unreliable client) or end things without saying a word?

photo by: RogueSun Media

I say “acting” because that’s what all writers feel at some point in their careers. That we are all acting, pulling the wool over everyone’s eyes, pretending that we are actual writers when there are days we wonder if we’ll ever really deserve the title.

That’s how I felt on the days I put on my mask and became “the journalist.” Since I got my degree in English not Journalism, I wear that badge with both fear and trepidation. I don’t want anyone thinking that I (god forbid!) am a real reporter less they mock my writing style, scrutinize my copy and laugh behind my back at my poor attempt at journalistic prose. After all, I’m not a real reporter, am I?

While undercover in my sad attempt to protect my weary heart from public attack, I still learned a great deal about life. Whether we admit it or not, the process of writing enables us to become the role we fear-a writer. The amazing thing is that when I learn to accept the possibility of the position, I learned a great deal about myself and about life. Here’s what I absorbed from walking in the shoes of a reporter:

1. You’ll always wonder if you did enough. I may have interviewed hundreds of people including my list of “must-interview” and stayed longer at an event than I need to, but I’ll still wonder as I’m walking away, “Did I do enough?”
2. Which brings me to #2…In the words of Kenny Rogers, “you’ve got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away, know when to run.” Whether you are on your upteenth time of editing your manuscript or rereading your query or staying longer than you should at an event you’re covering because of self-doubt, there is a point when you just need to say, “Okay. I’ve done all I can and now I need to let go and see what happens.”
3. I’m not special. Okay I might be special to my family and to my friends but to the average Joe, a reporter is just a person with a notepad and pen that’s as appealing as a mosquito in a sleeping person’s ear. While some may flock to you because they want their ten minutes of fame, others can’t be bothered. Did you ever hear Five for Fighting’s song Superman? Basically it’s a sob story about how even superheroes have their bad days. Some days being a writer makes me feel like a superhero leaping over harsh criticism and self-doubt and then I’ll ask a question to someone who can’t be bothered and then I’m suddenly back on the ground.
4. That life happens in mundane things. Sure there are events that are big, profound and life changing. But I’m learning that it’s the anniversaries, festivals and day-to-day activities between people that makes up a life. Those are the stories that remind me life is more than just events, it’s the people and the relationships that are most moving and that can really change one’s life.
5. When everything else fails, use your intuition. I’m always extra prepared before I enter an interview for a magazine or an event for a newspaper. I’ve been known in fact to bring two tape recorders, a bag full of batteries and pens, just in case. I also write down questions to every possible person I should interview and could meet. Here’s what I learned. Life never happens the way you plan. In the situation where I over-prepared for the interview with several tape recorders and batteries, none actually worked! When I entered a room filled with people, my original questions went unanswered. But that was a good thing. In the first scenario, I used my intuition and focused on my interviewee and stopped worrying about the tape and in the second, I learned to trust my instincts. While I did talk to my primary resources, I also let go of the idea that I needed to interview everybody and instead focused on being in the moment. The result was that I got valuable information from people I had not intended to meet.
6. Fake it and it will come. As writers, we are often our worst enemy. We sabotage our abilities not because we don’t have them but because of our insecurities. Here’s what I discovered. If you pretend that you are a writer/reporter, no one will know the difference, least of all you. The thing is, we already have the desire, the ability and the skill, what’s lacking usually is our faith. Fake it and with time the confidence will come.

photo by: Tomm (hmm at Rosa tint)

Over the past 3 months I’ve learned more as a freelance writer, than I ever did working in a cubicle. Learning things that I’m passionate about is fun and so I’ve been absorbing everything around me, attempting to learn as much about the freelance writing world as I can.

From months of reading, writing and learning, I’ve compiled a list of resources that has helped me and will hopefully help you, get a head-start on becoming a successful freelance writer.

1. Go back to school. You don’t need to get your MFA to learn important writing skills. Take a day long or semester class at a local community college. I did and it was the best $65 I spent.
2. Read up! Writers are readers too. One of the easiest and least expensive ways to learn more about the business it pick up a book on freelance writing. In my next post, I’ll list the books that have helped me.
3. Network with other writers. Meeting with Jordan was a definite highlight in my freelance writing journey. Chatting in person is a great way to learn about your field. But I’ve also met a ton of people online through social networking sites like the Writer’s Digest community and Twitter.
4. Speaking of which…What I like about Twitter is that I have the opportunity to connect with other writers who find great articles and tips for newbies like me. I learned a lot of stuff just by reading their links and blog posts on things like writing contracts and pay rates.
5. Subscribe away. A cool benefit to working as a freelance writer is that you can write-off related expenses such as classes, books and even magazine subscriptions. I find SO many relevant tips in The Writer, for example, that I feel its well worth the price.
6. Become a member. There are a variety of sites that with a fee allow you to become a member. Sites like MediaBistro, for example, offer everything from articles on pitching popular magazines to personal benefits like offering financial planning services. There are also other helpful organizations such as the Editorial Freelancers Association and the American Society of Journalists and Authors, which provide great member benefits for writers.

What about you? Any tips you’d like to offer for new writers?

photo by: HarryAlverson
It’s time to say goodbye to October and hello to November! My how time flies. One of my past co-workers shot me an email, giving me an update on his life. Since I left the corporate world about three months ago, he happily received a promotion. That got me thinking-what have I been up to since then?

Let’s see:

1. My “Bringing Spirit to the Spirit of Japantown Festival” made it to the front page of local newspaper NikkeiWest.
2. Three articles were published on everything from tea to green building in eco-friendly magazine Eucalyptus. (See Magazine samples for articles.)
3. Interviewed everyone from author Jordan Rosenfeld to Olympic winner Bonnie St. John on 2inspired.
4. Created new blogs like this one.
5. Featured a guest post by The Old Painted Cottage Blogger Jennifer Grey.
6. Reached 4,642 total views on Not2shabby with a fourth of those views from October alone. Guess October was a popular month.
7. We hit 80 views for Not2shabby on October 12th.
8. 2inspired has a total of 1,822 total views with the highest views seen in the past few weeks of October. Yay!
9. I created my 1st video on Not2shabby on Halloween pumpkin crafts.
10. I’ve posted a total of 125 posts with 76 comments from you on 2inspired.
11. Not2shabby’s got 126 posts and 130 comments. Most popular by far!
12. I’ve networked with other writers via social media and in person.
13. Happily added 3 more clients to my list.
14. I’ve reupholstered a chair, created my own Halloween costume and came up with inexpensive, DIY crafts under 20 minutes.

Overall, not a bad three months! What about you? What have you accomplished thus far as a freelance writer?

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?

I, too, wondered.  Fortunately for me, I got out of my house, away from my computer, far away from Twitter, Facebook and blogging and drove out in the real world and met with a real life writer.

And you know what I learned? I’m not the only monster.  There are other writers, even the really successful, novel writing ones, that have the same fears as me.  That struggle with or have in the past struggled with the same things that I struggle with. And that feeling that you’re not alone-well it’s pretty powerful and empowering.

So here’s what I think.  If ever you feel discouraged, overwhelmed, confused, and unsure about being a writer, go out and meet someone new.  Connect with other writers.  Find a writer’s group in your neighborhood or start a new one.  There’s all kinds of crazy benefits to networking in person with other monsters like you.  We might feel like monsters, but even monsters need people too.  Suddenly you’ll feel less monstrous and more like what you really are, another struggling writer with needs and feelings just like a real human being.

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?

1. Have a daily reminder of why you’re doing this posted nearby. I have a dream board online and a bulletin board filled with magazine cut-outs of my goals on my wall to remind me about all of my hopes and dreams.
2. Read books written for other writers.  When I read the words by authors like Betsy Lerner of “The Forest for the Trees,” I am immediately comforted in knowing that even uber-successful writers have days of doubt.  We all need to start somewhere.
3. Have a good cry.  Sometimes getting a rejection letter feels like high school all over again.  Listen to some sappy, sad love song and let it out.  Or better yet, use your sadness as fuel for your writing.  Diane Keaton’s character in my favorite movie “Something’s Gotta Give” did it and I loved her for it.
4. Learn from your mistakes.  I learn a ton from watching my pet rabbit.  He is a risk-taker, always trying new things.  But when he fell once from jumping from one chair to another, he learned his lesson and never did it again.  That doesn’t mean that he never tried jumping on chairs again, just never that same combination of chairs.
5. Take a break.  Before you breakdown, maybe you need to take a break.  Take a half hour or an hour and do anything non-writing related.  Meditate, go for a walk, watch your favorite TV program.  After letting the dust settle, you might remember that you’re a lot stronger than a few rejection slips.
6. Don’t give up!  There’s all kinds of reasons why we should quit.  The pay isn’t always great.  The odds of being the next J.K. Rowling is slim to none. And frankly, it sucks to get rejected time and time again.  But all we need is one.  One editor to believe in us.  One chance to write beautifully.  And the feeling you get when you get it… well, that’s worth its weight in hundreds of rejections.