Take Me Along on Your Freelance Writing Journey
July 21, 2008 by Jodee
Filed under Freelance Writing
by Chris Cristiano
The readers of FWJ are an active group all striving towards a common goal; to gain financial independence through their writing efforts. I share in this goal too. Like many other FWJ readers, I juggle an outside job and family responsibilities with my writing aspirations with hopes that one day my hours will be spent fulfilling writing requests from an array of clients. But for now, I must do both to sustain a living and satisfy my creative side. Some days, this is not an easy task.
It is this daily struggle that will bring forth my best ideas, suggestions, trials and quest for pertinent writing information that visitors to my blog will be able to identify with. I know from experience that a successful freelance writing career takes more than having a knack for putting words together well; it takes courage, perseverance, goal setting, on-going learning, training, and having the appropriate information available that will help you achieve your goals. If given the opportunity, my blog at FWJ will answer to each one of these important components of freelance writing.
Taking Care of Your Psyche
Along with the mechanics of writing, there is the emotional side of freelance writing that needs nourishing also. This side can either make or break a writing career, so helping aspiring or seasoned writers maintain a healthy psyche will be part of my regular musings. All freelance writers will fall off their curve now and then – hopefully my blog will be inspiring enough to aid in the recovery of a wounded spirit. Even the most successful writers can be emotionally bruised by rejection, suffer writer’s block or lose their enthusiasm; my blog will address these difficulties too and help you keep your demons at bay.
Let My Experience Help You
There are many facets to the freelance writing world, and it is my goal to bring readers of FWJ a sampling of all areas. I think it would be unfair to focus on one area because most writers will start in a specific genre and then try their hand at something different. My blog will be varied and include information that will help you regardless of where your journey leads you. I will present you, the writer, with new ideas, avenues for your work, useful advice, reviews, freebies (including ebooks and e-courses), relevant industry news and encourage feedback from all FWJ visitors.
If granted the opportunity to be a regular blogger at FWJ, my presence would beneficial to all writers of all levels. Blogging in this capacity is a form of mentoring but on a bigger scale – I have mentored many writers and I am up to this challenge. My years of freelance writing experience in the various facets of the writing industry will aid in my quest to provide FWJ readers with quality, insightful blogs containing information that they can use to further their writing careers. I have written for various writing websites and ezines, penned and sold hundreds of articles on a multitude of topics. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and freelance writing strategies, and interacting with other writers. I am an active freelancer and I know the freelance writing industry, keep abreast of the newest trends and I am happy to pass this information along. You will have the opportunity to share in my personal freelance writing journey and I look forward to sharing yours too.
Let Me Be Your Writing Resource and More
Through my FWJ blog, I would like to become that writing resource that other writers would frequently refer back to for great information. I would like to be that writing resource where writers could discover new techniques. I would like to take it that one step further and become that writer friend who plants a seed in your mind and prompts you to move outside your comfort zone and strive for a higher market. I would like to be that writer friend who puts a smile on your face on a dark day when your words are not forthcoming and you need a word of encouragement. I would like to be that writer friend that you can rely for help when you are in need of some advice. And most of all, I would like to be that writer friend that keeps you moving forward towards your goals and hopefully witnesses your success.
“Some days, this is not an easy task.”
I hate to give critisim, but I can see why it isn’t an easy task.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog – I think?
Actually Jodee, if you get a bit of time would you consider looking over a bit of my work to help me to sharpen the pen and learn to recognize lazy writing tendencies. I’m now an empty nester that’s been away from writing for a couple of years and would love a pro’s advice to shape up for full time work. Let me know if it’s possible. Excellent article by the way!
=)
@ D.B. Actually, this post was written by Candidate #2 in our FWJ Idol contest. But if you would like me to have a look at your work, I would be glad to do so. Just drop me a line at freelancewritinggigs@gmail.com anytime.
D.B. – Thanks for reading my blog entry – I am glad that you liked it.
Oh goodness! So sorry, thought I saw your name at the bottom. Still a great post regardless of who it belongs to =)
Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed it.
@D.B. It was – I post the FwJ Idol entries on behalf of our candidates. I enjoyed this post too. Great work, #2!
I thought it was a good post. Despite the typo of missing the word “be” in the “…my presence would beneficial” line, I like that the writer doesn’t assume he/she is getting the job and writes “If granted..” not “When granted …” like argh a lot says. I think “When granted” comes off as too cocky.
I liked the post. Fair enough it had a bit of grammatical errors, but the content of the post was still good.
@argh a lot — wow — ur won tuff critic.
On a more serious note, I realize this is an open forum, and that when people post a blog entry they put themselves on the line for criticism. But is it really necessary to tear apart an aspiring candidate’s entry in such a manner? It’s a good thing there is not an ‘Edit’ feature, or I fear you would have slashed and burned your way through this entry with the dreaded red pen of old.
I guess I just feel that if you don’t have something nice or constructive to say, then why bother posting and tearing into someone, when your best voice is your vote.
Just my humble opinion.
@#2 — Hang in there and don’t let one ding get you down!
@#6, I fear this is not an open forum as my reasoning AND proof of the failure this post has (not in content) never made it to this forum.
It is good to see some replys have also found tidbits about this post that cuts at our profession.
Thanks to FWJ if this comment actually gets ‘approved’ on an ‘open forum’
@argh a lot – This is almost an open forum. We don’t allow comments that are rude or insulting. With that said, I didn’t delete anything. But if your criticism wasn’t nice or constructive, I could see where Jodee might.
I’m not saying all comments have to be rosy. But it’s the wish of this community and the FWJ blogging team that we keep it respectful.
I find it interesting you didn’t feel confident enough in your criticizing remarks to use your real name – the one you usually use when you post here and the one on your website. People get a lot bolder with an alias, don’t you think? By all means, hide behind another name but please be mindful of the power you feel it gives you – and be mindful we’re not as anonymous as we think.
Carry on, Cowboy, and have a nice day.
@Deb,
Thanks for the reply. If this was offensive, I am sorry.
#2, your post was good, I just felt it necessary, for some reason, maybe my one of my editors blasted into me too much today. I don’t know.
But I just felt compelled to point out, not point at you, the need for us to examine posts before they go out. I know we all don’t have editors to proff our posts, but simple re-reads can catch some things.
And I will post my name: james, and web: http://www.jameskoopmann.com. I don’t feel I have ultimate power by using an alias. I selected my words very carefully without intent to harm.
@Argh I’m curious to know why you changed your name when you added your remarks?
It’s a good lesson on the importances of proofreading. When I’m in a hurry I tend to rush through the proofing myself. There are ways to convey this without being harsh. I believe in the get more flies with honey philosophy, myself.
I’m still curious why you used a fake name to make your comments. If Deb’s comment is correct you usually post here under your real name. That you didn’t use it this time speaks volumes.
The argh a lot, was the state of my mind. you know Argh!! Mostly just to draw attention, not to hide. I think we all know the Net isn’t a place you can actually hide in, as big a sea it actually seems at time. That’s why I can honestly say there was real no intent to hide, just convey minor frustration on my part.
Hey, guys. #2, this was a good post, and I thought you provided some very convincing reasons. Congratulations!!
With that said, I’m not sure why everyone is up in arms about argh a lot’s comments. Sure, Deb and Jodee always try to limit or eliminate comments that are overtly nasty, but you can bet that if you become a blogger for this site, you’re going to have to deal with comments like that in some capacity. Some of the commenters above even seem to have objections to posting any kind of criticism, which I think is misguided. Criticism, especially when constructive (and sometimes when not!), can help all of us become better writers and become more targeted with our posts. That’s especially important in a contest like this, when we candidates are trying to learn what the FWJ community wants to see from us.
This is proving to be a great discussion in and of itself.
Argh/James – I appreciate your honesty more than you know. I also respect that you owned up to the fake name and addressed all the questions. Thank you. I don’t know what was in the deleted comment but you are right about checking posts. I’m actually the worst offender – with my hands in so many pots I give my posts a quick once over and find typos later after I come back and re-read. Not a good practice at all. In fact, my editor at my full time job had to talk to me about slowing down and proofreading before I hit “publish”.
#4 – I think criticism is fine as long as people don’t go overboard in their delivery. This would be a boring world if everyone agreed and I love spirited discussions. In fact, i encourage spirited discussions as long as they’re conducted in a respectful manner. And you’re right, anyone who blogs here has to be able to handle constructive criticism – which is one of the reasons for this contest. We want to see how well each candidate interacts with the community.
So carry on…and have a nice day.
Good post #2. If one is going to criticize, they should first ensure their own posts are not full of spelling errors.
Good Morning to all!
I was surprised to discover an array of comments regarding my blog entry. Firstly, thank you for all who took the time to post their comments on the events that transpired regarding typos in my blog. Firstly, I apologize for any errors in my blog this week, but unfortunately I am leaving on vacation and needed to get my blog completed before I left. I did re-read it several times but obviously I was not successful in catching all the typos – a good lesson to be learned here.
Secondly, to ‘argh a lot’ (James): In the midst of your proofreading frenzie, you neglected to proofread your own work, your first comment contained an error, criticism was incorrect and in one of your later comments, the word ‘proof’ was misspelled. Perhaps I should have pointed that out after I read your first comment last night and it might have put an end to this whole conversation. Although your comments are noted and appreciated, your delivery is somewhat unprofessional.
Again, I apologize for any errors in my blog this week, however, there was no need to crucify my blog and I hope you will spare any other blogger’s work your red pen treatment.
It takes a lot of courage and perseverance for all bloggers in this contest and kudos to all candidates, past and present, who were brave enough to enter and put their wares out there for all to read and judge.
proff in point taken and fully agree.
we all tend to put things out much quicklier then we shuldst.
it is in the heat of the moment we forget.
totally in agreement with what Deb said, as I too am the worst offender and should slow down.
But I will say, comments do not fall into the category of a professional post. or do they? good question.
I’m generally more of the “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all” school, but since Argh has already opened the worm can…
I think there might be a bigger lesson here than active/passive speak and typos. The beginning of this post started off by painting a picture of someone who is still struggling. Struggling is fine, because we all struggle. But this isn’t something I’d advertise in my “why you should hire me to benefit your blog” post unless the angle you’re going for is that you’re just one of the guys, able to relate to all of us struggling freelancers out there. it’s a good angle. But then, talk changes to past experience of mentoring and the ability to blog for writers on all levels. I suppose I’m more confused than anything else. What’s your angle? What can you really do for us? Commiserate with us about our struggles, or mentor us while you yourself are still struggling?
So my problem with this post isn’t the occasional typo or the other issues Argh pointed out. My issue would be that despite the fact that I’ve enjoyed this candidate’s posts, this particular pitch made me lose confidence somehow. Maybe I just need more coffee.
I don’t mean this as a personal attack against this writer. I hope it doesn’t come off that way.
Although comments do not fall into the category of professional posts, if you are going to criticize another’s work for typos on an open forum, I would think that you would have ensured that your post was error-free.
With that said, I think the rest of the candidates have been scared off after the events of this morning…;-)
Maybe my last “post”/comment on this.
Looks like Amy can take it for a bit.
But I think the intent of the post & comments have generated at least 12 different topics.
I also think #2 has done a nice job of keeping in the game, shown skill, and probably deserves the chance to springboard his/her blogging at FWJ with those 12 posts. Especially if it has scared off others.
The intent of blogging is to arouse the spirit of conversation, spark social interaction, and keep readers from traveling elsewhere.
This has been done.
Well done to all!
Hello Amy
Thanks for your comments. The point that I was conveying is that although I have had some moderate success with my freelance writing, like most freelance writers, everyday is a challenge to gain new customers and keep the work and revenue flowing. As most active freelance writers can attest to, you cannot depend on a select few clients and must always strive to attract new business.
Yes, in part, the angle I was trying to express is that I am just like every other writer – I work hard everyday to keep my writing business afloat but I am willing to share my knowledge and experience with others in hopes that it will help another writer to succeed to the next plateau.
I think many writers can relate to another writer who is successfully climbing their way out of the trenches but is still in jeopardy of getting sucked back in. We all have a lot to learn from each other and hopefully, I can be part of that process.
#2 — I agree with what you say. Most of us can relate to the struggling, I’d say. I have only been freelancing full time since 2004, and I have a decent income coming in, etc., but of course there are still struggles. So that is something I’d love to read about. I suppose my problem is my own perception issue. I have a hard time seeing how any writer who is still struggling would be able to teach/mentor writers on all levels. I know I couldn’t do that. I’ve only been freelancing full time since 2004, and I’ve helped a lot of beginners by giving them pointers etc., but to help everyone? I couldn’t do it. So I have a hard time seeing how you’d be able to do it if you’re still struggling too. I’d have more confidence in what you say if you said, “I’m a content writer with five years experience (or 10, or 2), and I plan to teach you X, Y and Z about content writing.” Or copywriting, or newsletter writing, or business writing, or corporate blogging. Or maybe a few of these that you specialize in. But I don’t think anyone can teach all writers on all levels. It’s nothing personal against you. I just don’t think it’s possible. If I had the opportunity to hire someone who gave vague “give me a chance and I’ll prove I’ll be useful to all writers everywhere” statements versus someone who focused on a single “I can teach beginners to do X” or “I can teach Y on all levels,” I would go with the option that is more specific. Of course, that’s just me. Maybe you will prove me wrong. That would be great. I like to be wrong. It’s one of the things I’m very good at.
Ok, you have given me another platform to state my case. I have been freelance writing since 2001 and I have written over 200 hundreds articles on various topics for a multitude of print and online publications throughout Canada and the US. My freelancing clips include published author, press releases, newsletter content, website content, feature articles, fiction, poetry, interviews, profiles, book/website/restaurant reviews, ghostwriting, resumes and more.
If I were to reveal more specific information regarding my professional credentials, it may reveal my identity in which case I could be disqualified so I will leave it at that.
When I used the term struggling, I mean it in a broader sense. Even the most successful writer struggles regardless of experience or genre:
- deadlines
- securing assignments
- finding markets
- making sure payment is received
- writer’s block
- finding a publisher
- finding an agent
The list is endless and it is ongoing despite a writer’s level of success.
I appreciate your comments.
Thank you for clarifying. That information makes me feel better. Those would be things that would make me want to hire someone, so I am glad that I commented so you could reiterate and clarify, even though I was reluctant to comment because I didn’t want to hurt your feelings or come off as a jerk. I also understand now that because of the anonymity factor you might have been hesitant to mention specifics. I appreciate your taking the time to reply and not taking offense at my comments. That goes a long way for me, because a lot of bloggers can’t handle criticism. Kudos to you, and I will hope you don’t get voted off the island.
You are correct in assuming that is hard to clarify one’s experience when you have to remain anonymous. Like many of the other contestants, if their background was revealed, their cloaked indentity would be in jeopardy.
Again, that’s for taking the time to comment on my blog.
Have a great day!
I am not scared off! I sent in my post earlier; it just hasn’t shown up yet! I’m sure it will be there soon. But I will take you on, #2.
@ #4: Can you resend your post? I just checked and I don’t have it. Thanks.
Jodee, it’s been resent… hope you got it.
Hopefully there is no typos in yours Candidate #4! I look forward to reading your entry.
Hi Deb,
I have enjoyed this post.