Comments on: 10 Bad Freelance Writing Habits You Need to Break http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/08/10-bad-freelance-writing-habits-you-need-to-break/ Freelance Writing Jobs for All Writers Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:14:34 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Gina http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/08/10-bad-freelance-writing-habits-you-need-to-break/comment-page-1/#comment-146796 Gina Wed, 09 Feb 2011 07:40:52 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=1751#comment-146796 Deb, I would like to say that I am guilty of a couple of these myself. I recently took on one too many jobs and now I have quite a bit on my plate. I am a fairly new freelance writer and I must say that I am quite impressed with the income that I have made so far! It's quite a bit compared to what I made as a waitress at my old job! :) Deb,
I would like to say that I am guilty of a couple of these myself. I recently took on one too many jobs and now I have quite a bit on my plate. I am a fairly new freelance writer and I must say that I am quite impressed with the income that I have made so far! It’s quite a bit compared to what I made as a waitress at my old job! :)

]]> By: Maddy http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/08/10-bad-freelance-writing-habits-you-need-to-break/comment-page-1/#comment-42216 Maddy Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:24:17 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=1751#comment-42216 I think everyone is guilty of at least one of these! Cheers I think everyone is guilty of at least one of these!
Cheers

]]> By: Back from beyond http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/08/10-bad-freelance-writing-habits-you-need-to-break/comment-page-1/#comment-42196 Back from beyond Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:03:55 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=1751#comment-42196 [...] have several of these bad writing habits. I won’t mention which ones, but I’m trying to break them. And have been for a while [...] [...] have several of these bad writing habits. I won’t mention which ones, but I’m trying to break them. And have been for a while [...]

]]> By: Dick Hurtz http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/08/10-bad-freelance-writing-habits-you-need-to-break/comment-page-1/#comment-41661 Dick Hurtz Sun, 31 Aug 2008 02:18:08 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=1751#comment-41661 Once again, Deb is lecturing writers in her same whiny condescending style. How many times has she made us sit through the same old boring rants? Judging from her writing, she's not so great, in fact she's mediocre and cliche. Deb, spare us your mommy nagging, and direct it on your helpless children and long suffering husband, who has probably poked his eardrums out by now. We don't need your condescending lectures, your arrogant tone, your know it all attitude. You're a corporate sellout, you have no credibility. Once again, Deb is lecturing writers in her same whiny condescending style. How many times has she made us sit through the same old boring rants?

Judging from her writing, she’s not so great, in fact she’s mediocre and cliche.

Deb, spare us your mommy nagging, and direct it on your helpless children and long suffering husband, who has probably poked his eardrums out by now.

We don’t need your condescending lectures, your arrogant tone, your know it all attitude. You’re a corporate sellout, you have no credibility.

]]> By: Nacie http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/08/10-bad-freelance-writing-habits-you-need-to-break/comment-page-1/#comment-41616 Nacie Sat, 30 Aug 2008 14:28:38 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=1751#comment-41616 These are excellent points, and it is so easy to succumb to all of them! I think it is the crazy life of the freelancer, with high highs and low lows that makes it so easy to find yourself bad mouthing a client, procrastinating, or taking on too much work. Thanks so much for reminding me of these bad habits - sometimes when they are in front of your face all the time you don't even notice! These are excellent points, and it is so easy to succumb to all of them! I think it is the crazy life of the freelancer, with high highs and low lows that makes it so easy to find yourself bad mouthing a client, procrastinating, or taking on too much work. Thanks so much for reminding me of these bad habits – sometimes when they are in front of your face all the time you don’t even notice!

]]> By: Tee http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/08/10-bad-freelance-writing-habits-you-need-to-break/comment-page-1/#comment-41589 Tee Sat, 30 Aug 2008 06:24:02 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=1751#comment-41589 Deb, Once again your advice is right on! I too (I hate to admit it) am a procrastinator, with 4 kids....I tend to put my writing last. "I'll write when......." I always say. And then something comes up. But this week actually, I made myself block out time for my writing. So far I've managed to stick to it this week. I also think alot of my procrastination is sometimes a lack of trust in my own writing skills, even though I've had the good fortune to have a paying gig now and then. Deb,
Once again your advice is right on! I too (I hate to admit it) am a procrastinator, with 4 kids….I tend to put my writing last. “I’ll write when…….” I always say. And then something comes up. But this week actually, I made myself block out time for my writing. So far I’ve managed to stick to it this week. I also think alot of my procrastination is sometimes a lack of trust in my own writing skills, even though I’ve had the good fortune to have a paying gig now and then.

]]> By: Jodee http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/08/10-bad-freelance-writing-habits-you-need-to-break/comment-page-1/#comment-41559 Jodee Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:59:02 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=1751#comment-41559 I am guilty of #1 (Biting Off More Than You Can Chew) but so far I am not acquainted with Mr. Burnout. We have exchanged glances from across a crowded room, but so far I am keeping him from moving in any closer. I am guilty of #1 (Biting Off More Than You Can Chew) but so far I am not acquainted with Mr. Burnout. We have exchanged glances from across a crowded room, but so far I am keeping him from moving in any closer.

]]> By: Valencia http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/08/10-bad-freelance-writing-habits-you-need-to-break/comment-page-1/#comment-41544 Valencia Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:35:31 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=1751#comment-41544 @Kreacher: I have two personal blogs that receive search engine traffic. I also joined Ehow's Writer Compensation Program in September 2007. I submitted about 30 (250 word) how-to articles within a two-month time frame, and my monthly residual revenue from those articles is $3 to $4 (sometimes $5) a day. @Kreacher: I have two personal blogs that receive search engine traffic. I also joined Ehow’s Writer Compensation Program in September 2007. I submitted about 30 (250 word) how-to articles within a two-month time frame, and my monthly residual revenue from those articles is $3 to $4 (sometimes $5) a day.

]]> By: All Freelance Writing: Your Freelance Writing Resource: » Freelance Friday - August 29, 2008 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/08/10-bad-freelance-writing-habits-you-need-to-break/comment-page-1/#comment-41529 All Freelance Writing: Your Freelance Writing Resource: » Freelance Friday - August 29, 2008 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:32:17 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=1751#comment-41529 [...] 10 Bad Freelance Writing Habits You Need to Break [...] [...] 10 Bad Freelance Writing Habits You Need to Break [...]

]]> By: Cindy http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/08/10-bad-freelance-writing-habits-you-need-to-break/comment-page-1/#comment-41528 Cindy Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:32:08 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=1751#comment-41528 Thanks for the tips, Deb. I appreciate the one about following-up with a client after applying for a gig. I've applied to dozens of jobs over the last few months and have only heard back from one. I've got another gig going, so it's not the end of the world...but it IS disheartening. What do you consider a "reasonable length of time" before following up? A week, two weeks? Thank you! Thanks for the tips, Deb. I appreciate the one about following-up with a client after applying for a gig. I’ve applied to dozens of jobs over the last few months and have only heard back from one. I’ve got another gig going, so it’s not the end of the world…but it IS disheartening. What do you consider a “reasonable length of time” before following up? A week, two weeks? Thank you!

]]> By: Kreacher http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/08/10-bad-freelance-writing-habits-you-need-to-break/comment-page-1/#comment-41527 Kreacher Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:28:14 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=1751#comment-41527 Valencia -- Do you mind sharing what your sites are? It is personally an avenue I am exploring and believe that more writers need to venture down that path. In fact, I think it would be an excellent topic for an article series by Deb (hint hint) or even the new blogger if s/he has experience in this pursuit. Valencia — Do you mind sharing what your sites are? It is personally an avenue I am exploring and believe that more writers need to venture down that path. In fact, I think it would be an excellent topic for an article series by Deb (hint hint) or even the new blogger if s/he has experience in this pursuit.

]]> By: Amanda Nicole http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/08/10-bad-freelance-writing-habits-you-need-to-break/comment-page-1/#comment-41523 Amanda Nicole Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:59:16 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=1751#comment-41523 Procrastination and ignoring my own projects are my bad habits. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one, either! Procrastination and ignoring my own projects are my bad habits. I’m glad to see I’m not the only one, either!

]]> By: Amy http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/08/10-bad-freelance-writing-habits-you-need-to-break/comment-page-1/#comment-41518 Amy Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:12:33 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=1751#comment-41518 Well, I quit smoking, so I'm getting closer... ;-) Well, I quit smoking, so I’m getting closer… ;-)

]]> By: dee/reddirtramblings http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/08/10-bad-freelance-writing-habits-you-need-to-break/comment-page-1/#comment-41515 dee/reddirtramblings Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:37:25 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=1751#comment-41515 Hi Deb, I think this was a great post that made a bunch of valid points. I've noticed some flaking out from other writers myself, and I don't put all my writing in one spot. It's good to be flexible and to be your client's go to person. I got my first paying print job because another writer dropped the ball.~~Dee Hi Deb, I think this was a great post that made a bunch of valid points. I’ve noticed some flaking out from other writers myself, and I don’t put all my writing in one spot. It’s good to be flexible and to be your client’s go to person. I got my first paying print job because another writer dropped the ball.~~Dee

]]> By: Valencia http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/08/10-bad-freelance-writing-habits-you-need-to-break/comment-page-1/#comment-41514 Valencia Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:19:52 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=1751#comment-41514 I don't know if I should consider this a bad habit, but I spend most of my time on other people's projects, that I don't devote enough time to my own projects. I have two websites that generate passive income. The income isn't huge, but it's enough to know the potential. I would also like to focus more attention on print publications. I don't work around the clock, so this shouldn't be problem. But I'd rather relax and enjoy leisure pursuits in the evening, weekends, and during other down-time periods. I don’t know if I should consider this a bad habit, but I spend most of my time on other people’s projects, that I don’t devote enough time to my own projects. I have two websites that generate passive income. The income isn’t huge, but it’s enough to know the potential. I would also like to focus more attention on print publications. I don’t work around the clock, so this shouldn’t be problem. But I’d rather relax and enjoy leisure pursuits in the evening, weekends, and during other down-time periods.

]]> By: Chari Dodge http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/08/10-bad-freelance-writing-habits-you-need-to-break/comment-page-1/#comment-41513 Chari Dodge Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:00:24 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=1751#comment-41513 Deb, Thank you for the list. I am truly guilty of only one of these bad habits. Procrastination. When I have a paying job I am not a procrastinator but I am trying to write a novel and something always seems more important than working on it. I have the time, I just am so easily distracted. I surf the web, I check my email, last weekend, I painted my kitchen. Anything, it seems, to avoid the novel. I read Larry McMurtry's Books: a memoir, and he says he writes ten pages a day, up from his earlier output of five per day. I was inspired for a while but today, here I am online. Anyway, I love your site and have gotten a couple of small jobs here. But you'll have to excuse me now, I have five pages to write. Deb, Thank you for the list. I am truly guilty of only one of these bad habits. Procrastination. When I have a paying job I am not a procrastinator but I am trying to write a novel and something always seems more important than working on it. I have the time, I just am so easily distracted. I surf the web, I check my email, last weekend, I painted my kitchen. Anything, it seems, to avoid the novel. I read Larry McMurtry’s Books: a memoir, and he says he writes ten pages a day, up from his earlier output of five per day. I was inspired for a while but today, here I am online. Anyway, I love your site and have gotten a couple of small jobs here. But you’ll have to excuse me now, I have five pages to write.

]]> By: Janet http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/08/10-bad-freelance-writing-habits-you-need-to-break/comment-page-1/#comment-41512 Janet Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:57:26 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=1751#comment-41512 Great post. I have been guilty of several of these over the years, though not all, thankfully, and try to recognize when I'm doing them and stop it. Procrastination is my main issue and something I struggle with regularly. Any tips on how to circumvent it on a regular basis? Great post. I have been guilty of several of these over the years, though not all, thankfully, and try to recognize when I’m doing them and stop it. Procrastination is my main issue and something I struggle with regularly. Any tips on how to circumvent it on a regular basis?

]]> By: Kristen http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/08/10-bad-freelance-writing-habits-you-need-to-break/comment-page-1/#comment-41511 Kristen Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:55:47 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=1751#comment-41511 This is my first-time writing after a few months of lurking. Thanks for all of the great leads and the tips. My experience is more editing than writing so your tips on clips, as well as running my freelance business (right now my cash cow is experiencing a "cash crisis") are really helpful. I appreciate your dedication to the business and your insight. Thank you. This is my first-time writing after a few months of lurking. Thanks for all of the great leads and the tips. My experience is more editing than writing so your tips on clips, as well as running my freelance business (right now my cash cow is experiencing a “cash crisis”) are really helpful.
I appreciate your dedication to the business and your insight. Thank you.

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