25 Bloggers, Blogs and Websites for Which this Freelance Writer is Truly Thankful

This year has been a roller coaster ride. For those of you who missed it, I maintained FWJ while working full time as a community manager, lost the full time gig thanks to budget cuts, and have to battle negativity on a regular basis for standing by a sponsor I absolutely believe in. A few people even tried to buy FWJ, but we weren’t having it.

I also welcomed some wonderful new members to the FWJ community and watched our traffic make a nice steady rise. I’ve made many new freelance writing friends both on and offline, and the revenue for this blog has allowed me to bring on new writers and make some changes I hope you find useful.

To say I have a lot to be thankful for this year is an understatement. While I won’t turn this into a big, fat kumbaya, I do want to give thanks to the people and places that helped me along the way. I hope you will use the comments to give thanks to the places that you believe in as well.

1. Media Bistro: Media Bistro is one of my first stops each day for news and advice. Beyond that, I’m truly thankful for the support of Media Bistro’s community manager Seamus Condron who is responsible for turning so many new people on to FWJ each day, and is also responsible for turning me on to so many new things as well.  Seamus is very generous with his sharing and I’m so appreciative.

2. Writing White Papers: After meeting him at BlogWorld this year, I can say without hesitation that Mike Stelzner of Writing White Papers is my friend. I can also say, without hesitation, that I credit him and his annual Top 10 Blogs for Writers contest for putting FWJ on the map.

3. About Freelance Writing: First Anne Wayman was a mentor, then a freelance writing colleague and now she’s my friend. Anne is a veteran freelance writer who has a positive blog geared towards helping freelance writers make good choices that work for them.

4. About.com Freelance Writing: Though we don’t talk much, I am grateful for Allena Tapia for her good advice and for her participation here at the freelance writing jobs blog.

5. Freelance Switch: Anyone, and I mean anyone who wishes to be a successful freelancer should read Freelance Switch. Each day they offer practical tips for good customer service, productivity and more.

6. Freelance Folder: My second favorite blog for freelancers, Freelance Folder doesn’t feature filler and fluff, every day features the tools you can use.

7. Copyblogger: If I have one wish in this life, it’s that I’ll be able to write headlines like Brian Clark. I read Copyblogger every day for inspiration.

8.Successful Blog: Every time I visit Liz Strauss’ blog I come away with new ideas and lots of good food for thought.

9. The People of Walmart: I’m thankful I haven’t found my picture in the People of Walmart blog. Yet.

10. Men with Pens: Friends…and the best freelance writing community ever .(after the FWJ community, that is.)

11. Get Paid to Write Online: Sharon Hurley Hall has always been a productive, supportive member of the FWJ community and I’m happy to offer love in return.

12. Writing Thoughts: There are so many reasons I admire Laura Spencer. Her posts are always thoughtful and spot on, plus she’s practical and fair. She’s also a very supportive member of this community and I’m so grateful.

13. Poe War: I became an even bigger fan of John Hewitt after meeting him at BlogWorld. Welcome back to the blogosphere John, we missed you!

14. Carson Brackney: Carson Brackney and I have been friends for years. We haven’t always agreed but we always have each others’ respect. If you haven’t made Carson’s acquaintance, I recommend you bookmark his blogs. He’s always an interesting and enlightening read.

15. Chris Garrett: Chris Garrett and I bonded over a few breakfasts while at BlogWorld, but we’ve been friends for years. Anyone who wants to become a successful blogger is encouraged to follow Chris and learn from one of the best in the business.

16. Daily Writing Tips: DWT is on my weekly bookmark list. I read it on Saturday or Sunday mornings as I enjoy a cup of coffee. Good, practical advice for all writers.

17. Problogger: Darren Rowse is someone else who I have been following for years – and I’m happy to call “friend.” Many bloggers received their start and inspiration from Darren and Problogger.  Heck, I’m still learning. Plus Darren is just a darn nice guy.

18. Daily Blog Tips: More practical advice. No fluff, just stuff you can use.

19. Rock Your Day: I dare you to read Dave Navarro’s blog and not be inspired. His productivity tips have me raring to go.

20. Someday Syndrome: Every time I experience doubt or I’m unsure of myself, I read Alex Fayle’s Someday Syndrome. Read it so your someday is a thing of the past.

21. Chris Brogan: Chris  gave me a few things to think about this past year – I especially learned a lot about trust. Success is nothing if you’re not true to yourself… and everyone else.

22. The Blog World and New Media Expo: Besides being two of the best people I could know, Jim Turner and Rick Calvert welcomed me to the blog world team this year - as a blogger. It’s probably my favorite gig and I’m so thankful for their support and generosity.

23. Demand Studios: More than just a sponsor, I made some true friends among the DS team.

25. Twitter: Twitter is the most amazing tool ever. I met so many wonderful people – friends, collaborators and clients – thanks to Twitter. It’s a distraction, for sure, but it’s also a powerful, powerful tool.

I’d be remiss if I also didn’t mention the FWJ team on this list as well. Thank you Lorna, Bob, Dawn, Terreece, Lara, Julie and Simon. A very special thanks to Jodee who has been so loyal to the FWJ community and such an amazing friend.

I am thankful I never have to apologize for keeping it real all these years and will continue to offer you freedom of choice for a long time to come.