School ended more than 20 years ago, but that doesn’t mean the learning experience is over. As freelance writers it’s our job to stay in touch and continue to learn. Gaining knowledge doesn’t have as much to do with writing, as it’s staying current on news, what’s happening in our chosen niches and being open to new ideas.
Here are some of the reasons freelance writers might want to continue their education:
- To brush up on skills – for some of us, school was a long time ago.
- To keep apprised of news in our niches and genres.
- To learn new computing skills and programs.
- To keep up with the latest social media trends.
- To keep up with those who are younger.
- To remain fresh and not redundant.
The Internet and writing for the web are relatively new. When I began writing, my IBM Selectric II was considered the latest in technology for writers. As a result, I’m more technically challenged than many younger writers. That’s why I make it my business to learn about technology, the Internet and all the tools and applications that will help me succeed. I don’t know that I would have been this fortunate in my career if I didn’t embrace Web 2.0 and new media and learn everything I could about being a successful writer and blogger.
Here are some of the places writers can learn:
- Continuing education courses at high schools and colleges
- Online courses – including many free online courses
- Conferences and seminars.
- Newspapers and magazines
- Books
- Blogs and websites
Education is part of my regular freelance writing routine. I take night classes at the library and high school, attend conferences and workshops, and read everything I can get my hands on. Right now my main focuses are on blogging and social media, though I also just enrolled in a brush up grammar course. Blogging every day is a much more casual form of writing and I’m forgetting the rules.
If you were to ask me about my favorite (non-writing) apects of being a freelance writer, I’d place learning at the top of the list. That’s why I’ll never claim to be an expert, there’s simply too much I don’t know.
How do you feed your head?
Very true! I need to stay current (and catch up, I find I’m a dinosaur in some areas now). Tonight I’m attending a group composed of PR/Marketing peeps who are interested in social media. I found this group through MeetUp.com. It also seems like a great way to network and (hopefully, eventually) add to my client list.
Finding like minded groups is a great way to keep learning – and sharing. Nice tip for others, thanks!
Hi Deb,
I like to read tech blogs, like Bill Mullins Weblog
http://billmullins.wordpress.com/.
I have lost a lot of work by not being prepared for the pitfalls of the computer age. Following the advice of someone like Bill has kept my work safe and also expanded my knowledge of the internet and computers. I never had much interest in the web until it became almost a prerequisite of the writing life.
Obviously I read all the time too, online, books from the library and so on.
I haven’t taken any online courses, I don’t have much spare time, but I’ll have to think about that one.
I do like to know things for myself, instead of relying on others to tell me, so I tend to research anything I want to know. ( I once got ripped off because I didn’t know anything about computers, so I went on a college course and learned how to repair them myself).
I think if you love learning new things, as I do, it makes life more interesting and you can say so much more through your writing. Learning is a lifelong experience, and it’s fun.
Oh boy, did I go on a bit!
Feel free to go on at length any time, Paul. I’m technically challenged, myself. The technical end of blogging doesn’t come easy for me and I have to be sure to stay on top of all the latest information because younger and better people have the edge.
Hi Deb!
Your opening sentence makes me wonder, is there any possibility that freelance writing can be a new major at renowned world-class universities within years to come? Do you think freelance writing deserves to be a new branch of science just like psychology, English literature, mechanical engineering, or biochemistry? It’d be fascinating if I can major in freelance writing at universities and hold an academic title afterwards.