Writing…See All The Possibilities

by Catherine L. Tully

There are many ways to develop your income stream as a freelance writer. You can do it all by writing…or you can share some of your knowledge with others. When you get to a certain point in your career, teaching and speaking become a possibility for those who would like to diversify a bit.

Both Joe and I have spoken at writing-related conferences and panels–and have been paid to do so. You have to have some decent “clout” to do it, but if you are able to, it’s a great way to pad out your income a bit. It’s also a great way to network. Plus, it’s fun–and sometimes you even get to travel!

Teaching is also a great opportunity. You can share what you know about freelancing with others–and make some money in the process. Joe and I recently taught a freelance writing seminar in the Chicagoland area and are scheduled to do another one this summer. We have also moved into the social media realm, and will be teaching a class on that as well in July.

The nice part about expanding your horizons a bit as you advance your career is that it keeps everything interesting. You are also able to give back to the writing community in a way that helps others move forward and take those first steps into the field. If you’ve been around a while, you may want to start exploring some of these options–they are really worth a look!

The Freelancer’s Best Friend?

by Mike O’Mary

Who is your best friend? As a freelancer, maybe you will say it’s your faithful dog or purring cat because they’re the only creatures that keep you company when you’re working late at night. But if you don’t have one or more graphic designers among your best friends, you might want to make that a priority for 2010. 

I wrote my first corporate annual report in 1988. I’ve worked on at least one every year since then, and in the years I was freelancing, I sometimes worked on three or four per year. So I’m guessing I’ve written about 35 annual reports, plus countless capability brochures and other types of collateral. (If I was smart, I would have saved a few copies of each one so I could wallpaper my den.) Along the way, I have worked with many graphic designers – and when I made the move from corporate employee to freelancer, those graphic designers were my best friends because they were a steady source of referrals. 

Graphic design firms by definition focus on design, so they seldom have copywriters on staff. But graphic designers are constantly in touch with clients who need content in addition to design. Those clients often asked the graphic designer to recommend freelance writers or editors. So if you haven’t already done so, reach out to a few graphic designers and make yourself available as a resource to them and their clients. The design firm may put you directly in touch with a client, or they may prefer to subcontract work to you. Either way, it’s a great situation: the graphic design firm provides its clients with a broader range of services, you get more freelance work – and you make friends with some very creative people!

Mike O’Mary is founding dreamer of Dream of Things, a book publisher and online community for writers and other artists.

Eye Tips For Writers

by Catherine L. Tully

If you are spending multiple hours on your computer you run the risk of eye strain. To help avoid this problem the Mayo Clinic suggests that you keep your monitor about 20 to 28 inches from your eyes (51 to 71 centimeters for our pals on the metric system). Also be sure that it’s right in front of you instead of off to the side. 

A good estimate for when you are at the coffee shop? About an arm’s length away. 

Also, if you get dry eyes when you are on the computer, consider using one of the over-the-counter teardrop preparations to refresh the moisture level and make your eyes feel better. Just make sure you check the label and follow the directions. If that kind of thing isn’t in your budget then just try to blink more often—believe it or not, it helps.

Hemingway’s Birthplace

by Catherine L. Tully

Oak Park, Illinois is the village where famed author Ernest Hemingway was born. His “birthplace home” and The Hemingway Museum are two local stops that offer writers an opportunity to learn more about the author in his formative years. Located on Oak Park Avenue, admission to one buys you a visit to both places. Begin at the museum where you will find Hemingway’s childhood diary, along with some rare photographs and other artifacts. Take your time and browse the exhibits, and if you are the type of person that enjoys a good souvenir, be sure to stop at the little gift shop that is tucked off to the side of the main area. There are some unique items for sale that would make good gifts for any serious Hemingway aficionado. Just down the street is the Hemingway Birthplace Home, an attractive Queen Anne Victorian that has been recently restored. The author’s maternal grandparents built the home and Hemingway was born on the second floor in 1899. For more information on admission and hours, visit the Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park.

What’s For Dessert?

by Catherine L. Tully

This delicious picture is designed to remind you of something…you should be doing some writing that you enjoy. Now I understand that as a writer, there are many times you need to take the work that comes down the pike to pay the bills. This can mean writing about diapers, weird smells or even dirt. I’ve written about some pretty boring (and weird) stuff to make a buck.

Still…you need to be doing some writing that inspires you. Some that allows you to express your inner voice and your sense of style. This is true even if you aren’t getting paid for it. Keep sending out queries about things that you enjoy writing about. Keep trying to find gigs that are in a field you like. Otherwise you run the risk of burnout, and it isn’t pretty…

So the next time you saddle up to do some content writing about air conditioning or pen a piece about post-nasal drip, as yourself “what’s for dessert?” and then write something fun!

Help A Writer

by Catherine L. Tully

Today is a pay it forward post. Something to encourage you to help someone else out. Give an aspiring writer a lead on some work. Sit down with someone who is interested in learning the ropes and fill them in on how to get a foothold. Post a nice comment on a blog that you like. It can be easy to forget how hard things were in the beginning once you have had some success.

One of the reasons that Joe and I started this blog was to be in a spot where we could share our knowledge with other writers. This is a labor of love, and we take it very seriously. After all, we were once newbies too.

So today…do something for someone else in the field…no matter how small. Take a minute to share a bit of your know how with someone else, or, if you are new to the writing game, post a comment on someone’s blog and make their day.

Time For Activity

Copyright 2005, Catherine L. Tully

by Catherine L. Tully

Yes…this is more ranting about how you need to get physical activity into your day as a writer. Here are four easy ways to add some:

1. Walk to the mailbox every time you need to mail something. Even if it is six blocks away. And yes, even if it’s raining. Bring an umbrella.

2. Pace while on the phone when possible. I know this won’t work for an interview, but for all other calls, walk the carpet.

3. Hang an index card on the wall above your computer that says, “stomach”. Every time you read it, sit up straight and tighten your stomach muscles for a count of 30.

4. Use a timer to keep yourself from sitting at the computer too long. Set it for half-hour increments and walk around for a few minutes when it goes off.

These are just a few simple tips that will keep you from toiling away at your desk for hours on end with no physical activity. Do what you can!

Changing Up Your Workstation

by Catherine L. Tully

Have you been working at the same desk in the same spot for a long time? If so, perhaps you should change things up a bit. If you have a laptop, this is an easy task…simply take it to a new spot in the house, or head out to the coffee shop for a while. If you have a desktop, it may require a bit more planning.

First of all, consider the ergonomics. Can you find a place in your house where you can set things up properly in terms of monitor height, keyboard, etc.? Next, think outside the box. You don’t have to re-create the same setup you just had. Try and do something different for yourself to make the move worthwhile. Perhaps find a place with a view out the window, or use a new chair.

It may seem like a little thing, but sitting in the same spot day in and day out can sap your creative juices and make you feel stale. If you could use a little breath of fresh air in your writing, try moving your workstation and see if it helps.

Writing Advice From Kurt Vonnegut

by Catherine L. Tully

I stumbled across this little piece online–”How To Write With Style“ by Kurt Vonnegut, and there is some really good info here. Much of it is simple, but easy to get away from in the day-to-day business of being a writer. (I’m a Vonnegut fan too–which doesn’t hurt.)

Take a minute before you get started today and refresh yourself on some of these guiding principles…

Great Movies About Writers

by Catherine L. Tully

If you are in the mood to have a movie night and have writing on the brain, why not stock up on a few flicks that have a writer as the main character?

In this article by Entertainment Weekly you will find 14 suggestions ranging from Barton Fink to Leaving Las Vegas. Choose the ones that appeal to your mood, pop some popcorn, dim the lights–and watch somebody else write for a change.

If you have a “writer movie” you enjoy–post it here. I’d love to get a few that aren’t on the list, or hear your favorites…

I Know You’re Losing $50-$200 a Day

By Yolander Prinzel

How do I know you are? Well, because I am and although this might cause you to break out into the cold sweat of denial, I’m pretty sure you and I aren’t that different.

I waste at least 2 hours every day sitting in front of my computer doing…well…absolutely nothing.

Yeah, no, I know, it’s terrible, right? But–surely–you aren’t that bad. You don’t spend time looking through pictures on Facebook of people you don’t even know. You don’t start conversations with strangers on Twitter. You don’t do housework off and on throughout the day. You don’t do anything but write and market yourself all day…right?

Yeah, that’s what I thought. So here is my challenge to you web writers next month. Let’s all try to take on 2 additional hours worth of work each workday and earn 2 more hours worth of pay. Whether 2 hours means 1 article for you or two, do it. Then take that money, which you normally wouldn’t have had because you would have been busy picking your split ends during those two hours, and put it in your savings account.

Let’s say you average (based on your writing speed and prices) $35 an hour. You will have banked an extra $350 in your savings account the first week. Do that for a month and you’ll have about $1,400. A year? $18,200–and that isn’t counting interest.

So put your hair down, log out of Facebook, sign off from Twitter and leave your laundry unfolded–it’s not like you have to leave the house anyway.

Print writers–you aren’t out of the challenge. I’m betting you could send out a couple extra queries during the week. The pay from any of those queries that get accepted should go straight to savings too.

Yolander Prinzel, ACS is a financial writer as well as a series 7, 66 and 2-15 licensed financial representative with a decade of industry experience. She was the National Director of Marketing and the Director of Operations for The Compass Agency USA and has also been a trader for Raymond James Financial Services. None of her posts are meant to be advisory. Only an advisor with close, personal knowledge of your financial situation can offer advice. You can get her new e-book You’ve Found Your Specialty–Now What? Tips and Tricks to Finding and Scoring Clients and Making a Living Writing What You Know here for just $7.95.

Writers And Pets

by Catherine L. Tully

I have had pets my whole life, but I have to say that as a writer they have been especially helpful. When I first started writing I had a betta right near my desk and it would tempt me to look away from the computer. Just a fish, I know–but it was so pretty. My eyes got some rest from the screen because I would watch it swim around in the bowl.

I now have a dog who dutifully lays at my feet (crams himself–all 90 lbs–underneath my chair) while I tap away at the keyboard. From time-to-time he reminds me that I need a break. His walks become my time away from the computer and I dare say it is more of a break then I would take without him… … Continue Reading

How To Get Repeat Clients

by Catherine L. Tully

Guess what? I get the bulk of my work from regular clients. I’d say it makes up 2/3 or more of my monthly income. Getting repeat business isn’t as hard as you might think if you are willing to do some work for it.

Nearly any writing job carries with it the possibility for more income down the line. It’s all in the way you approach it. If all you see is one job and then the end of the road…that’s all you’re going to get. You have to be willing to think a little differently. Here are some of the things that have worked well for me:

+ Go above and beyond. Don’t just meet a deadline–turn your work in early. If the editor mentions the possibility of a sidebar, then do that too. The more proactive and timely you are, the more the editor will want to work with you again in the future. First impressions count for more than most writers realize… … Continue Reading

Freelancer Freebie For iPhone Users: Track Your Snacks

by Catherine L. Tully

Do you find yourself snacking too much throughout the day? Many freelance writers find that it can be hard to stay active when they log so much time on the computer. Eating extra calories is something to try and shy away from, but it can be hard to keep track of how many you are taking in… … Continue Reading

What’s Your Worst Freelance Fear?

by Catherine L. Tully

Everybody in the business has one. Some writers have more than one. What am I talking about? Freelance Fears.

Am I being melodramatic? Not in the least. These fears can hold us back from reaching our goals. They constantly get in our way and interfere with success. Do you want to know what my number one freelance fear is? Read on… … Continue Reading