In the late 1970s when I was still in high school, I dreamed of being a working writer. I also dreamed of telecommuting, long before the concept or term was invented.
In those years, and the two decades that followed, I had no less than 26 jobs.
(Unheard of in those economic times.)
Not surprisingly, family, friends and complete strangers made unadulterated fun of me and my seeming inability to stay at a job longer than 18 months. (Actually, I made 4 years with one job, so nyeah.)
It wasn’t, I argued, that I couldn’t keep a job; it was simply that I didn’t want to work in what, for me, was pure tedium.
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When I was a newbie freelancer, I feared the word “no.”
As in “No, I’m sorry that rate is too low.”
Or, “No, I’m sorry that deadline is unrealistic.”
And, the biggie, “No, I’m going to have to take a pass on that project because you seem like a potential PITA.”
Of course, I didn’t say those things. But I thought them. Then I would say “yes”—against my better judgment. Before I knew it, I was mired in unfulfilling, unrewarding, depressing work that was not a good fit for either of us.
Definitely not why I became a freelancer.
I freelance because I want control over my schedule, my life and the kind of work I do. continue reading …
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I have a confession: Sometimes I don’t feel like a real writer.
Although I’ve been writing all my life (including submitting a handwritten story to my local paper at the tender age of 9), it wasn’t until I worked at this magazine that one of the editors said to me, “Stop saying you’re not a writer. You ARE a writer. Own it.”
That was 1989. The year I claimed my status as a writer.
But now, some 22 years later, I will occasionally (like today) cringe at the title. Why? continue reading …
2 CommentsMy favorite Jeff Foxworthy joke is this: “You might be a redneck if someone asks to see your I.D. and you show ‘em your belt buckle.”
It gives me a chuckle every time. Every time, no matter how many times I hear it. And it got me thinking about a topic near and dear to my own belt buckle, er, heart …
When do you need to hire a professional writer? If I may, here are a few telltale signs:
You might need a professional writer if …
