What do YOU want to Write?

"Becoming a writer" hasn't worked out like I expected.  Or rather, I should say that making a living as a writer hasn't worked out like I expected.

I have accepted a new job.  I feel that it combines the best bits and pieces from previous jobs I've had.  I also feel it matches my skills, interests, and abilities better than any other job I've had.  I'm really excited about it.

For one, I am excited to have a steady, stable stream of income again.  I knew when I took the leap and quit my last full-time job (back in May of 2011), that I may never have a steady income again.  I realized that working as a freelance writer would likely mean an up and down income stream.  I was fine with that.  The problem I faced was that it was more down than up.

But anyway, since I've accepted new employment, I've been able to relax.  I no longer feel the pressure to make a living through writing alone. Consequently, my writing voice and style is returning, little by little.

It is surfacing that I am most interested in writing fictional stories and doing proofreading/editing work.  Copywriting?  That's not so much my interest.

When I first started thinking that I wanted to "be a writer," the only type of writing I really knew was to write novels.  Plus, for as long as I can remember, I've wanted to write and publish a novel.  That was goal number one.  And I can proudly say I accomplished that.  Not just one novel, but four.

But when I saw that I wasn't making a great enough income via book sales of my fiction books, and I learned about copywriting, I thought that was the answer to my prayers.

Everything I learned and read about copywriting billed it as a way to work when you want, how much you want, and make an extravagant income.  Who wouldn't want that?  Unfortunately, it wasn't as easy as "they" made it sound.  At least it wasn't for me.

I also was surprised to find that the writing I did do for clients, I wasn't very interested in.

I love to write.  I assumed I would love to write - no matter what.  That I'd still love to write in other people's voices, selling other people's products/services, in a way that other people wanted.  That wasn't so for me.

I lost my passion for writing the further I went down the copywriting path.  Luckily, I've backtracked and chosen a new path.

My lesson is this:  There are multiple paths to "being a writer."

Fiction novels.  Non-fiction books.  Copywriting.  Proofreading.  Editing.  Blogging.

Which one(s) speak to your heart?

I believe the REAL key to success is following YOUR heart.

Just because someone else found success down one path, it's no guarantee you will too.

Since I've taken a few steps down my new path, I'm starting to feel my interest and joy in writing return.  Slowly but surely.  I see more fiction novels and short stories in my future.  I see blogging returning to a more consistent part of my life, like it once was.  I see proofreading and editing becoming a growing part of my life and provide a secondary source of bonus income.

I'm excited again for the future that lays ahead.  


               

Choking Your Dream

I have a tendency to jump into things.  With both feet.

I've rarely had issue taking the leap.

But sometimes I can dive head first into something new -- give it all my time, energy, and attention -- and lose the passion.  Lose the interest.

I choke it out.

I never thought that would happen with writing, but it did.

When I had a stable, full-time job that paid the bills, and I worked on my first novel on the side, all I wanted to do was write.

So I took the leap (it's what I'm good at), quit my job, and became a full-time writer.

Well, the pressure got to me.

It took a while -- thanks to my money-saving nature and ability to live off of the money I had.

But recently I've been feeling very stressed.

I see my savings running low.  I feel the pressure to bring in a greater income than I have thus far with my writing.

Nothing chokes a passion like pressure to make money at it.

I've been wondering lately if I'm not better suited working the traditional job, so I don't have to worry about an income, and writing what's in my heart during my free time.

I noticed when I made writing my business, it gradually changed from being something I loved to do, and enjoyed doing just for the sheer pleasure of it... to something I felt I had to do.

I no longer woke up excited to start the day.  In fact, lately I didn't really want to get out of bed.

Why would I?  I had nothing to look forward to.  Nothing to do.

I like feeling productive.  I like feeling like what I'm doing makes a difference and is needed.

I wasn't feeling like that with writing.  I hadn't reached a point of having a full list of clients who needed my services.  Had I reached that point, I may be feeling differently about now.

But it is what it is.

For days I didn't feel like writing.  At all.  Anything.

I had choked out my passion.

Then I decided to look for traditional employment again.  And a funny thing happened.  I felt excited again.  Happy.  Energized.

Yes, I've still had "down" times of not knowing how it's going to pan out.

But at this time, I'm seeking a full-time job and intend on returning to my writing "roots."

Fiction stories.  Perhaps non-fiction ebooks.  Maybe articles here and there.  Blog posts.

But seeking out clients, contacting them, trying to convince them they need me, and to pay me?  Nah.

I learned through experience (which is truly the best and only teacher) that that is not for me.

Can I, will I, still "make it" as a writer?  Time will tell.

All I know is I'm excited to make a change.  Excited to get into a job that I enjoy, where I can feel productive and excel at (and bring in a healthy, regular paycheck), and write what I want to write... not what I feel I have to write, or write the only things people ask me to write.

There are many ways to be a writer.  I'm shifting my focus.  And it feels good.

                                       

Tune OUT the World and Tune INTO You

I struggle at times with listening to myself versus listening to others.

On one hand, I feel like if someone else has already achieved success... If they've reached the point where I WANT to be... then I should listen to them, follow in their footsteps... and take their course/class/program.

Then on the other hand, I feel like I know, deep inside, what I need to do, and what's right for me.  And I will succeed by listening to that voice.

It's just hard because the voices of the world can be so much louder than our own voices.

"Take my class... I guarantee you'll make $XXX,XXX in one year!"  
"Sign up for my program... You'll be rewarded with _______ in just a few weeks!" 
"Follow THIS proven path to a wealthy life!"

Does any of it really work?  

So far I've taken several classes and programs and have yet to receive the paychecks they promise.

Everyone wants to "help."  But to get their FULL help, it comes with a fee.

Lately I've been feeling like I need to tune OUT the rest of the world and tune more INTO myself.

What do I want to do?  What do I want to write?  What kind of clients do I want to work with?

Since "becoming a writer" I've changed my course several times.  I've been swayed by promises of more success, more money, an easier way.

I've let myself get pulled around, down different avenues.

I believe that is the real cause of my feeling so confused, overwhelmed, and sad lately.

It's scary though.

Scary to watch my savings decrease more and more each month, with each bill I pay.

I need an income.

That's why I'm looking for how to get where I want to be.

I'm looking for secrets, tips, tricks, and short-cuts.

I'm feeling the pressure of needing money and I've been letting that pull me.... in directions that may not be me.

I read an article today about "The Psychological Price of Entrepreneurship."

It was very nice to have someone "say it."  To know I'm not alone.  To know what I've been feeling and thinking is rather quite common among those of us who dare go out on our own... do it "our" way.

I recommend checking out the article, though the link above.  If you're any kind of entrepreneur... and yes, we writers are entrepreneurs... I think you'll relate.

So ok... It's scary.  I'm not alone.  I need to tune into my intuition.  (To sum up.)

Before I go, I'd like to write the words I want to write.  Say what I want to be able to say. 

I have money.  I have an abundant income, finally!  I make more than enough money, doing what I love!  Life is truly beautiful, awesome, and abundant!  

I've heard/read/believed that our words have power.  If we continually speak with words that denote lack, we'll draw more lack to us.

How to balance speaking the truth (sharing our reality as it is right now)... versus speaking what we desire, I'm not sure yet.

                                     
                            Time for gratitude!

                            

                  Time to raise my expectations!

                              

                          And keep dreaming!

Anyone Who Thinks Being a Freelance Writer is Easy -- Ha!

To anyone who thinks being a freelance writer is easy, I have one word for you.  Ha!

Granted, those people probably aren't reading this blog, but feel free to share this blog with the people in your life who don't get what you're doing.

To the parents, grandparents, siblings, spouses, significant others, children, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who think you do nothing all day long (so therefore you must be available to whatever task or errand they need done at any hour of the day).

To the people who think writing is easy, and anyone can do it.  Well, sure, anyone can write... the hard part is to have the courage to put your words out there for all to see.

Do you have that courage?  Do you have the gumption to stick it out, even in the tough times?  The times when clients or readers aren't banging down your door and your mailbox isn't overflowing with paychecks.

Do you?

                                    

Since making the decision to "be a writer" full-time, I've had many up and down moments.  Finding your way as a writer isn't always easy.

There are so many different types and styles of writing.

Fiction, non-fiction, business (large or small), websites, brochures, ads, letters... the list is practically endless.

Update:

Today I had a phone conversation with a potential client (XYZ, as I referred to them in previous posts).  It was my first time talking directly to a client.  And this has the potential to be a rather big client too (at least for me).

The convo went quite well.  I think I came across professional and like I know what I'm talking about.  We ended it with the client saying he will send me a list of the specific projects he'd like me to tackle first.

Upon receiving the list, I will then draw up a more formal contract, detailing the fees.

To date I've just quoted him ballpark estimates.  He didn't balk at them, and wanted to keep talking, so that's a good sign.  Though today he did bring it up and asked if the numbers I gave earlier were a "general" number, and would they be tailored to fit his specific project?

Yes, I assured him they would.  However, it got me wondering... is he expecting the rates to be lower?

They might be... I will be starting with product descriptions.  Literally about a paragraph's worth of text (though it'll likely be in bulleted form).

I now have the voices swirling in my head, talking about value pricing... versus pricing based on the time it will take you or the length of the project.  But what is the value of a product description?  I'd say pretty high... it's what a buyer reads to determine to make a purchase or not.

Then there's the other voice... I need the money.  I don't want to turn this client off by quoting too high.

Ah, the ever-famous tightrope walk us freelance writers face.

Since this will be my first go at it, I'm trying to be gentle with myself.  I'll do my best.

                                     

                                       

First REAL Client?!?

Yesterday I had a pretty big breakthrough in my writing career.

It may be true what they say... it's darkest before the dawn.  Because the day or two prior, I was at one of my lowest points (writing-wise).  I contemplated throwing in the towel and getting a traditional "job."

Then yesterday when I turned on my computer and got into my email, I had an email from the person at the XYZ company (I'm tired of explaining who is who, yet without revealing names and specifics, so from now on, XYZ will be the company I contacted back in November, who asked for samples, then reconnected with me a couple weeks ago expressing possible interest in me doing website work or brochures for them).

Anyway... I had sent my rough estimate numbers to the guy at XYZ last week, and waited.  It was my first time quoting a real price to a real potential client.

Did I price too high?  Too low?

While you'll probably never know if you could've priced a little higher and still been hired, getting hired is goal #1.

XYZ said my quote "looked good" and while he hadn't decided which direction to go first, he thought focusing on sprucing up the website would be the first task.  He also said he would like to focus first on the product description pages on their site. 

So we scheduled a phone conversation Thursday of next week.  In that convo I told him I'd let him know my thoughts on his website as it is currently, and some ideas I have for improvement.  

Note: Since I always like to know numbers, I'll share numbers.

I quoted XYZ $75 per page with not a lot of text (like product description pages), and $200 per page with more text (the About Us page).

I also quoted $250-500 per page for brochure copy, and $250-$1,000 for retail ads.  Those were the initial projects he mentioned.  Looking back, I probably could have just sent him my complete price list, but I didn't.

The benefits of sending the whole price list are these:

1)  The prices they're specifically interested in are surrounded by your prices for everything else.  It puts it in context.  It makes it look less like you're just pulling the numbers out of thin air, and more "official."
2)  They may see projects listed on the price list that they hadn't considered, but will now.

So in the future, when a prospective client contacts me and asks for prices, I will probably send the whole list.

But anyway, this was a big turning point for me.  Granted, the project hasn't been "landed" just yet.  That'll await our phone conversation next week and my official proposal (which I told him I'd send once we talk... which will give exact quotes for the exact projects he wants to move forward with, along with time frames and other terms).  I'm still excited!

Another Idea for Newbies:

This is something else I got in the works yesterday (yesterday was indeed abundant!).

I got in touch with a fellow copywriter friend who has more job offers than she can fill herself.

I know, horrible problem, isn't it?  But it's a win-win for everyone.

I offered to do some of the writing jobs for her.  She gets the clients, sets up the jobs, and outsources them to me (the ones she can't fulfill herself anyway).

Truly, this is my best-case scenario in many ways.

For one, I don't like reaching out to potential clients, selling my services, trying to convince someone to hire me.  But she does.

And two, I prefer to just do the work.  Focus on the job at hand.  While she loses interest once the project is landed.

Could be a match made in heaven!

This is basically how agencies work.

Now, I'm not very familiar with agencies, and I don't know how hard it is to get hired into one.

But if you're a newbie writer like me, looking for work, you might want to look into it.

Either look into actual agencies, and see if they're looking to add a new writer to their list of freelancers... OR... like I did, pay attention to other copywriters that you're in contact with.  Is anyone complaining they have too much work and can't get it all done?  Offer to help them!

Sure, you'll make more money if you're the lead copywriter, and the one actually hired by the client.  But if you're like me, and struggling to get clients on your own, this could be a great way to start working and making some money!

Yesterday was truly a re-motivating day for me.  An affirmation.  A confirmation.  Keep going!

                              
                                        

It May Not Go as You Intend

I already wrote a post today, but something just happened and I wanted to write about and share it as well.

In my last post I shared how this morning I sent out the follow-up emails to the businesses who I sent the original mailed letter to, offering the connection letter for $100.

So.... I have already gotten TWO responses (within two hours of sending out those emails).

Both were nice and sincere... albeit, not the emails I was hoping to get.

The first:  They told me they already send out letters like the one I was offering to write, and they write them themselves.  They politely said they weren't interested.  And I respectfully thanked them for their reply.

The second that I just got:  They told me that my letter/email is being talked about in a B&B forum.

Apparently the "word on the street" is that it's silly to pay $100 for a letter like that.

And it so it seems my offer hasn't been well-received like I had intended.  Quite the opposite.

I'm disheartened.

I'm confused.

I don't know how to reach out to business owners without coming across as a spammer, or not as genuine as I intend.

Perhaps I've just reached the "wrong" people.

Perhaps no matter what, the business owners I've contacted (who are complaining/talking on the forum) simply don't get the value a good writer and marketing partner can bring to their business.

If that's the case, fine... let them go and move on.

This is the hard part of starting a freelance writing business though.

Trying different methods, reaching out to different people, different niches, different businesses, and not (yet) seeing any results.  Not positive ones anyway.

*sigh*

I wanted this blog to be open and honest though, and that it is.

I'm wondering if all, or most, other writers had this same experience and just didn't share it.

If it's common to have multiple "failed attempts."  To reach out to 50 businesses and have just one respond favorably (if that).

This is why I wanted to write this blog though.  To give a real, honest, down and dirty account of a new writer trying to make it in today's world.

For good or bad, this is my experience.  Hopefully yours isn't as rough, but if it is, know you're not alone.

So what's next?