10 Things I wish I Would Have Known About Writing 10 Years Ago!

It’s a Monday.
And like most good days, it starts out with chocolate.
Weatherwise, we’re recovering from days of violent storms and unseasonal weather in the Midwest.
And I’m counting my blessings to be working from home.

There’s no doubt about it: the life of a freelancer is a sweet one.
What other gig allows flexible hours, bunny slippers, bad hair days, and comfy lounge wear on the regular? Hello!

But there are also obstacles, ugly stuff, and things I really wish I had been aware of on the path to success. Not that it would have caused me to bail at the nearest exit ramp, or join the nearest circus--- but rather, there would have been fewer bumps and detours along the way. And possibly bigger paydays (I'd like to believe) .

I say this as I reflect and attempt to recover from the loss of one of my favorite client sites, that changed ownership, and ultimately will have to be replaced as a revenue source, due to different work dynamics. Not to mention, I‘m just bouncing back from a bad computer bug that wiped out nearly all my files.

Like a super hero, I’m juggling, brainstorming, blogging, making miracles happen with limited resources, and a host of other things in an effort to keep my head above water and stay in the black. And if you’re living this lifestyle, it’s likely you are too.

Here are a few things I’ve learned amidst the madness, through trial and error.
“Insider’s tips” I’d like to share to save you time, money, and mania, and take your career to the next level.

Here they are in no particular order:

1. Writing for free can be profitable. Some seasoned scribes turn their noses up at the prospect of no pay projects. But “pay” doesn’t always have to be immediate or monetary. Some of my best connections, recommendations, and profitable collaborations started out without pay. But balance is required, so choose wisely.


2. Save for that rainy day. It’s more than a cliché, it’s a cardinal rule! Nothing can inhibit your muse like wondering where your next meal will come from, or stressing out over a missed mortgage payment. Even if it’s a little at a time, start saving stat!


3. Writing is both glamour and grit. The beauty of a byline never gets old, but going the distance takes a lot of hard work, perseverance and door knocking.

4. All writing gigs are not considered equal. Print typically pays better than online, articles typically yield a bigger pay day than blog posts, corporate clients often pay more than personal clients. Though there are exceptions. Know what the market dictates.

5. Even with a written contract, it’s possible to get shafted. Always read the fine print.

6. Few people will get rich by blogging. But it can be immensely rewarding.

7. Always have a plan “B”.

8. Not every one is qualified to offer sound advice about a writing career.

9. Diversify! Diversify! Diversify!

10. Family very likely won’t understand your career. Don’t sweat it or be swayed by it.


And in the words of a popular hit song, "back that thang up!"

Make sure to protect your intellectual property by backing up your files and having an effective anti-virus program in place. It's so worth the investment.



How about you? What lessons do you wish you'd learned earlier. Do tell...

Image Suat Eman