Tag | freelance writer

Look Back on My Career in 2009; What’s Next in 2010

Dec 29th, 2009View Comments

I’ve had ups and downs this year regarding my career. One thing that I can say is that I’ve had more ups than downs. In 2009, I found myself being laid off and contemplating my next move. I came to realize that I had become complacent since I began with the company, so I decided to really get moving on my dream of becoming a full-time freelance writer.

I began applying to more writing gigs, and the most insane thing happened. After blogging for over ten years for pleasure and always wishing it could become something I could get paid for, it did. I have to thank MakeTechEasier for giving me a chance, and it’s something that I will never forget. I also want to thank Macgasm, PunchyCritics, and Penn Olson for also giving me helping me become a bonafide Blogger. Hurray!

This is something that I always say to people. Take something bad and turn it into something good. I finally started getting closer to my dreams. After waiting for the inevitable, I never got laid off. My manager told me that I wrote the proposal that got them this multi-million contract, so I became a Sr. Requirements Analyst on this project. It’s been hectic, strenuous, and sometimes frustrating. However, I have learned more about requirements gathering and kept my security clearance active.

What do I want next year? I want to continue on my quest to becoming a full-time freelance writer. I want to try to take a crack on writing an ebook or two, finishing my book draft, and possibly adding WordPress Consultant to my list of services. I’ve helped a few people on their WordPress, and I write about it. I realized that some people charge up to $100/hr to assist people with their WordPress, so why keep doing it for free? It’s something that I am not 100% about, so we shall see.

All I know is that writing has always been my first passion. I’m glad to say that it is my career, and I’m getting closer to doing the writing that I want to do.

Never give up on your dreams. You will see more of me next year.

2009, 2010, career, freelance writer, goals, Writing, writing career, year overview, yearly goalsblogging, proposal writing, random words, technical writing

Wired Editor-in-Chief to Keynote DC GrowSmartBiz Conference

Aug 26th, 2009View Comments

Wired Magazine is one of my favorite magazines that helps me keep up with the latest in the technological field. I have also added the RSS feed to my Google Reader, so I can easily share articles with my social networks. It was a wonderful surprise to find out that Wired’s Editor-in-Chief Chris Anderson will be keynoting the GrowSmartBiz Conference on September 29, 2009 at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Wired Magazine won the National Magazine Award during the time that Anderson has been there. What is the National Magazine Award? It has been described as the Pulitzer Award for the magazine industry, so you can just imagine what an honor it is. Anderson has also written two business books: Long Tail, The, Revised and Updated Edition: Why the Future of Business is Selling Less of More and Free: The Future of a Radical Price. What is so great about these two books is that they were both originally Wired magazines that Anderson expanded into full-fledged books. This is something that Writers should all learn from. You can always take a shorter piece of writing and expand it into a longer one.

The GrowSmartBiz Conference is being hosted by Network Solutions. It is a one-day event designed to provide small businesses in the DC area, from startups to well-established companies, with information and resources to make their businesses more successful. Here is more information about the event: https://guest.cvent.com

I am definitely going to go to the conference to hear and talk to different business owners on how they are able to continue to provide products and/or services to their clients with the economic downturn. For me, I have noticed how companies are asking for discounts and are more weary of who they hire. Some of the methods that I am using to continue striving during these times is using social media more than ever to get exposure. Additionally, I have joined two technology-focused associations and attending their networking events. They both have Ning and LinkedIn networks, and I have been pretty active in them.

My next step is to start volunteering to non-profit organizations who do not have the funds to pay for a Freelance Writer’s services. These are things that I would love to talk to with other business owners to see what advice they can offer me.

If you are in DC, do not miss this event. You could definitely learn a few things that you can apply to your business.

Photo Detail: Wired Magazine Collection for sale, originally uploaded by gserafini.

Transition from Working Mom to Freelance Writing Mom

Jul 7th, 2009View Comments

Panama Trip 2009, originally uploaded by dreamingindc.

When the kids and I were heading to the field trip, I told them that at the end of July, I would be working from home full time. I explained that we had to change the way we spend money, and be mindful of each other’s time. They seemed to kind of understand what I was saying, but I know that it’s something that I will have to discuss when it gets closer to that time.

I know that this isn’t just a transition for me, but for the kids as well. It’s going to definitely be a learning experience for the three of us. They are going to learn that when mommy is working, no one can bother her. The only time that they can is if the house is burning down.

My son is pretty self sufficient, but my daughter isn’t. This separation anxiety that she has, where she freaks out if I am not around, is not going to be possible any more. She is going to learn to do her own thing and not depend so much on me. For me, I will need to learn to work through the distractions. When I am writing, I can’t start doing ten things at once. It will be hard, but I know that I can do it.

Yesterday, I turned down a high-paying job that lacked the flexibility and didn’t offer any telecommuting options. I want to continue to have the ability to attend their school events, and be there when they need me. I know this is a great move because it doesn’t seem like I will be able to find the flexibility that I need, unless I work for myself.

career, flexibility, freelance, freelance writer, freelance writing, job, jobs, Kids and Teens, telecommuting, when to say no to a client, when to say no to a job, work from home mom, work from home mother, working mom, working motherrandom words

Freelance Writers Need a Writing Plan

Jun 23rd, 2009View Comments

june writing goals, originally uploaded by madame.furie.

Writing goals are something that every Writer should sit down and write before they begin any type of article, story, book, etc. I read two wonderful articles, “Setting Writing Goals” and “Developing a Writing Plan” that give tips on how to create such a document. Imagine it as a business plan for your writing career.

Without the goals I have always set for myself, I wouldn’t have achieved half of the things that I have in my life. Goals keep you focused on the life that you want for yourself, so it should apply to my writing career as well.

The following is my writing plan (so far):

Vision Statement: I want to become a full-time freelance writer who will get published in notable publications.

2009 Long-Term Writing Goals:

1. Get ten articles published in a magazine/trade journal
2. Get two new clients every month
3. Write a short story that will get published in a literary journal
4. Become a respected Blogger
5. Become a full-time Freelance Writer

Short-Term Writing Goals:

1. Send five queries a week to various magazines/trade journals
2. Create an effective blog schedule
3. Write 300 words a day for short story
4. Write two hours a day until I go full-time
5. Continue applying to blogging gigs
6. Develop an implementation schedule for writing career
7. Learn how to manage time wasters
8. Write a blog entry every day
9. Write in personal diary every day

I am still working on the deadlines for each one. This part is going to take a day or two to think about because I have to shift my schedule around, even if it also means waking up earlier. By the end of this year, I want to be able to stay home with my children, and be able to smile when I wake up in the morning. If I focus on my goals, I will be able to one day. Wish me luck!