Wednesday, October 24, 2018

3 Things I've Learned From Freelance Writing





If you've been writing for any length of time, you know that it has its ups and downs. One day your inbox might hold an acceptance letter for a magazine article query, the next, a rejection letter from that client you'd hoped to gain. One thing remains consistent; there's always something to learn. From sharpening our research or marketing skills to polishing our fiction writing, we can always improve. Every portion of this writing journey has value, for it brings us to where we are today and beyond.


Reflecting on my recent freelance work, it occurred to me how much I've gained. Three things stand out:


  • Greater Writing Efficiency - In the early days, I wrote copious amounts of beautiful prose. Or so I thought. Actually, much of it was okay, just sorely in need of tightening and prudent editing. It was hard to cut those precious words until I saw the value of crisp writing and editing. Practicing word economy yielded more efficient work, with less to edit. This means higher quality writing, faster results, and greater productivity.
 
  • An Expanded Skill Set - Freelancing has offered opportunities to write on various topics and in different formats. From lesson plans for K-adult to articles, ads, and web content, I've learned much. Recent freelance pursuits include the home improvement industry and drug addiction programs. This experience offers knowledge and skills I can offer to future students, clients, and publications.
 
  • People Skills - If we're writing for publication, we must deal with people, whether in person, by phone, or email. As writers, you'd think we'd be naturally good at communicating like this. But that's not always true. Even sales and other business experience didn't fully prepare me for the freelance world. What I've gained through freelancing provides valuable insight for communication in other areas of life as well.  


We all know how to cultivate these results - by doing what we're likely already doing, but perhaps with more focus, awareness, and purpose toward our goals. I've hardly arrived into the famous writers' arena, but here are the things that have facilitated my progress in these three areas.


Greater writing efficiency takes time and practice. This doesn't happen overnight, but it does happen in a writer who has a heart for gaining knowledge and growth. Keep learning, always. It's helped me to take classes, webinars, read books, blog posts, and articles, observe others' work, and utilize all the great resources available. Further pursuits include getting a few critique partners, learning to self edit, developing a sharp eye for flaws and cluttered prose.


Expanding a skill set comes in many forms, and ties in with writing efficiency above. I continue to stretch through reading, research, continuing education, and practice. Other things that have helped are writing in other genres, ones that aren't as comfortable. I started a blog and experimented with Blogger and Wordpress. Writing lessons for my teen students offers opportunities to write examples, like mock ads, fiction, and news stories. I keep an informal log of interesting words, phrases, and quotes. I'm often thinking about writing ideas, and am an observer of people, events, and good books, both fiction and nonfiction.


As time allows, it's also helped to stay current with marketing and freelancing trends. Though it's not essential to know all the practices and jargon, it can be an asset to your writing journey. For example, I learned recently what onboarding is and how it'll help with freelance clients. To better target customers and editors, it's also important to know your USP. And all freelancers can save time and money knowing how to avoid scope creep.


People skills are shaped and influenced by our background, experience, and personality type. Good interaction with clients, editors, publishers, and fellow writers is often contingent on how knowledgeable and confident we feel about our skills. How do we improve and stay sharp? Practice good etiquette and common sense. Observe others (what to and not to do). Talk to other writers and business owners.  Read. Research. Learn by doing.


As an introvert, public relations can be a stretch. You might recall this post that discusses things this shy writer has learned about social media interaction. Extroverts, too, experience their challenges building these skills, as I've observed those who've come on too strong or directed energy in the wrong direction. No matter where we might fall in that regard, it's important to enhance our skills and find a good balance that works for us.


Writing is a grand adventure, isn't it? It cultivates valuable growth and wonderful potential for all of life's future pursuits.

What stands out among the things you've learned on your writing journey? 


Time for a Change 


After more than nine years, I've decided to step away from my blog. This decision comes as I pursue new projects and commitments that require more time. I may return someday, and will still be out there writing guest posts and all that good stuff.

Blogging here has offered blessings beyond what I'd imagined. Thank you for offering your wisdom, kindness, and friendship. Will do my best to visit your blogs as I can. Love you all! :)


Happy writing,
Karen 



Image credit: Pexels

20 comments :

  1. Greater writing efficiency is so important since no one has time for anything anymore. Learn to do it quick and well.

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  2. You'll be missed, Karen. You've always been a bright light in the blogosphere. Good luck with all your pursuits. And of course, as usual, you've delivered a great post here. Thanks!

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  3. Thank you, Karen, for your work here. I have wondered what was going on in your writing life. I have missed your blog posts. Go with God and I wish you and yours peace and blessings.

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  4. So sorry you've decided to leave blogging for the time being, Karen. As Lisa observed, you and your insights will be missed greatly. Hope you won't stay away too long, and that you will stop by and visit me now and again. https://marthaorlando.blogspot.com
    Love and blessings!

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  5. Alex,
    You said it! That's how things are these days. Thanks for being a faithful blogging friend. :)

    Lisa,
    Thanks so much, sweet friend! Appreciate your kind words and support over the years. I don't know that this is forever, but I need the space now. Will stop and see you, for sure. :)

    Cecelia,
    Thank you so much! You've been a kind and faithful friend, and one of my first blogging followers. Your friendship means much to me, and I appreciate your heart for writing and sharing God's word. :)

    Martha,
    You are too kind my friend! So glad we've met through blogging. I will stop and see you now and again. Wish you well with your writing pursuits. Thanks so much for your support!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  6. Hi Karen - it's been lovely connecting with you ... and I've learnt so much from blogging ... and many skills - probably way more than most people realise. I shall miss you ... but all the very best with whatever holds in your future ... sometimes we just need to step away. Take care and cheers - Hilary

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  7. Wishing you the best in your freelancing work, Karen :-) I've certainly enjoyed your blogging friendship through the years. Thanks for everything you've shared and for all of your encouraging words. May God bless you in all that's ahead for you!

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  8. Hi Karen, my freelance writing has taught me greater efficiency and has sharpened my skills and cut down my writing time, as there are deadlines to meet.

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  9. Hilary,
    It's been great connecting with you too! I'm sure I'll "see you around" in the future. I just can't imagine not still connecting with you all. :) Thanks so much, and take care as well. You've been a good and faithful blogging friend! xo :)

    Kenda,
    Thanks so much for your kind words! It's been a delight to get to know you, and maybe someday we can connect in real life since we live in the same region. Much love and blessings to you! :)

    Rachna,
    It's a great teacher, isn't it? Yes, and the deadlines are so helpful in building those skills and discipline. Appreciate your visit and support. Take care! :)

    Much love to all,
    Karen

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  10. You really have learned a lot, Karen. Good for you for stretching yourself! We'll miss you in the blogging world; please keep in touch via email and Facebook!
    Love you, Jen

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  11. Thank you Karen for all your posts, comments, and especially valuable information!

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  12. I'm glad our friendship isn't limited to blogging. I'd sure miss you. Still, I'm sad to see Write Now go on hiatus. Your posts are always timely and well done.

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  13. I am just reading this post now Karen. I understand your decision to step away from blogging (at least for some time) but I feel a bit sad too... it was always easy for me to see you and others in my blog roll because on FB or Twitter I miss most of the USA posts because of time difference and because I have no cell phone I only read when behind my laptop. Well, I am thankful for all the writing you did and I know you will continue to bless readers.

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  14. Thank you for this post.I needed to read these points.

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  15. Jen,
    Thank you! You're a faithful friend. :) Yes, will stay in touch. You can count on that.

    Lynn,
    You're welcome! Thanks so much for your support and friendship. :) I appreciate you.

    Susan,
    I'm blessed that we've met through blogging. Appreciate your kind words and friendship. I'll be around to bug you. :)

    Marja,
    Thanks so much. You are among my many treasured blogging friends. Appreciate you!

    Joy,
    It's good to see you. Glad this resonated with you. Thanks so much for your kind friendship. :)

    Love to you all,
    Karen

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  16. As you can see, it took me a while to get to your post. I too have had to learn to plan my time better. This year hasn't been my 'most productive' year at the typewriter. I'll miss the posts ( I don't always take months to read them ;-) ) but am happy with the warm thought you've not completely 'left the building'. Success and joy with all you do Karen.

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    1. Anita, good to hear from you, as always! Thanks for your kind words. It has been a busy few years, hasn't it? :)

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  17. I've missed you, Karen! I appreciate the time you take to visit blogs.

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    1. Missed you too, Tyrean! Thanks a bunch! I may get back into blogging; I do miss it. Take care, okay? :)

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  18. Hi Karen. I miss your blog. I hope 2020 is your best year yet.

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