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"We do not write because we want to; we write because we have to," said W. Somerset Maugham and if this is the way you feel, then welcome to the bitter-sweet chalice of tears and joy that is a writer’s life. Working as a freelance writer is a brave decision to make because while it contains the heady, flighty feeling that comes with freedom, it also subjects you to cold moments of utter panic. The key is to get over the initial euphoria quickly and approach it with the same logical thinking and clear-sightedness that you would approach any job.
It is difficult to lay down laws about freelance writing because each writer needs to find their own rhythm and their own way of doing things. Some like to maintain a fixed routine and work 9-5 just like they would in an office while others like to write at midnight with owls hooting outside and a tub of chocolate ice cream next to them. Broadly, however, I have found that these are a few things you need to do to kick start your freelance career.
Work the network
So you have quit your job and taken the plunge, set up the home office, got yourself a broadband Internet connection and are now waiting for the offers to come pouring in. Well, you may just end up waiting till the apocalypse. While some very lucky writers can afford to be reclusive, most of us need to work the network to get our breaks.
There is no science behind building a good network. The key often is to just be genuinely nice to people you meet or know. Chances are that they will be nice in return. Many people have a warped view of networking. They are nice to people only when they consider them ‘important’ or famous in some way but the fact is that you never know how and when an opportunity will come by.
Tell everyone, and that literally means everyone, that you are freelancing. Remind friends and acquaintances about it often by talking about it or referring to the kind of work you have been doing. This is important so that when they come across an opportunity, they will instantly think of you.
Make technology your ally
Technology has made the world smaller—and flatter (to borrow from Thomas Friedman)—than ever before. Use it.
Invest in a good computer and fast connectivity. There are numerous writer’s forums, freelance directories and online networks that provide a platform for you to contact people, bid on projects or showcase your work. Look for these and sign up. Provide portfolio samples wherever possible.
A blog is another way to let the world know how well you write. Create your own weblog using Blogger (http://blogger.com) or Wordpress (http://wordpress.com) and start posting regularly. Contribute to group weblogs as well. Take care to ensure that this is something you can show potential employers or clients as a sample of your writing. Provide a link to your blog in your email signature, chat handle and online networks and make it a unique marketing tool.
Define goals—and work towards them
Define your ultimate goals as a writer early on. Do you want to be a renowned journalist writing on human interest issues? Do you want to set up your own web content company some day? Or do you want to write a novel? Research and learn as much as possible in the areas that will help you towards this goal. Writing is often the act of sharing information, knowledge and insight. The more knowledge you gain, the better it is for your writing career.
This will also help you differentiate yourself from the millions of other writers out there. Developing expertise in a niche area often helps when it comes to getting specific jobs and assignments. You may choose to specialize in more than one area, in which case you have to work harder to ensure that you are proficient in all of them.
If you want to be a freelance journalist, a niche area could be a topic or ‘beat’ such as arts, culture, sport, socio-economic development or business. For other kinds of freelance writers, it could be a specific medium. For example, you could position yourself as an expert in web content or advertising copy.
Seek inspiration
Writers need inspiration and this comes in different forms. It comes from reading other people’s works and seeing the ways in which language can and should be used. It comes from talking to people, listening to their stories and opinions, and understanding different worlds. It can come from watching a brilliant movie, a provocative play or a haunting dance performance. It can come from attending conferences and seminars, panel discussions and poetry readings. Depending on what you write, it can even come from shopping, eating out or dating!
Stimulation and inspiration can come from many things in the outside world and most writers need this on a regular basis. This is how journalists get story ideas, copywriters get punch lines and novelists get characters. So if you are feeling unable to write, take a break. Read a book. Look at an interesting website. Watch a movie. It may open up your mind in ways you never imagined and free new ideas.
Write
Because that’s what writers do—they write! Write as much as you can, about as many topics as you can even when it’s not for money. Even when the only person to read it will be you. Writing is a craft as much as it is an art. You need to hone your skills continually. Read style guides. Look up grammar rules. Clarify punctuation doubts. Improve your vocabulary continually by reading. Consciously learn new words whenever you can. Practice writing in different styles—even in those that do not come to you naturally. Indulge writer’s block as little as possible. Set clear goals in terms of your writing, even numerical ones if necessary, and make sure you meet them.
Writing can be one of the most satisfying acts in the world. It gives a sense of accomplishment and creative fulfillment that is almost unparalleled. But it is hard work, often grueling, and sometimes thankless in worldly terms. Be prepared for the difficulties, keep yourself motivated and go about it with professionalism and discipline—and you’re on your way to success!
Chillibreeze's disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of Chillibreeze as a company. Chillibreeze has a strict anti-plagiarism policy. Please contact us to report any copyright issues related to this article.
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—About our writer:
Anindita is a freelance writer and journalist in Bangalore. She writes for Deccan Herald, one of the largest daily newspapers in Karnataka, and the women's magazine Marie Claire. Her poetry has been published in Muse India as well as various writers' group blogs and websites. She is deeply interested in literature, film, photography and social software apart from human rights issues.
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