I've blogged in (somewhat) recent past about the struggle between all the "need to do" things to develop and maintain a successful freelance writing career and finding time to just plain write. I'm attempting to find a balance between both and have been somewhat more successful this week.
One of the things I've been told to spend some solid time on to pursue a freelance career which generates income (which is, ultimately, the goal of most writers) is to check job boards and search for assignments. I've spent a little time on this though must say am struggling to find anything that seems a good fit. Thus far, the MorningCoffee Freelance Writing Jobs Newsletter is the main one I've explored as someone recommended it a while ago.
Are there others any of you find productive to warrant your time? I'd love any input in this regard if you are willing to share what you consider a good investment in time and effort.
Thank you so much!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
Your True Self
I recently started reading Cecil Murphey's book, UNLEASH THE WRITER WITHIN. I'm not very far into it but wanted to share a few wise words. Mr. Murphey focuses not only on improving writing in this book but on figuring out who we are and not forgetting our true self in the writing process.
He says, "I write to find out who I am...I write because it is a gift." He further suggests, "your most honest writing becomes your best writing."
It was in reading his words, albeit not very many thus far, that I realized I've lost sight of the true reason I started writing in the first place. It was the sheer love of writing and the urge to create a sense of desire to read and a love of books in children that drove me to my first ICL course.
In the recent past, it has become more of a chore to balance all that goes into it...maintaining a presence to generate interest and increase publication chances, marketing, reading job boards, creating resumes, etc. All of these things are a necessary evil in a writer's life; however, I am now going to try to separate out just the writing in terms of how I look at it all. I will write from the heart honestly and, in the process, figure out who I am as a writer and the rest, hopefully, will fall into place.
I look forward to finishing this book and "unleashing the writer within." Please share your means of creating your most authentic voice.
He says, "I write to find out who I am...I write because it is a gift." He further suggests, "your most honest writing becomes your best writing."
It was in reading his words, albeit not very many thus far, that I realized I've lost sight of the true reason I started writing in the first place. It was the sheer love of writing and the urge to create a sense of desire to read and a love of books in children that drove me to my first ICL course.
In the recent past, it has become more of a chore to balance all that goes into it...maintaining a presence to generate interest and increase publication chances, marketing, reading job boards, creating resumes, etc. All of these things are a necessary evil in a writer's life; however, I am now going to try to separate out just the writing in terms of how I look at it all. I will write from the heart honestly and, in the process, figure out who I am as a writer and the rest, hopefully, will fall into place.
I look forward to finishing this book and "unleashing the writer within." Please share your means of creating your most authentic voice.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
Having Fun
I recently blogged about my new blog/website and having patience in my process. I'm not having much patience with it myself and have decided I will just keep on posting here until such time as I get it all figured out.
I have been thinking about all of the things I am supposed to do in this writing life...write, edit, read, blog, market, submit, build a platform, create products and services by which to generate income, etc. I've been so caught up in all the things to do, that I have totally lost sight of what drove me to this life in the first place--the love of writing.
When I started my first ICL class and began writing in earnest (or as much as possible with small children), I focused on writing and had fun. I recently realized I am not having fun anymore. And, I'm barely writing.
There is only so much time in the day I can dedicate to writing (and writing related activities), so the snipets of time here and there seem to get taken up by email, blog reading or something besides writing. I want to go back to that fun place. I want to enjoy writing just for writing sake again. Publication has always been and will remain my ultimate goal, but I realized I need to spend some time just writing to see what I can churn out. One of my goals for this year is to generate income with my writing, but, unless I actually produce some writing, that won't even be a possiblity.
So, here's to heading back to having fun. I'll keep you updated along the way.
Anyone else out there having a similar problem?
I have been thinking about all of the things I am supposed to do in this writing life...write, edit, read, blog, market, submit, build a platform, create products and services by which to generate income, etc. I've been so caught up in all the things to do, that I have totally lost sight of what drove me to this life in the first place--the love of writing.
When I started my first ICL class and began writing in earnest (or as much as possible with small children), I focused on writing and had fun. I recently realized I am not having fun anymore. And, I'm barely writing.
There is only so much time in the day I can dedicate to writing (and writing related activities), so the snipets of time here and there seem to get taken up by email, blog reading or something besides writing. I want to go back to that fun place. I want to enjoy writing just for writing sake again. Publication has always been and will remain my ultimate goal, but I realized I need to spend some time just writing to see what I can churn out. One of my goals for this year is to generate income with my writing, but, unless I actually produce some writing, that won't even be a possiblity.
So, here's to heading back to having fun. I'll keep you updated along the way.
Anyone else out there having a similar problem?
Friday, January 20, 2012
New Writing Contest
Hello All,
For those of you who do not receive the ICL newsletter and may not have seen this, there is a new Children's Writer contest to check out. It is a Middle Grade Mystery Contest, and you can find the information here:
http://www.thechildrenswriter.com/af627/
Happy Writing!
For those of you who do not receive the ICL newsletter and may not have seen this, there is a new Children's Writer contest to check out. It is a Middle Grade Mystery Contest, and you can find the information here:
http://www.thechildrenswriter.com/af627/
Happy Writing!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Patience
Please bear with me all. I'm in the process of creating a new blog and/or website to either replace or support this one. I'm not exactly sure how or what is going to happen yet as I have help in the journey (most of you are aware of my fairly technologically inept self:-)). As I work out all the kinks and figure it all out, I'll pass along my new URL and fill you in on my new posting plans and schedule.
Thanks for your patience!
Karin
Thanks for your patience!
Karin
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