Making a Living Writing

My family lives off my writing income. One year ago that was fine. As the economy declined so did my income. It has been TOUGH to survive these economic times on a writing income. I still believe that a determined freelance writer can make a living writing – on the internet, in print or with a combination of writing opportunities.

The first of the month brought a freelance writing opportunity (or at least an opportunity for an opportunity) that would be a bloggers dream. It was especially up my alley because it was a “good mood” blog and I live to be good, positive and uplifting. I sent out tweets, emails, posted on my Proverbs 31 Life site, commented on facebook and basically beg, borrowed and pleaded for votes to help me win a chance at this gig.

It dawned on me that if I spent the same amount of energy pursuing my own blogs, my print opportunities and my books then I would not be struggling to make ends meet. My husband would not be worried about getting something, anything, to help move us along even if that means putting his dream and his purpose on hold. I have not been making wise choices for my freelance writing.

Changing my Circumstances

Non-fiction writing

1. Building my blogs means being consistent in my content, continuing to network through other blogs, forums and social media and even using a little SEO along the way. I HAVE to make my blogs a priority and that may mean setting aside some money to “pay” myself to encourage me to write more and to write better.

2. Creating a solid column for the new paper that I am writing for, The Lakeside Post, will continue to open up opportunities to speak and to write. But I can not let the column be a last minute cut and paste job. I have to put the time into finding the right words for that moment. http://www.thelakesidepost.com/ColumnistSection/Columnists/Reflections_Womens_Column/368

3. My books will not print themselves. I have a non-fiction book that is almost completed, one that I have the outline and idea and two ebooks and I have only printed one (and that one I have not even publicized). I know sales and it is high time I put those ideas into practice.

Fiction writing

1. No agent can look at my novel if I do not complete the editing. I know what needs to be done and I know the amount of time it will take to do it. Now I just have to set that time aside and follow through.

2. NaNo starts on the first of November. I have had the idea for a YA novel for several years now. This is the year that I kick that story out in one month! Go me.

3. My short stories sit in a file folder. I have never attempted to send them anywhere and could not even tell you what publications might consider them. It is time for me to find out and then to follow through.

Times are tough. They are probably as tough as we have ever seen since we first got married. But I have to be persistent and consistent if I want to see breakthrough. My freelance writing career will only be as successful as I am willing to work to make it. No one is going to drop it in my lap. Even overnight successes had to work to get to that place.