Home Columns

Finding the Time to Freelance
by Jim Soos

Many writers have full time jobs other than writing. This is a sad fact for those of us who aspire to freelance. But the bills must be paid somehow. It seems impossible to muster the energy to write at the end of a workday, when all you want to do is vegetate in front of the television. So how do you find the time and strength to write that article due in two days? It boils down to three things:

The Love of Writing

If you're reading this, it's probably safe to assume that you already possess this trait. If not, you need to find another hobby. Love for writing cannot be forced upon you.

Dedication

Do you have a regular writing schedule? If not, establish one now. I know you've heard it before, but time must be set aside to accomplish your writing goals. There is no rule demanding you write an entire article in one sitting. Take the piecemeal approach and write a little at a time if that 's what it takes to meet a deadline. This may mean writing twenty minutes every night for a month, but if that's all the time you have, then so be it. Once you have an assignment, figure out how long you have to complete it and budget your time accordingly.

The realization that you will never freelance if you don't locate assignments and write!

There's an 'in your face' statement! You cannot freelance if you don't search for writing assignments. For those of us with precious little time to devote to our writing addiction, it is important to be fussy when it comes to assignments. There are many out there to chase after, but can you deliver the final product on time? Maybe. maybe not. Consider this before sending out a query or submitting a pitch for that website you just know you can make sing.

The bottom line is: Seek assignments that will fit into the time you can commit to writing. Searching for writing gigs should be high on the priority list. But choose the ones that will fit your schedule. Otherwise, you may find freelancing more stressful than you can bear.

Copyright © 2001 Jim Soos

Kick start your imagination, ignite your creativity, and begin your journey towards becoming an outstanding writer. Grab a copy of WEEKLY WRITES: 52 Weeks of Writing Bliss! from Amazon.com and receive 2 free e-books to encourage and nurture the writer in you. You'll also receive Write Memories, a journaling workbook available for free only to WEEKLY WRITES book owners. And finally, as a WEEKLY WRITES book owner, you'll have free access to e-mail courses such as JOYFUL WRITES: Celebrate Your Life through Writing For excerpts, reviews and what you need to do to receive the 2 free e-books, Write Memories and sign up for free e-mail courses, just head on to the Weekly Writes Book Official Site. (Clicking on the link will open a new window.)