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I hear a lot of excuses from would-be freelance writers these days. It seems there are a LOT of reasons not to get started as writer.
Well, not writing does NOT make you a freelance writer. So, here are three of those excuses holding back would-be writers and my answer to each of them.
I’m Too Busy to Write
It may surprise you to know that I’m busy too. So is nearly every successful freelance writer that I know.
Being busy is no excuse for not getting as a writer. If you really want to become a freelance writer, just do it. Set aside a specific amount of time and use that time for writing and nothing else. Make a commitment to yourself and keep it.
I Can’t Think of Anything to Write
Where have you been? Seriously.
There are tons of things to write about. In fact, most of us are flooded with too much information–more than we could ever properly process.
However, if you really are having trouble finding some topics to write about try doing some reading. Find a book or a blog post that really interests you. Then, either expand upon it (add points the original author didn’t think of) or refute it. (Be sure to refer to the original author’s work.)
When I hear a writer (including myself) use this excuse, I often think what they really mean is “I don’t feel much like writing just now.”
Guess what? Most successful freelance writers write even when they don’t really feel like writing.
There Are No Writing Jobs Out There
There’s no gentle way to put this, so I’m just going to say it.
“Yes, there are so writing jobs out there.” Every month I pull in a decent chunk of change from writing jobs. So do a number of other freelance writers that I know.
However, you will have to work very hard to find those writing jobs. At first, it may take you hours each day. You may have to apply for ten writing projects to be awarded one. This is all just a normal part of freelance writing.
Make Up Your Mind
Freelance writing is not a get-rich quick scheme. You can earn good money as a freelance writer, but you will have to work for that money.
So, the question really is this: do you want to be a freelance writer, or not? What’s holding you back from getting started as a freelance writer?
13 responses so far ↓
1 Jessica S // Nov 23, 2010 at
Great post. I think another reason some people don’t feel they can make it freelancing is because there is this myth out there that working from home is the same as passive income. You still have to work–and that includes putting in the time to find worthwhile clients. The money isn’t going to simply fall in your lap just because you call yourself a freelance writer. You know what I mean? 🙂
2 Twitter Trackbacks for What’s Holding You Back as a Writer? : WritingThoughts [writingthoughts.com] on Topsy.com // Nov 23, 2010 at
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3 Laura Spencer // Nov 23, 2010 at
Thanks Jessica!
That’s so true. A lot of people DO believe that working from home is a passive activity–you just sit back and somehow the dollars flow in.
The truth is that, in some instances, working from home is actually harder than working from an employer.
In other words, if you’re having to work at freelance writing, you’re probably doing right. 🙂
4 This Week in Freelance | Diary of A Mad Freelancer // Nov 27, 2010 at
[…] What’s Holding You Back as a Writer? Writing Thoughts has a few . . . um, thoughts on the subject. […]
5 allena // Nov 27, 2010 at
omg, the “busy” one is the one I get most often!
6 Laura Spencer // Nov 29, 2010 at
Thanks Allena!
Ultimately, I guess the point is about priorities. If something is really important to you, you will make time to do it. 🙂
7 4 Tips to Help Freelance Writers Earn a Living : WritingThoughts // Nov 30, 2010 at
[…] week, I discussed the importance of getting started, among other things. If you don’t get started, you won’t succeed as a freelance […]
8 Angela // Dec 6, 2010 at
The two excuses I get is, “I could never write like that!” and “I am afraid to start putting myself out there, what if they say no?” My response is, “You never know until you start trying to write and find jobs.”
You have some interesting posts up and I’m glad that I found the website. Thank you! 🙂
9 Laura Spencer // Dec 6, 2010 at
Wow Angela!
That’s a great response. I can tell that you’ve put a bit a thought into this and that you’ve also encountered some of these objections.
10 Diane Krause // Dec 16, 2010 at
Thank you for this post. This post has calmed my fears about freelance writing, that actually come out as excuses. The comments let me know I am not alone in being afraid to act on my dream. No more excuses for me. I am going to make it as a writer.
11 Laura Spencer // Dec 16, 2010 at
Diane,
I am so glad the post helped. I know it was a little bit harsher than what I normally write, but I was hoping to spur those who are indecisive into action. Sounds like it worked. 🙂
12 Debra Stang // Dec 17, 2010 at
This is a good post, and a nice reality check. The other line that I hear from people that annoys the heck out of me is, “Oh, I only want to write literary fiction (or poetry, or whatever). I couldn’t write…commercially.” Newsflash: I love writing fiction, too, but it doesn’t pay the bills. I spend many nights staying up way too late because I finish my obligations to my clients and then practice my fiction-writing skills. Like any other job, freelance writing does demand some sacrifices.
13 Laura Spencer // Dec 21, 2010 at
Thanks Debra!
I do agree that it is much harder to earn a living as a creative writer than as a business writer. Of course, a few creative writers do succeed, but until then, (as you point out) clients are needed to help keep most writers afloat.