Back with another personal update this week.
No writing lesson, but if you missed last week’s post on how to vary your writing voice, that’d be a great one to check out.
So what’s new around here?
The Domina Retreat for Female Freelancers: A Recap
Earlier this month, I co-hosted my first ever women’s business retreat with fellow writer Emma Siemasko.
We called it the Domina Retreat, and for two and a half days we spent time learning, sharing, and relaxing at a beautiful Airbnb home on Lake Travis just outside Austin, Texas.
Here’s a recap of the event, some lessons learned, and lots of photos.
Read moreWhen Freelance Writing Makes You Want to Mow Lawns
The other day I took a long walk on one of my favorite paths. The sun was shining, the air was fresh, and I actually felt warm. On a day like that, I found myself going back to a thought I’ve had many times before:mSometimes I just wanna mow lawns.
But...then I played this scenario out a bit in my head a bit more. I've come to some conclusions.
Read moreHow To Get Better at Twitter
One of the questions I was recently asked to address in this newsletter was: How do I get better at using Twitter?
Now, I’m no expert. I’m just a girl, writing tweets, asking you to love her.
But here is my best advice for getting the most out of the Twitterverse.
Read moreSelf Care for Freelance Writers
One of the questions I got in response to the survey I sent out last week was: How do you take care of yourself as a freelancer and avoid overworking?
Read more2018 In Review: A Recap of the Year in My Freelance Writing Business
Here’s a look back at another year of full-time freelance writing in 2018!
Read moreMy First Freelance Writing Intern: Lessons Learned & Future Plans
My first ever college intern and I just finished up last week. 😱 Can you believe it?! Time flies, man.
Katelyn, a junior at one of the local universities (English major) signed on in August to work with me over the course of the semester. She’s getting into finals in the next few weeks, so we wrapped things up right around Thanksgiving. Here’s what I learned from the experience.
Recap: Five Years of Full-time Freelance Writing
I decided I’m going to reflect on the past five years with you guys. Okay? You don’t even have to buy me lunch.
Read moreWhy Freelance Writers Should Follow Up More Often
Following up, checking in (whatever you wanna call it) has helped keep my business sustainable (and growing!) over the past five years. And it only takes a few minutes to do.
So how can you do it, too? Even if you have the WORST memory or hate spreadsheets?
There are a few pretty simple options that are free (shoutout to my fellow cheap people!) Let’s look at ‘em.
How to Get Hired
Getting hired feels really hard sometimes, doesn’t it? Whether it’s for an amazing in-house gig at a company you admire, or a remote job that would eliminate your life-sucking commute each day, or even a freelance opportunity with a dream client—it’s not an easy process.
Not only do you have to stand out from the pile of applicants, but if you do, perchance, get noticed, then you have to dazzle during the interviewing process. So, erm...how do you do that?
I somehow figured out how to do that not once, but *TWICE* not too long after I graduated college.
What I'm Teaching My Freelance Writing Intern
This fall, I’ll have my first *ever* intern through one of the local colleges.
Working alongside me, said intern will get some hands-on experience with writing, running a business, and working in the online/freelance environment (mostly with software and eCommerce companies.)
Building Confidence as a Freelance Writer (& Beating Imposter Syndrome)
I've never done a “part two” in the 3+ year history of this blog, but there’s a first time for everything, right?
I want to continue the conversation we started last week about confidence.
Last week we talked about writing confidence. But today, I want to talk about a different type of confidence.
Here’s where this is coming from…
Insights on Productivity & Freelance Writing
This post is a teensy bit longer than usual--and it’s not about writing. If you want writing-related content, perhaps check out this post: The Cure for Crappy Copy. It’s a good one.
Otherwise, settle in and keep reading.
A few weeks ago, I shared a master list of everything that’s helped me freelance and write for the past four years on Twitter.
2017: A Year of Freelance Writing In Review
How to Get More Ideal Work as a Freelance Writer
If there’s one question I get asked more than any other, it’s this: How do I reach my target audience and get them to hire me?
So that’s what we’re covering today.
The approach I’m outlining below is applicable to almost any niche and for any type of freelance work. If you want the long-form version, you can read it here. Otherwise, I’m doing the shortened version below.
Let’s get to it.
I Helped Create an Online Course for Freelancers!
The story of how I helped Paul Jarvis revamp The Creative Class, a course about the business side of freelancing. Currently open until 10/17.
Read moreEnd-of-Summer Freelancing Reflection
Summer’s over.
Usually this makes me sad.
I think, “Where did the time go? I didn’t do all the things I wanted to do!”
But this summer, I feel like I finally got it right. I allowed myself to enjoy the flexibility of freelancing.
My Daily Routine as a Freelance Writer
Several readers have asked about my daily writing routine, so today, I wanted to share it with you.
Now, keep in mind that just because this routine works for me, it doesn’t mean it’s going to for you.
Sometimes I see these types of posts and it gives off the impression you have to mirror another person’s routine to achieve the same results. Not so.
I Went to Europe (And Fell Behind on Freelance Work)
I got a little behind on posting this, and I haven't done that for more than a year. Writing here is important to me, so I always try to work ahead and schedule things out...even if I'm going to be away.
Read moreMaking Friends & Being Kind is Good for Your Freelance Career
The other day, I tweeted something that got more engagement than anything I’ve ever tweeted before.
It said: “Freelancer math: Connections + conversations + being nice = $”
I think it was popular because it distills a fairly complex concept into a simple idea, which is: