Being a freelance writer is not easy. Aside from the constant struggles that every freelancer faces dealing with finances, there are the emotional burdens and turmoil that many writers don't even talk about

Being a freelance writer can be stressful and emotionally trying. There's the fighting with lonliness, and the having to deal with a lack of social life since you work at home. In addition there's stress for deadlines, for not having enough work, for having too much work, and the common problem of friends and family either thinking your job is extremely easy (which gets grating) or thinking it's silly or a phase. Lack of support can be very difficult for a writer.

Many freelance writers don't think about this before going into the business, but these are just a few of the emotional factors you have to consider before diving in head first. This is particularly true if you want to do more than just write part time, but if you want to make a full time living writing. You also have to be able to wear many hats. Sometimes that might mean you have to bend over backwards for a problem client, and other times you might have to get downright stubborn to get paid. These are hard lessons, but necessary if you want to learn how to become a freelance writer.

But it is a dream worth chasing, if you are willing to work through the costs.

The following are 7 tips that can help prepare you to deal with the emotional toil of being a full time freelance writer.

#1 Grow a thick skin:It's unfortunate, but definitely necessary. The problem could be family members snickering at you and your "phase," problem employers who want everything revised ten times while calling you every name in the book, and times where instructons are so vague you just can't get what the client wants. Rejection is also a constant in any writer's life. Learn to grow a thick skin, and never take any of it personally or you won't last.

#2 Realize that sometimes you may have to bend over backwards: Some customers simply don't know how to do business civilly. Sometimes, especially early on, you'll have to do a crazy amount of work and re-working to get the project done as needed to get paid. There will be many times that you realize part way through that you're in the middle of a disaster of a job. In this case provide unbelievable customer service, and just politely refuse any future work (or ask for a giant raise that makes dealing with this person worth your time).

#3 Loneliness: Even if you're used to keeping to yourself, freelance writing is a very lonely endeavor. Joining a writer's forum online can help this, but you'll want to just get out once in a while to be around other people. If you're a very social person, this is even more important.

#4 Civility and basic politeness matters: It's just simply unbelievable how many would be beginning writers are straight out rude, never say thanks for any work they get, and just make themselves headaches to the employer. Basic business politeness and manners go a long way, even with clients who you want to strangle with both hands.

#5 Never be afraid to ask for a raise: If you're a good enough writer for them to want to re-hire you, don't be afraid to ask for a raise. Most employers would rather have a steady writer they can trust at a higher rate than constantly looking for lower priced writers and not knowing what they are going to get. My personal experience actually shows that by charging more I got more work than with cheaper prices.

#6 Never be afraid to drop a headache client: It's not worth the time, stress, or effort. You can use that extra time to find better clients who appreciate your work and pay you what your work, and there is enough stress in life as it is without inviting in more.

#7 Unshakable self-confidence bordering on ego:This doesn't mean being egotistical to clients, but no matter how rough things get, you need to be confident about your abilities as a writer. By all means, learn new skills and practice writing to keep yourself sharp, but always have confidence that you can thrive as a writer and are better than most of your competition. That confidence comes through in the writing and in your bidding for work.

Following all these tips will help you be mentally and emotionally prepared for all the rigors of a freelance writing career.