Michelle Medlock Adams Talks About Her Career As A Writer

Today I had the honor of interviewing Michelle Medlock Adams, author of What Is Christmas?, a children's board book. From newspaper reporter to staff writer for a Christian magazine to freelance writer and author of 30 books, Michelle's done it all. Discover how she keeps the money flowing while creating works that keep her inspired...

How did writing become your career? Did it find you or did you find it?

I knew from the time I was in grade school that I wanted to be a writer-as soon as I won that very first poetry contest in first grade, I was hooked. I pursued that dream with everything in me, writing during my spare time and eventually editing my elementary school newspaper.

In high school, I thrived in a creative writing class, but determined I wanted to go the "hard news" route and pursue journalism. So, I graduated from Indiana University School of Journalism in the summer of 1991 and began working as a reporter for a mid-sized daily newspaper in Southern Indiana . I worked my way up "the beats"-from police beat to education writer to sports writer. (Yes, I am a sports addict so that was a good fit for me!)

Then, my husband and I had two little girls (20 months apart) and life REALLY changed for me. I found it more and more difficult to work the crazy newspaper hours with toddlers in tote, so I began building my freelance base in hopes of "making the break."

I started freelancing for several inspirational magazines on a regular basis and eventually, one of those magazines offered me a full-time 9 to 5 job. (It offered benefits and much better pay.) Plus, the magazine job had normal working hours and a daycare for my girls, so I left the newspaper for the magazine. After two years of magazine writing full-time, I had built my freelance clientele and had several books published, so I made the freelance leap. I've never regretted it! I've been freelance writing since 2000.

What has been your biggest obstacle when it comes to finding the confidence in yourself to reach for those higher paying writing assignments and what did you do to conquer that obstacle?

That's a great question. It's difficult at times to get the pay you know you're worth. With my regular magazine writing gigs, my pay is already "set in stone" by the powers that be, but I have had several "raises" along the way because I always hit my deadlines and deliver good work.

When I'm out seeking new clients, I use the "Writer's Market Guide" rates as a basis for my billing and usually charge right in the middle of the rates suggested. My new motto is: Work smarter, not harder. I've written the $25 articles when times were tough and I'd like to think I won't ever have to do that again. Now, there are times when I will write for free if I'm able to promote my latest book or speaking engagement (or if the Lord nudges my heart to do so...)

When I start lacking confidence, I just look at how far I've come and praise the Lord for taking me off the sidelines and into my dream of writing inspirational books for children and women. I also keep a "thank you note/praise letter" folder in my desk that is filled with special notes from fans and colleagues that say things like, "That article really changed my life. I am so happy you are using your gift..." Read a couple of those, and you're all "confidenced-up!"

What has been your biggest struggle locating writing assignments and how did you overcome that struggle?

The biggest struggle? Having enough hours in the day to do all that you want to do. You have to work it, work it, work it. A mentor of mine, John Riddle (founder of I Love to Write Day), once told me to do 10 things every day to build my freelance business. Now, those things might be as small as emailing an editor who hasn't sent me any work in a while or fishing for an assignment, but he said, "Just do 10 things each day." So, I took his advice.

Do I always do 10? Nah. But I usually do at least 5. I also split my day into halves-50 percent marketing myself (searching the job boards with my pitch letter for new work, contacting editors who send me work on a regular basis, promoting myself on various websites, etc.) and 50 percent writing.

I have found that if you quit marketing yourself and only write, you'll run out of things to write. I also find that going to writers' conferences has been invaluable in my career. It has put me in touch with editors and publishers that I wouldn't have access to any other way. And now, after several years of attending and finally teaching at those same conferences, I am friends with most of the faculty (folks who buy my books and make magazine assignments).

Also, make sure that you rework and "remine" your goldmine of articles. Keep reselling the articles you've already sold...second rights/reprint rights don't pay as much, but they still pay, and the work is already done! I have sold one article 11 times!

Also, find your freelance niche. I tend to write a lot of fitness articles and I like that niche. Find one or two niches that fit you, and establish yourself as a "go-to writer" in those areas.

One final piece of advice, set daily goals and hit them! Write the vision! Keep it before you and love what you do! I can honestly say that I get up every single day and adore this job. I mean, what other job allows you to work from home in your bunny slippers and interview celebrities? You gotta love it!

Visit her at http://michellemedlockadams.com/

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