The Writer's Mailbag: Installment 239
The Winter of Big Winds
No, I’m not talking about any particular politician. I’m talking about real wind, and the winter of 2018-2019 to date. We are getting blown all over the map here in Western Washington. Now mind you, I’m grateful we don’t have to deal with blizzards or tornadoes or obscene heat waves, but when you live in a place surrounded by 100-foot fir trees, having gusts at 50-60 mph can be a bit nerve-wracking, and that has happened at least four times since the start of December. It’s getting so I just naturally duck when I go outside now, as if ducking will keep my head safe when one of those giant evergreens falls down. Silly human!
There was a story on the news the other night, some guy had to be rescued because he tried to ride his bicycle over a downed power line and he got stuck. True story! Dumb does not take a vacation in our part of the country.
Enough social and climate commentary . . . let’s do this thing called The Mailbag!
Freelance Writing
From Lacey: “What should I do to get started as a freelance writer? I need to make some supplementary income from home, but I don’t know how to get started in that business. Any advice would be helpful at this point.”
Oh my! Talk about opening Pandora’s box, Lacey! I’ve literally written dozens of articles about freelancing, and you want the condensed version in 100 words or less? I’m not sure I can do it.
Freelancing literally means writing for pay as an independent contractor. In a very real sense you are a freelancer when you write on a site like HP, but I’m going to guess you want to make a bit more money than what HP will pay you.
Almost all content sites and all companies looking for freelancers will want to see examples of your writing, and preferably your published writing. If you have never sold a piece, and if you don’t have anything published on the internet, you really need, at the very least, a blog where examples of your writing are online.
My friend Greg has a great website for freelancers called LancerLife…check it out and learn from a pro.
And then start applying for gigs. Craigslist has gigs listed…as does Textbroker…as does a dozen other sites. Dive in the water and see what happens. You can be like the rest of us and learn as you go.
Lack of Confidence/Stage Fright
From Terry: “How do I get over this lack of confidence, which at times paralyzes me? I’m afraid to publish for fear that others won’t like my work. Do you ever feel that way about publishing?”
Terry, I did when I was first starting out ten years ago. My wife is the one who talked me into finally publishing something, and she is the one who wouldn’t stop nagging me until I published my first novel. The rest, as they say, is history with close to 1,500 articles published, six novels, two non-fiction books, and five novellas. I just needed someone who believed in me to give me a nudge.
I don’t know what will work for you, but I think it would be a shame if you did not publish and . . . and I mean this . . . you are cheating the world if you don’t publish. Now is an important time in our history. I feel like culture is taking a backseat to crudeness and rudeness, and we need more writers. If you have any talent at all, you owe it to the rest of us to share that talent. Please!
I’ll buy your first book, so you already have one pre-sale!
Niche Writing for Money
From Sandy: “What do you think about niche writing to make money as a freelancer? Is it better to stick with one niche or is it better to be more rounded? I’m talking, mainly, about the best chance to make some money online.”
There are great debates about this, Sandy. I am in the “niche is better” camp, but I have friends who do not believe that and have made decent money writing about a variety of subjects.
I do not have a definitive answer for you. I really don’t think you can make a wrong decision on this. Do what feels best to you. Remember about niches, though: you better love the topic because that’s all you’ll be writing about for months or even years, so you better be enraptured by it.
I do believe this: a talented writer can make money writing about anything. I’ve written articles about oil drilling, microblading, and backflow prevention. I know nothing about any of that, but I learned and I wrote and I cashed checks for my efforts. If you’ve got the bones you can do it too. And that is my final piece of advice: work on your craft. Very good writers are in demand; it’s up to you to become a very good writer! No one can put in the hours, for you, to make that happen.
Getting Things Done
From Rajan: “Some deep questions and truthful answers. Bill, I have often wondered, with the number of things you do in a day, how do you manage to find time to keep so fit?”
Rajan, it comes down to two things for me: organization and survival.
I’m very organized and consistent. I follow a strict schedule during workdays. As long as I stick to the schedule, I manage to get a number of projects done. Mind you, I rarely allow any distractions to derail me, which is where many people go wrong working for themselves. I do not answer the door during my worktime. I don’t randomly pick another chore to do if it is not on my schedule.
It works for me!
The other factor is, for me, a belief that if I keep busy, doing meaningful thing, I will survive and thrive. I’m incredibly healthy, and I believe part of that good health can be attributed to doing meaningful work which pleases me. I don’t like doing nothing, and I don’t think my body likes inactivity. I’m like a shark….if I stop moving I’ll die!
Blame my dad; he didn't believe in idleness!
A Calm Day Today
There’s not a hint of wind today, and sunshine is promised for the next five days.
I am grateful!
A short Mailbag today, so I’ll share some lyrics with you from Dan Fogelberg’s work “Nexus”
Across the vein of night
There cuts a path of searing light
Burning like a beacon
On the edges of our sight
At the point of total darkness
And the lights divine divide
A soul can let it's shadow stretch
And land on either side --
Either side.
And balanced on the precipice
The moment must reveal
Naked in the face of time
Our race within the wheel
As we hang beneath the heavens
And we hover over hell
Our hearts become the instruments
We learn to play so well.
Wealthy the spirit that knows its
Own flight
Stealthy the hunter who slays
His own fright
Blessed the traveler who journeys
The length of the light.
Have a great week!
2019 William D. Holland (aka billybuc)
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Comments
Thank you for sharing valuable tips, Bill. I do need to keep myself more focused and get less distracted by something that turns up suddenly but does not need immediate attention.
Hi, Bill,
Good things are worth waiting for. There is always a touch of kindness and understanding in every comment I read that you post.
Have a great week, and I'm looking forward to your next article.
Much respect,
Tim
Another great mailbag. Scheduling is one of the concerns that I have. I need to learn how to keep a schedule that also gives me time for my five kids at home and my wife. That is a challenge for which I have yet to figure out the solution. I figure I will need to wait until the kids grow up and out before really focusing on the writing the way I want. Thanks for a great article.
Excellent advice this week! I had to laugh at your story in the intro. No, dumb never takes a vacation. Thanks for another informative mailbag. I hope you have a great week!
Hi, Bill,
I was writing to see if you read my comment.
Are you calling my freelancing endeavors volatile? Like the stock market? LOL. If you are, that probably sums it up perfectly. Just because I'm attempting to write to day does't mean I will pen a single word tomorrow.
I was happy to have published my first article no fear or sign of less confident. A&Q well answered.
Good mailbag, Bill. I think we all struggle with confidence at the start and doubt our ability to measure up. Like anything the more you do it the more confidence you build.
Take care in those winds, my friend.
Fogelberg is such a great poet, I'm in awe. Thanks for sharing.
Good evening, Bill. Sixty miles per hour through the fir trees, huh. Sometimes we have that problem here with the pines. In fact, Larry had my two favorite pines cut down for that very reason. Now the house looks bare. I don't have too much to say today, except that you are to be commended for still cranking 'em out.
I do have a question you can probably answer though. If a person (namely me) has 10 years experience commercial copywriting in the days before computers and content writing, would a course in today's techniques be beneficial. I'm not sure I want to write copy again at all, but in case I do.... I'll wait for your answer next week. And watch out for falling firs!
Hi Bill. I agree that niche writing is the way to go. My first few years on HP I wrote about a variety of topics. It wasn’t until I started to focus exclusively on travel that my HP writing began to gain traction. Just my simple opinion, but it seems to be working for me. Have a great week.
OMG, I can't believe I'm here in the Mailbag on, wait for it, Monday! Great start to the week, eh?
Re: Freelance/Lack of Confidence. Seems these are two issues that are solved by the same thing: Just doing it!
Re: Niches are they Nice or Nonsense? I do agree that niche writing is the way to become known as an expert in your field. The only thing is dealing with expectations. If the niche is super small, the traffic and resulting income streams can be small as well. So do some research before deciding on what niches are right for you.
I see that you're getting a big of the Windy City weather on the Left Coast. Stay safe and warm!
Thanks for the lessons you teach by precept and by example. This mailbag is itself a lesson in discipline. Have a great week.
Terry, I'm with you, babe. I struggle terribly with lack of confidence. Bill, I know you already know this, but you are blessed beyond measure for Bev as a supportive wife. If it were not for the encouragement of my HP friends I wouldn't even consider writing a book. I constantly struggle with "will people like my work? What if they don't." I've decided to just do it to the best of my ability. I think once I get the first book published, it will be easier to keep going.
I am also thinking of going into freelance. I'm glad I read this. I will check out your articles on freelancing. Love the mailbag.
Bill,
I am in agreement with niche writing, although you can look at some of my articles on HubPages and see all sorts of different types of subject matter. It took time and I found what was good for me and what I could put out consistently. Thanks again for the helpful tips.
Blessed the traveler who journeys
The length of the light.
I love these lines of the poem you included here. For me, it's like an encouragement to keep at the journey.
I often get distracted even when I am alone in the house. I have several things going on at the same time. I am seeing now that it is not a good idea at all.
Hi, Bill,
Superb. From what I've read from writers such as Samuel Sinclair, an important thing to do is to find a time of day when you will write and do nothing else. It helps prepare your mind and body for that task. I've also had the good fortune of working with editors at college and as a columnist/reporter for a town newspaper who taught me about what is important: "Two kinds of news will sale: good and bad." Everybody's taste isn't the same, and some will like you today, and some will never like what you write. Others will want to take you out for dinner. Such is the writing life.
I recall reading one story in which Steven King wanted to give up on publishing his classic novel, "Cary." Thanks to his wife, he didn't. My wife is much like yours - a very supportive person and my toughest critic. I love her for that.
Loved your mail bag, Bill.
Great stuff in here.
Much respect and deepest admiration,
Tim
Happy Monday Bill! I'm also surrounded by huge tall pine and oak trees, and I can really identify with the eerie feeling of walking my dog through the woods and hearing those creaking noises coming from above...we call those branches that come crashing down "widow makers" and I find myself trying to protect myself by raising my hand's above my head. LOL good luck with that!
Hope you have a happy and productive week! Looking forward to your book coming out soon! :)
The freelance thing always confuses me. I've made a little money, but certainly not enough to say that 's what drives me. I write . . . well because I write, because it's what I love to do. I suppose there's no way of knowing for sure, but do you think most consider writing for money, or just for the love of writing? Do you think money drives good writing or does good writing drive money? I realize this is probably just an opinion question, but I'm curious as to how most writers think.
Hi Bill – This is as a condensed version of this story that I can put together. While visiting with family on Sunday, the conversation turned to an online business idea blossoming for the sleep deprived. The question was put to me with a straight face, if I wanted to contribute my past writing to ‘him’ to turn them into a ten hour audio to put people to sleep.
I left shortly afterwards.
Happy Mailbag Monday.
Oh, I have seen a toppled 100 foot pine. Not a pretty sight. The ‘Pine Motel’ now has a fifteen foot pine out front.
Money should not be the primary motivation for writing. If it is, get ready to starve. If you choose a niche, you absolutely must choose one you love.
Bill, what an interesting collection of questions this week. Of course, the answers are brilliant! I am glad that you weathered the storm (pun intended). Perhaps Bev should outfit you with a construction area helmet when you venture out to feed the chickens.
Have a safe and productive week my friend.
"Craigslist has gigs listed…as does Textbroker…as does a dozen other sites. Dive in the water and see what happens" - Thanks for the tip, in case I go hungry someday lol I guess it's good to know that there is something to fall on for some peanuts.
"I’m afraid to publish for fear that others won’t like my work." - Of course some people will not like it and probably many. On the other hand, many others may like it. Never know till You try. On top of which, it's always nice to do things "in spite of...". Haha!!
"I do believe this: a talented writer can make money writing about anything." - Ya but will You enjoy it? I hear there's some money to be made in writing technical/instructional manuals. Who enjoys doing that though? I'd rather bleed to death lol I'm joking ... a little.
"I follow a strict schedule during workdays." - Ya, that's a problem with yours truly. Sleep when tired, eat when hungry. What's a clock, or a schedule? Not only do I not know the date but often I don;t even know the day of the week.
"I don’t randomly pick another chore to do if it is not on my schedule."' - Not sure why it has taken me nearly forty years to learn to do one thing at a time but I often find myself nowadays saying: "One at a time!" Sigh ... lol
Thanks for the help with the introspection and for the writing.
All the best!
Bill, I do not have the couch potato mentality either. I like being productive, but I can't do some things I always took for granted. I focus my energy in other directions now, but stay busy.
I did write for Textbroker for about a year, but I got tired of it. I like choosing my own topis, so Hubpages works for me. I think you are fortunate to have a wife like Bev, one who believes in you and gives you a little push when appropriate. Sounds like you will have a beautiful week.
Rajan's question is also one I struggle with, but I am getting better.
I am too easily distracted.
As for making money from writing, there are a lot of avenues out there. I found I was spreading myself too thinly and not doing on best on any of the sites, and felt burned out. Hubpages is where I'm happiest.
Have a great week up there.
Wind storms. I have a love-hate relationship with them, a little like a bad thunderstorm. Quite awesome and also a a bit bothersome.
My two cents about freelancing online: In addition to Craigslist, there are several other sites that are designed for freelancers. Some of them I wouldn't recommend because of price and payment issues. However, there are others that I was able to make decent money on when I sold an article or worked for a particular client. I just haven't had the time it requires to sit down and write in scheduled blocks like I used to. Anything I've sold lately had been random articles still up for sale that hadn't posted sooner. My stock is dwindling.
Once again you have touched on topics that strike a chord with me. Your hubs are so relevant. I smiled especially at your tips for getting things done. The question I have is this: in your list of things to do, which I assume you probably have (if not on paper, at least in your head) do you ever reach the end of the list? I never seem to, but may be reaching the end of things to do will signal boredom.
Being focused and consistent amidst all the distractions is indeed commendable. This is an art I need to learn. Thanks for another interesting mailbag!
Morning Bill, You are so right about the windstorms hitting hard this winter. Enough! Lovely mailbag. Good that you offer so many resources to writers. I used to write for money in my former days as a newspaper reporter. Online writing is a whole different ball game.
Thanks for sharing your advice. I think getting distracted is my greatest obstacle.
Happy Monday Bill!
Great mailbag questions and your helpful answers. As always, you inspired and motivated me, especially in the answer to Rajan’s question.
Nice poem and videos. I hope the weather is good in your part of the World. Take care! Thank You.
Always you have these lovely lyrics to end with - it's a great 'extra'!
I totally agree about writers needing to share their thoughts in this time of 'crudeness and rudeness'. We have to try to bring back reason and perspective, consideration and friendship; in short, love.
The winds have come back here too - always windy by the sea but there are degrees and we get the full blast occasionally.
Wishing you a windless week and a mellow Monday, bill!
Ann
Chilly Monday here. But also thankful that it is partly sunny and no snow just yet. Supposed to get some for the first time in 2019 this weekend. But so far, we haven't and been lucky I suppose. Yet, I am pretty sure this weekend our luck will run out. Still going to take what we can for the week ahead and get as much done as I can while the sun shines. Happy Monday now, my friend!! :)
Again got you through FB faster than HP. But you know I get up extra early to catch you at time of printing. I wait outside the New York times building so I don't have to wait 'til it hits the stands.
Wow those were my questions. Everyone of them. That confidence one really has me thinking about life. We are getting hammered with winds this morning and then rain.
Give an extra prayer out to the immigrant/caravan people who have to live in it and the mud.
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