The first time I went freelance, I was 22. I jumped in with both feet, quitting my job and starting a location-independent life. I couldn’t be more grateful. Without freelancing, I never would have been able to travel the world. I learned more in those two years than...
Everyone always says to write about what you know. What could you know better than your own backyard? Regional magazines are a great way to break into magazine writing. They’re also a great way to break into a writing niche. If you can write about local dining, why...
The following is an excerpt from Shut Up and Write: The No-Nonsense, No B.S. Guide to Getting Words on the Page, available February 18. Mridu is giving away three free copies of her new book! Comment on this post for your chance to win — after two weeks, we’ll...
Even before I made a living as a writer, I had a portfolio of clips and press mentions. I participated in a photoshoot with Real Simple magazine about women who used creative techniques to land a job. I was quoted in TIME after calling unpaid internships “degrading.”...
How was your first month of 2016? Did you set a freelancing goal? Did you take steps to achieve it? Let’s look at how I did this January, and check in with another freelancer about her freelancing goals. First, my January numbers: Completed pieces: 64 Work billed:...
As a young undergraduate in Dublin, I once eavesdropped on a barroom conversation among some off-duty prison officers. These uniformed men one-upped each other with war stories about the prisoners they were paid to guard or serve. I recall lots of beer-fueled guffaws...
Do you struggle to maintain focus during your writing time? Procrastination and lack of focus were constant frenemies on my own journey to becoming a writer. For years, these ever-present saboteurs prevented me from completing both my fiction work and getting my...
Creative people are wired differently from others. We feel deeply, question ourselves often, and battle resistance daily. As such, many writers struggle with depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders, which can lead to negative thinking. Conventional wisdom...
We know the weeks right at the top of a new year are prime time for goal-setting. But you can set new goals any time of year. Why not take some time this week to refresh your mindset and set yourself up for success? Whether you want to crank out 1,000 words a day or...
This post is sponsored by Stride Health. U.S. freelancers: You must enroll in health insurance by this Sunday, Jan. 31st or face a $695 penalty! Use Stride Health to find your perfect plan and save an average of $400 over healthcare.gov. Whether you’re...
