Reading & Writing Lounge

Freelance writing is no joke. This is almost a maxim, but few people outside the realm of such work understand what we freelancers mean by it. The common consent? Complacence, as if no work could be easier. Well, here’s another maxim for such people—it is easier said than done. Try this:

Finish your morning chores—write a page—organize breakfast—send kids off to school—write a few sentences—then dash off to the bank or laundry—cook lunch—write a page or two—drive to the kids’ school to pick them up—give them their snacks—write a couple of sentences—cook dinner, fold the laundry, tuck kiddo into bed—eat—write in the bleary-eyed hours of the night. Deadline? Yesterday. Always.

Well it may not be so choc-a-bloc for all freelance writers. I know of some who write blissfully through morning and afternoon and night, the world’s time on their hands. If you are one of the hapless majorities, what do you do to get started with some solid, heavy duty writing in an organized and undisturbed manner?

• Wake up early. That’s still the best way to get a head start on work for the day

• Make a to-do list of deadlines, queries, feedback, and responses

• Prioritize, prioritize, and prioritize—the mantra for a successful writing effort

• Reserve space and a time slot for your writing. All other work will crowd in upon this space but get   at it with a determined pen. Cut through the other work to write, write, and write

• Follow up on the queries and respond to the messages without fail. Today’s query could be tomorrow’s bread and butter for you.

• Write a page every day, even when there are no projects, deadlines, or inspiration

Before the rain washes away all resolve, why not start with writing that compulsory one page now? Or better still, dash off the pending query. You never know what tomorrow brings.

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