So many of us are lamenting the demise of what were once deemed the choicest writing gigs: bylines in national magazines, big-name clients, retainer fees, and $2/word blog posts.
While I’m a huge proponent of planning, often we writers don’t make enough (or any) allowances for being nimble. And what it means to me is this: To take your freelance business in the direction you want it to go, get moving.
When I started diversified my writing business many years ago, my intent was to write part-time for a few former employers, exercise every day, and tend the home fires in ways that were personal and meaningful to me.
What I got was something altogether different.
Better, in fact.
Had I not moved forward (yes, in blissful ignorance) in my freelance career, I would never be where I am now (a good place).
Moving forward without knowing is not always a bad thing. Author Ray Bradbury says, “Sometimes you just have to jump off the cliff and build your wings on the way down.”
So, I jumped. Without a client list. Without a gig. Without a clue.
Along the way I learned some things about the craft, the profession, my colleagues, life, and myself. Of course, you don’t know what you don’t know. But, trust me, you’ll learn as you go. And if you’re fortunate, you’ll encounter some friendly, giving bloggers, colleagues and mere strangers who will help along the way.
Ready? Jump!