What I’m reading: The Optimist’s Daughter by Eudora Welty What I’m listening to: Iris (Hold Me Close) by U2 Thursday already? It’s been a slightly frustrating week. I’ve been trying to complete a project, but the things I need to get the thing done haven’t appeared. It’s like working with both hands tied behind my…
Month: October 2016
Misguided Beliefs of the Unsuccessful Freelance Writer
What I’m listening to: Oro Se do Bheatha Bhaile by Sinead O’Connor New week, new marathon. I had two projects for this week as Friday ended. Now I have four. And they all (but one) take precedent. So I’m back to allocating my time among them so that all will get the same level of…
7 (More) Sins of Freelance Writing
What I’m listening to: Coastin’ by Zion I Yesterday was just one of those days where nothing significant was accomplished. I was waiting for calls, emails, and responses so I could get a project moving. I’m still waiting. I did get to talk with a new client prospect, and I hope I was able to…
The Best Freelance Mistakes I’ve Ever Made
What I’m listening to: Hello by Adele Wednesday already? It feels like it’s Monday and I just sat down at the computer. Not overly busy, but lots of busy work. After a few weeks of absolute madness, I was glad for the chance to exhale. I spent time reflecting too on the way things have been…
Monday Muse: Knowing Your Boundaries
What I’m listening to: Hey There Delilah by Plain White T’s After a week that, for the most part, was internet-free, I’m back to a mountain of emails. I was thinking about an encounter I’d had a while back, and it was one that tested my ability to draw clear boundaries. And if you know…
This Job, Not That Job
What I’m listening to: Nature (I’m offline all week) I’m still out of the office, but you know me — I’m leaving bread crumbs. And because it’s such a popular topic, I’m leaving a rather interesting offer behind for the This Job Not That Job series. This one comes to us via Sharon Hurley Hall, who…
Monday Muse: 6 Warning Signs of a Bad Client/Freelance Writer Match
What I’m listening to: Misery by Green Day In my entire freelance career, I’ve never been so glad to see the backside of a week. I was working through what I thought was a relatively slow week when a writing emergency — an actual one — was dropped in my lap midweek. It was an…
5 Ways to Avoid Late Payment Woes
Right now, I’m owed just over $9,000 from one client. That’s just over two-thirds the amount I have in outstanding invoices at the moment. Am I worried? Sure. Who wouldn’t be? Yet I’m contracted with this company and they have, of last week, shown their ability and willingness to pay (they cleared up two forgotten invoices within…