Comments on: Writers Worth Month: Having What It Takes

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Fri, 02 May 2014 12:55:01 +0000

And once again, thank you, Sharon. I appreciate your contribution toward making this such an inspiration for others. I couldn't do it without you (nor would I want to).

By: Sharon Hurley Hall

Sharon Hurley Hall — Thu, 01 May 2014 21:36:03 +0000

Great start to the month, Lori. I'm excited to read the rest of the posts. This is always an inspirational series. 🙂

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Thu, 01 May 2014 19:56:27 +0000

I'm excited too, Paula. 🙂 You can't emphasize flexibility enough, either. It's okay to have boundaries — like not working during your kid's recital or when you have a houseful of guests. But being flexible when working with someone, like if an editor is in a bind and needs an article in three days, shows you value the relationship. That's not to say it's your job to drop everything at each request, but sometimes clients have real problems. Be that problem solver and they'll remember you.

By: Paula

Paula — Thu, 01 May 2014 17:38:01 +0000

I'm so excited that Writers Worth Month is finally here again!! (Apparently so excited that I'm getting excessive with exclamation points!)

Flexibility is important, too. With deadlines, with ideas, even with finances. Self-employed writers need to relax a bit and let things flow naturally.

You can't force ideas to strike. You can't expect clients to provide all necessary information on time. You won't be paid just for showing up. And you have no control over exactly when an invoice will be paid. But if you're flexible you can plan for those ups and downs - including rush assignments.

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Thu, 01 May 2014 17:30:41 +0000

Amen, Eileen. I know a few writers who are okay (not great) but who never lack for work.

"Learn how to fish" -- I love it!

By: Eileen

Eileen — Thu, 01 May 2014 15:34:13 +0000

I would add the ability to market yourself. You may have the writing skills of J.K. Rowling, but if you don't know how to get business, you won't make it in the business. You can be just an average writer with outstanding self promotional skills and you'll do well. One mistake some newbie writers make is in thinking if they're a good writer, word will get around. But you cannot exist on business from referrals alone. You must know how to generate new business because industries change, personnel changes, the economy changes. Good clients can fade away for reasons that have nothing to do with your writing talent. Learn how to fish …

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Thu, 01 May 2014 14:18:52 +0000

I'm plucky. 🙂 Bulldog does work, and no one would compare you to one physically, Anne. 🙂

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Thu, 01 May 2014 12:59:53 +0000

Bulldog probably works, although I don't like to think of me looking like one… persistence, flexibility, discipline, persistence…

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Thu, 01 May 2014 12:49:03 +0000

I love the way you say it, Cathy. And thank YOU for helping make Writers Worth month a success. :)

Exactly, Yo. You can be a decent writer with a few foibles and go far just by being reliable. I've worked with those writers, and I didn't mind editing a bit more knowing the copy was there on time.

By: Yo Prinzel

Yo Prinzel — Thu, 01 May 2014 12:42:53 +0000

Reliability is so, so, so important!