Comments on: Top Tips Writers Series #2: KeriLynn Engel

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 18:36:11 +0000

Thank YOU, Valorie! This was your idea. 🙂

By: Valorie Cooper

Valorie Cooper — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 18:07:58 +0000

Love this new series! Thanks, Lori! And thanks, Keri, for the great suggestions!

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 16:15:52 +0000

Paula, I think for those of us who have been at the rodeo for a while, we can intuit a little more of what we need. For beginners and those struggling, it never hurts to try planning it out. It can help those who aren't the most organized, and it can help those who just want a clearer direction.

And congrats on the goal smashing. :)

By: Paula

Paula — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 16:11:56 +0000

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who's not a big goal setter.

That said, I do have a "modest monthly income" goal - which I'm happy to say I've smashed to smithereens the past two months. (But that was after a couple of bad months, so sadly, it probably evens out.)

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 12:18:33 +0000

I set goals, but mine are pretty loose. I have a monthly earnings goal, and now and then I get an idea in my head to expand into a new area or test the waters somewhere else. For some of us, goals are essential -- for others, not so much.

Oh, and the one goal I typically try for is to fill the next month coming with projects.

By: Gabriella F.

Gabriella F. — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 20:12:52 +0000

Good stuff, Keri. I, too, have learned a bunch by reading blogs of writing pros I really respect, and Lori's at the top of my list.

I agree with Paula, though. I don't set goals, either. In fact, I was just talking to a source about that. She said she started feeling bad that she didn't have a plan--everybody says to have a plan--but she's done better in her life by being open to things as they come. I'm not quite that way, but setting goals doesn't work for me.

That said, I do have a ballpark monthly figure in mind and a ballpark annual figure in mind. But if I don't it that one month, I don't really freak. So maybe I do set goals. Anyway, long meandering thoughts to myself over!

Thanks for sharing.

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 18:34:22 +0000

You are a person after my own heart, KeriLynn. 😉

By: KeriLynn Engel

KeriLynn Engel — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 16:32:11 +0000

Thanks so much for the awesome intro, Lori! And I'm so honored to be a part of your "Top Tips" series :)

Cathy ~ If you like "bajillion," you should check out my favorite online dictionary, Wordnik.com! It creates a page on-the-fly for any possible you look up, so it literally contains every possible word. I love linguistics much more than grammar, and I'm a big fan of learning the rules of writing just so I can know when and how to break them ;D

Paula ~ #5 is the one I have to keep reminding myself! I tend to put too much pressure on myself to do it all, so I think I could actually benefit from broader goals like yours.

By: Paula

Paula — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 15:59:19 +0000

I have to admit I've never been a good goal setter. My goals tend to be pretty broad: Earn enough to pay the bills, and try to break into a new market each year. (A couple years ago it was knitting and craft publications, last year it was to land a custom content client, this year it was simply to land one new regular, or at least semi-regular client, and I've met them all.)

But I especially love your #2 and #5 tips, KeriLynn. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to freelancing, so we each have to figure out the right formula for ourselves. After that, we have to keep adjusting the mix.

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 14:18:15 +0000

Cathy, you of all people are far from novice! I agree with your assessment of Keri -- I like her, too. :)

Great advice, Keri. Thank you for gracing these pages!