Comments on: Writers Worth: An Interview with Joy Drohan

By: Sara

Sara — Sat, 28 May 2016 21:54:57 +0000

Great post, Joy! I've learned about so many interestng writing niches this month (including yours!), which just goes to show how strong of a need there is for good writing, no matter what the field! And good for you breaking out of your comfort zone. I'm not the most assertive person, either, but I have to say I'm not afraid to call anyone for the sake of a project. I think freelancers have to have a certain amount of fearlessness regardless of niche.

Nice "meeting" you on LI, as well!

By: Ashley Festa

Ashley Festa — Mon, 23 May 2016 18:47:38 +0000

Joy – great point that clients come and go. One of my contacts retired recently, but I had made other contacts at the company, and so I was able to keep working for them. It really pays off to get to know others at the company if at all possible!

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Mon, 23 May 2016 13:55:42 +0000

Joy, I told you you'd rock. 🙂 Thanks again for being part of this month-long Gorge Fest of writerly advice and fun. Now stick around and comment — these people love you!

By: Yolander Prinzel

Yolander Prinzel — Mon, 23 May 2016 13:49:08 +0000

"Don’t ever assume that any client is permanent. People change jobs, funding falls through, you’re underbid, etc." So true. It's also an important reason why you don't want to burn any bridges–even for people who can't afford you or don't value you right now. Eventually, they may learn a tough lesson and come back to you or be replaced by someone who appreciates the value of having a strong freelance writing partner.

By: Joy Drohan

Joy Drohan — Mon, 23 May 2016 13:14:23 +0000

Thanks for the kind words, Cathy!

Joy

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Mon, 23 May 2016 13:04:00 +0000

What a fascinating journey, Joy. You are the poster child for the perseverance needed to succeed as a freelancer. So glad to "meet" you! ☺

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Sun, 22 May 2016 02:03:48 +0000

Hi Joy, nice to get to know you on Lori's lovely blog! I've moved around a bit for my husband's job too (four states in three years!), so the mobility of the career really is a selling point for folks like us. :)

I think your end point is key--clients constantly come and go, no matter how good of a relationship you have with them.

By: Joy Drohan

Joy Drohan — Sun, 22 May 2016 00:22:40 +0000

Hi Paula and Sharon,
Thanks for reaching out. I will never be an extrovert, but I do frequently marvel at what I've been able to accomplish. I have my niches, and my client list and earnings are growing. I am so much more comfortable in my own skin than I used to be, and it feels so good to be self-confident. I enjoy meeting new people and need a good amount of social time to be happy. One of my great delights is that my daughter is so much more self-confident than I was at her age.

Good idea to connect on LI, Paula.

Best,
Joy

By: Sharon Hurley Hall

Sharon Hurley Hall — Sat, 21 May 2016 15:47:37 +0000

Great advice, Joy. I know how tough it can be to put yourself out there (I'd much rather stay behind the scenes too). But forcing yourself to make contact with people really does pay off.

By: Paula Hendrickson

Paula Hendrickson — Sat, 21 May 2016 15:35:22 +0000

I'm thrilled to meet you here, Joy, and will likely stalk you on social media until you follow me. LOL!

You've really forced your shyness to the side to do the marketing and presentations.

I'm shy too, at least until I get comfortable with people or situations. (Lori has obviously made it very comfortable here, since I'm constantly spouting off.) The one area I'm not shy about is contacting people about work. Long ago, one editor remarked that I wasn't afraid to try calling ANYONE. Why? Because work gives me a mission, a reason to call - something lacking in a lot of daily non-work related interactions.

Please, Joy, don't be shy around here!