Dear Freelancer, You may not know me, but I know you. You were the one who showed up on social media with one goal in mind: to get some clients. It’s a good goal. It’s why most of us head to social media. But what happened next, well, that wasn’t so good. I saw you…
Off Topic
Whiny Freelance Writing Fails: A Rant
This post is a full-on rant. Grab something to drink while a get a few things off my chest. The last month has been an eye-opener in a few ways. Our current stay-the-hell-home situation has exacerbated some of the things that before, when I had some modicum of patience, I was able to look at…
What Turns Freelance Writers into Cynics?
Since very few people are in today or the rest of the year, let’s have a little fun. I was talking offline with a writer friend, and we were going about the business of reading into people’s motives. Then it dawned on me — I’ve become a cynic. And a skeptic, but that’s probably another…
Well, That Was Interesting …
Tuesday of last week, I was pushing through two projects, tying up revisions on a third. I stopped to get a quick lunch, answered my mom’s phone call, then sat back down to finish. That lasted about 20 minutes. In that time, this annoying little pain in my right side, which felt very much like…
Seismic Shift
It’s cliché to say it, but there’s no more accurate way to describe it: It feels like it just happened. Not 18 years ago. Not nearly two decades. Right now. I was sitting at my desk at the magazine, answering emails and scheduling interviews. A coworker from the graphics department popped her head into my…
A Freelance Writer’s Year of Gratitude
Today is my second favorite day on the calendar — the shortest day of the year. It’s all uphill from here! My very favorite is the longest day — in the summer, no less, which is my favorite season. For this day, I am grateful. In fact, today’s post isn’t the usual end-of-the-year hurry-up-and-make-resolutions-now post….
Free Advice Friday: Converting the Nonbelievers
A late post is better than no post, I say. I’m back home for a short spell, fully expecting to head back to my parents’ house in a week or less. But for now, I’m checking in. You should’ve seen the look. My mom introduced me to someone recently and announced proudly “She’s a…
The Totally Eclipsed Writer
It was a stupid idea, really. Sunday morning is my lazy time, so I woke up, splashed some water on my face, then met my daughter at Starbucks for our usual chai fixation. Somewhere between the caffeine and the kicking back, my cell phone rang. Where are you? he asked. Want to go to see the…
Observations on a Freelancer’s Life
Caledonia by Dougie McLean There went those plans. Last week, I had to go home. My dad was sick, and there’s nothing that’s going to get in my way when he needs me. That includes work. So I finished what I could, packed up the Surface and the cell phone, and headed west. It was a…
Technology Tuesday: Microsoft Tools You Didn’t Know You Had
A little off-topic today, and a little late. But useful! Always useful. Apple fans, don’t run away. If you use Word, some of this could apply to you. I’m a huge fan of Microsoft products. Yes, they have their problems, such as my recent issues with what I assume is my new wireless keyboard opening twenty…