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…
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…
Job Proposals 101
What I’m listening to: When We Were Young by Adele A late post today. It’s raining here — exactly what we needed. But rain makes me want to curl up somewhere comfy and read. That’s actually on my agenda today. First, though, I have to outline a project and get my own project off the ground….
Tuesday Take: How to Blow it with Ineffective Marketing
What I’m listening to: Iceberg by We Invented Paris Another week, another project list to work through. I have an ongoing project that I’ve been chipping away at. This week’s workload, so far, is light, so I may have a chance to really catch up. I have one article assignment due this week, and I’m…