Freelance Writing: It Really Is A Job!
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The idea for this Hub came from comments I have received from friends who don’t seem to understand that even though I work from home and even though I write for a living, I really do have a job. Evidently the concept of writing eight hours a day does not qualify as ‘work’ in the minds of some. Hopefully this Hub will clarify that thinking just a bit.
As I was organizing this work in my head I realized that maybe it will serve another purpose, namely to point out to new writers or hope-to-be writers that this is not a profession that can be done in your spare time if you plan on eating during the month and making your house payment.
I believe that is enough of an introduction and my purpose has been reasonably stated so let’s begin.
WRITING IS AN ART FORM
I have always believed that writing is right up there with painting and sculpture and music as an art form of the highest order. To write well means to reach into the hearts and souls of your readers, to elicit emotions from them, to make them recall meaningful moments in their lives that helped shape them. Writing is and will always be a bonding of writer and reader. From early childhood to today, curling up with a good book has always been for me akin to visiting with an old friend. Laughter, tears, anger and joy, no emotion can be restrained when I pick up a good book and begin reading.
As I continue to practice my writing and shape my craft I realize just how difficult it is to be a good writer. It is not enough to think you are a talented writer, nor is it enough to have relatives tell you that you have what it takes. Writing at the level I wish to attain takes years of hard work and practice, a slew of rejection slips from agents and publishers and the support of loved ones when it seems all too much to handle and endure. Name the giants in art, in sculpture, in music, and to a person they will tell you that they labored in relative obscurity for decades before their talent was recognized. In truth, that is how it should be.
WRITING IS A FULL-TIME JOB
Before I take you through a typical writing day for me, let me first explain that writing is a full-time job if your goals are as high as mine. If all you want is some spare money and the freedom to relax for much of the day, then there are freelance jobs out there that will pay you a couple hundred dollars per month and then, in that case, writing is certainly not a full-time job. Having said that, here is a typical day for this freelance writer:
7:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. work on my freelance writing jobs and apply for new ones.
12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. lunch and relaxation with family
1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. work on my HubPages; work on current personal writing projects; send query letters to agents and publishers; work on promoting my writing.
Do I do this daily? Yes, most certainly, and for two reasons: one, I consider this my profession and two, I consider this my passion. Working at home as an independent contractor and as a small businessman, it is crucial to establish a routine just as you would if you had a typical job at some place of employment. The temptations are endless when you work by yourself and if you can’t focus on the task at hand maybe writing as a profession is not for you.
WRITING IS NOT FOR THE WEAK OF SPIRIT
There are literally hundreds of thousands of excellent writers in the world, each one with a passion, each one with talent, all with similar dreams. In many ways succeeding in writing is a matter of being in the right place at the right time, catching just the right person at exactly the time they are looking for what you have to offer. The same can be said in any of the arts or for that matter in any professional undertaking. What truly separates one exceptional writer from another? Very little in most instances; there are few Harper Lees or John Steinbecks out there, writers so talented that one query letter and their careers take off like a rocket and fame is assured. That leaves the rest of us, toiling away in obscurity, doing what we can on a daily basis, looking for that one big break, hoping against the odds that lightning will strike and we will succeed.
Of course, that raises the question: what is success? I am sure the answer differs at least minutely for each person and only you can answer what will constitute success for you. Possibly the most important question to be asked and answered is how are you going to handle the lack of success until success does arrive, if in fact it does? I have probably sent out over one hundred query letters to agents and publishers in hopes of getting a book deal; the odds are astronomical of that happening but that has not kept me from religiously sending letters out. After three years of work on my first novel and countless rejections I finally self-published and marketed the book myself. To say the response to the novel was minimal would be overstating by quite a bit. However, I was not willing to throw in the towel then nor am I willing to do it now. What I learned from that endeavor was that I needed to work harder to become a better writer.
My story is not unique; probably the only thing that makes me a bit unique is the fact that I am doing this when I am sixty-three years old; I waited a long time and lived a full life before I started, so I feel the clock working against me at times. My greatest assets are a belief in myself and the support of loved ones; to some that may not seem like a bounty of assets but to me it is all I need.
IS WRITING A PASSION OR A HOBBY?
If writing is nothing more than a hobby for you, like collecting coins or sewing, then I hope you enjoy your hobby to the utmost. If, however, you have a passion for writing as I do, then I hope your passion fuels many years of doing what is necessary to be the best damn writer you can be. Don’t let the naysayers out there tell you that your talent is lacking. Don’t let the lack of funds and seemingly insurmountable odds keep you from pursuing that which you feel in your heart of hearts. Don’t let the rejections and the self-doubt eat away at your dream. Life is too short to give up on that which moves you so deeply.
I wish for you a long life. I wish for satisfaction in your chosen field. I wish for you happiness.
2012 William D. Holland (aka billybuc)
If you would like to purchase my novel in Kindle format go to:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0081A2CWU
Another hub worth reading on this subject:
- The1259Shuttle.com
The 1259 Shuttle from Yesterday to Today - A Novel By William Holland
- Freelance Writing for a Living - Active Income
The starting place, for the vast majority of freelance writers, are the freelance writing sites. If you are serious about freelance writing for a living, then they are a great place to start, allowing you to learn the skills required to become a full
- Freelance Writing For Extra Income - How You Can Succeed As A Freelance Writer
If you want to make money online as a freelance writer, take the advice of someone who is doing so right now. Here is how I got started, from knowing nothing about internet anything, to having marketable skills as an SEO, backlink-building, website-p
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billybuc...
Excellent hub! I find myself in a quandary, however. If it is a fire and passion (as it is) BUT...no one pays you any money for it...am I back to collecting stamps as a hobby?
You have raised some very important distinctions and shown me that I must really organize my day better.
Thanks!
Thomas
PS...voting UP ans sharing!
...and most people who have a "real" job, don't enjoy it. If we enjoy it. The when we work from home, then it can't be a job. Personally I write, or think about ideas for writing almost every day. Why? Because I like to. I find it both cathartic, and fun....but it'snot a job...; )
I can attest to the proposition that writing is really a JOB. Because currently, I do make a living through writing. And you are right, it's very challenging to work on your own while you're still new in the writing process. Since I am a nurse by profession, obviously, I don't have any degree or whatsoever in writing. It was just a hobby to me at one time and became a passion and goal on another. All I can say is, it's a hard but REWARDING job most especially if you get to educate, inspire, and influence greater good to your readers.
Thank you for sharing all your experiences and triumphs in this hub. More power to you Sir!
Very useful hub for someone who is new to writing. I thought I'd give it a try and now I seem to be hooked. Thank you for sharing your wisdom of experience. Fortunately and Unfortunately I know what it feels like to have your friends and family think your profession is a joke. I've been a massage therapist for the past decade. At least writing doesn't come with sexual innuendos : ) Thanks again : ) Voted up, useful, and sharing.
I am retired and just finished paying taxes on last year's writing. I applaud you for your writing schedule. I could NOT make a living through my freelancing, but I did start the year off right with an unexpected writing assignment from a national media affiliate in New York City. Life experience is so vital to a writer, and it is joy for me to write during my retirement. I do not suffer from Writer's Block because I have no day job and other distractions to answer to. I do not believe in Writer's Block because if you are paid to do the writing, you have to get it done. I do not consider any of my writing assignments as "work" because I want to write. But what I need to do is treat all my writing expenses and mileage as a business for tax purposes. Bookmarked, voted up and everything else.
Interesting thoughts in this hub, echoing lots of mine. I suppose something becomes a job when you depend on the money it can provide. Writing is a hobby and a passion for me; it's a challenge and I find it amazing how hubpages have given me lots more ideas - another hub comes from the first and so on, as well as from comments and thoughts of others. It's a valuable tool in itself. Keep writing and keep enjoying it. I enjoy reading your writing and so do lots of others evidently. Voted up and useful.
Very Useful Hub!
Thanks.
annart...it's only a job because I depend on it for income; other than that it is pure passion...thank you very much for reading and commenting...and for following me.
Dr Sheha...no, thank you. I really appreciate people reading my hubs and taking the time to comment. Best of luck to you!
Arlene, I appreciate your comment and for following along with me. If there is such a term writing is a job of passion for me, and it sounds the same for you.
Oh I can just imagine the jokes you had to endure; best of luck to you in your writing and I'll be following along watching your journey!
nurse, I do appreciate your words and I agree completely. Thank you, by the way, for being a nurse; I have special admiration for nurses the world over.
The job reference was in answer to those who think we don't work just because we are writing...it is a passion pure and simple and I appreciate you commenting, albertsj
Thought...I went months and months without making any money and there was no way I considered writing a hobby while I was eating NoodleRoni...keep up the dedication and passion and the money will come.
billybuc, you are soooooo right! I do have a passion for writing, and unlike the many jobs I've held over the years, writing feeds my soul. I do have workaholic tendencies, though. When I do get a writing assignment, everything else in my life takes 2nd place. Oh, what a feeling! You can work all day and into the night as a writer, and everyone around you thinks you're goofing off the whole time. Ha!
This is an excellent hub billy, you have shown the dedication and passion that it takes to be a writer, and I am sure that many new and aspiring writers will gain from this.
Voted up and shared.
Arlene, I had to force myself to go outside on a rare sunny day in Olympia to do garden work; I was working on a writing idea and didn't want to leave it...and I love gardening. Yep, I'm hooked! Thank you for commenting.
Curiad...I appreciate is sir, and thank you for sharing it with others. Best of luck to you in your writing.
Interesting, awesome, and up! Those are your votes for this excellent piece! I'm so happy that you've found such passion for writing. You are dedicated and I hope you sell many, many copies of your book. I intend on buying it(when my money here kicks in)!
Also, I followed on Facebook and Twitter!
Eclectic, I am honored and thank you so much for following along. I happen to think you are a marvelous writer and I look forward to many successes for both of us.
'Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life' certainly applies to writing. If it pays the bills, that is. Unfortunately, *because* it can be done anywhere, with or without a contract with a publisher, writing for a living is rarely taken seriously as a "real occupation". Even less so *because* most serious writers write at home, leaving them vulnerable to interruptions by friends dropping by unannounced or phone calls from friends or family needing a shoulder to cry on. The solution that works well when I'm on a roll is simply to unplug the land line and turn off the cell, and tack a "Do not disturb!" sign on the front AND back door!
Great hub! Hope you sell many, many copies of your book. Self-publishing seems to be the way to go these days.
JamaGenee....Welcome to my hub and thank you for your comment. I have experienced the same interruptions that you mentioned and I may have to follow your suggestion and post a "Do not disturb!" sign up. Best of luck to you and thank you for the kind words.
I think of myself as a writer even if i've never been paid for a word. It's my calling in life, and it's who I am. Thanks for the hub, loved it!!
I love that...it's your calling in life...go for it with everything that is in you, and thank you for reading and commenting.
Good to now you are a freelancer, so am I.
Look, to make this hub get a higher rank, you must use BOLD in your text, you should break all that text into smaller text capsules, and you should also use maps, polls, rss, etc.
Cheers.
writing4action...thanks for the tip and thank you for reading and commenting.
Great hub! I found you from a comment you made to someone and was impressed that you complimented the writer on his hub, but yet were honest enough to leave real feedback in a positive way that will only help the writer. I can see that, while you hone your own craft, you also want to help others to attain their dreams as well. Thumbs up on all of that.
To Sharvey, I think that the first thing a writer has to learn is to call himself one and validate him or herself. Congrats to you, too! It took me too many years to do that.
Connie, that is very nice of you! I have had all the negativity I plan on enduring for one lifetime and I can see no purpose to it when reading the hubs of others. We can all help each other and still be positive...at least that is my hope. I appreciate your comments and good luck with your career!
Very true, Billy. I'm still trying to establish a routine for writing at home, including setting aside time for submissions and seeking freelance work. It's sometimes hard to motivate myself... but it's nice that my wife understands writing is hard work and that it's my job, along with being in school. Congrats on all your success!
billybuc,
Thank you for sharing this great information. Very useful for those who are looking for a career in freelance writing. Voted up.
At this time in my life writing is a "part time" job of passion. I do not make enough to support my family on the little that I make right now. However, I am working toward being able to write full time. I am giving myself five years to accomplish this goal.
Thanks for sharing your schedule. I believe that it is important to have schedule so that your time does not get wasted away. Otherwise you will end up having nothing to show for your time by the end of the week.
Brilliant hub. You have encouraged me to continue writing and believe in myself.
I totally agree with you that you have to set a time-table just as if you were going into the office to work, otherwise before you know it another day has past and you have not written anything. I also have a work ethic starting at 8.a.m. to 4.p.m. with a set lunch hour!
63 is just a number, you're never too old to write and achieve success. In fact your age is a bonus because you have life experiences that you can use and embellish into a work of ark!
Voted up.
It never is too late to start writing. You can enjoy the sharing of ideas and produce new hubs hear so easily. Yes, writing is a job! Consistent time for work is essential.
Great hub. All makes sense to me. There´s no better job than doing something you LIKE to do.
I hope you can earn enough money doing it.
You certainly have the right attitude.
PDX, I think that hardest part for me is forcing myself to complete my "to do" list each day. A part of me screams to go outside for a walk while the business part of me say I have to stick with it until the list is done. Nice thing about it all, though, is that I love every minute of it. Thank you for dropping by.
jainismus, you are very welcome and I appreciate you reading and commenting. It is a great life but one that requires discipline, which I am still developing.
cardelean, I have no doubt you will accomplish your goal in five years. So much of freelance writing is being in the right place at the right time and it takes determination to keep writing and sending it out there; your time will come no doubt. Thank you for commenting.
editor, thank you, and I agree with you that 63 is just a number. I am a much better writer today than I once was and it is because of my experiences. I appreciate your comments and good luck to you!
starstream, I love HubPages and the people I have met here have been incredibly generous and helpful. Thank you for sharing!
Dim, we shall see, but even if I don't make much money I am still doing what I love to do, just as I once loved teaching. That's not a bad way to pass the time. Thank you for following along.
Great post, billybuc. I love the way this topic resonates with all of us. I imagine most of us started writing on HubPages as a hobby but it's definitely addicitve and is quickly becoming a passion. I don't have the time (yet) or expertise (probably never) that you have but I admire your work and will follow your Hubs. Best of luck, Geoff
Geoff, thank you very much. I'm not sure about the expertise part of your comment but I do have the time and practice is supposed to make perfect so I'll keep on keeping on! Best of luck to you!
What a great hub! I admire you for living out your passion and getting paid for it. I'm just starting out but hope to someday be a paid writer. Thanks for sharing.
savanahl, it just takes persistence and I have no doubt you will be paid if you stick with it and follow your passion. Speak from your heart and you can never go wrong. Thank you for following me!
Well, I would say that writing is paying off for you with two HubNuggets nominations! I believe you are an amazing writer and I love that you started writing. I agree "it is a risk NOT to do it" when you talk about self-publishing and taking the risk to publish and get work out there in front of people versus wanting to sell it to the masses. Great writing will make it to the masses as word of mouth is amazing!
Eyes, I am smiling as I read your comment. I appreciate your support and your rah-rah spirit and I sure hope you are correct in your assessment. Thank you again! Your comment mean a great deal to me!
Hi Bill, I feel that the world has missed out on the previous 63 years! You are clear, full of clarity and wisdom. I am glad you have joined the community of career writers finally. Looking forward to more hubs. Voted up.
You are so kind! I am also blushing. :) Thank you so much for your kind words and compliment.
I enjoyed reading your hub billy. I feel your passion for writing and it inspires me. I manage a preschool so I can't write full time hmmmm so this makes it a hobby of sorts. :) But earning extra income from a hobby is worth it!!!
Have you heard the great news? Your hub has been nominated on the Hubnuggets. Check it out! http://redelf.hubpages.com/hub/Happy-HubNuggets-Va Be sure to join and vote okay? Have fun!
First of all congratulations on your nomination, and second of all thank you for writing such an inspiring hub. I've been freelance writing fulltime for almost a year and a half now and I know exactly where you're coming from with other people's reactions to what we do. I had lunch with an old coworker a few weeks ago, and after 10 minutes of explaining everything I was doing his reply was, "So...what do you actually do for work?"
:)
Ripple, thank you so much and I had heard the news. It is gratifying to be nominated although in truth I just write because I love it; I never dreamed anyone else would. :) I appreciate your words.
Thank you Maximizer and I'm laughing while I read this. I get the strangest reactions when I tell people what I do; the follow up question is always "what do you write?" followed closely by "you really make money doing that?" I had no idea that people didn't consider writing a career until I started. Anyway, thank you for following and commenting and best of luck with your career.
I knew this was a good one! Congrats on your nomination. :)
Awww, thank you cardelean, I really appreciate that. Best of luck with your writing.
That's really great post..Thanks billybuc
And thank you htodd; it's always nice to see you comment and I appreciate you following along while I ramble on.
Often the biggest hurdle is getting your family to take you seriously. Then there is also the issue of supporting yourself if you live alone. Congratulations.
It can be trying but it is oh so worth it. Thank you for reading and commenting. Writing can be a lonely profession at times and it's nice to hear back from fellow writers.
Great stuff! This hub reflects on my own writing experience. Real interesting, helpful advice to encourage any writer on the edge of transition from freelance writer to author. My outlook has just gotten better and I feel writing is a job as long as you're getting paid to do it, but if you love writing, you'll do it anyway. This hub is presented with much useful information. Voted up & useful.
I so agree Flora, family can be the greatest influence even if it is negative. We must go on with what we have to share and what we know is right no matter!
Val and Curiad, we are in total agreement. Let's just say it is a job of passion and leave it at that. Thanks so much for reading and commenting.
Congratulations on your nomination, billy! A long time ago, I was also nominated. While I didn't win, I really felt so honored by the nomination and I am sure that you do too. I have a feeling you are going to win (just look at all those followers!!). Your hard work is paying off.
this is something that I need to read everyday, like my book of affirmations.This is part of my new Hubpages bible! You should be an inspirational writer. You'd be surprised at how many people need uplifting.
Connie, that was very nice of you to say. I appreciate your words, your following and your talent.
tinigenie, how nice! You just made my day with that comment. I actually would love to be an inspirational writer but that depends on how much work I do, so we'll see how that goes. Nothing comes free! I greatly appreciate your comments and I wish you well.
I agree with tinigenie. We are all blessed to have "met" you here on Hubpages. If you, at 63, can go after your dreams, what is stopping those of us who are not in our 40s? You provide great inspiration for all of us and a great role model we should all emulate. If each of us focused on writing from our heart, sharing our stories with the world, and helping others live their best life, imagination what a movement we could spark in the United States and beyond?! I will definitely be looking for your books BillyBuc.
Thanks a lot i will follow your wise counsel
Eyes, that makes two comments by you that I have read this morning that fill me with a glow. I don't know what kind of role model I am but I know you will always read how I feel and it will be written with passion. I owe all of you that much. Thank you...thank you!
Gerald, you are very welcome and thank you too.
Beautiful words and so, so true. Incredibly encouraging - voted up and I'm sharing it, too!
Colleen, that means a lot to me. Thank you so much for reading and a beautiful comment. I wish you well!
Billy, this was so inspiring to me. It's so good to hear that you are making it as a writer, and how you are doing it. This touched my heart today. Thank you so much. And I am sharing this, too. Blessings!
Great hub! I am sharing this on Facebook for all of my friends and family who think I'm either crazy or retired (or both) because I quit my job as a lawyer to write full-time. As my husband will tell them, I'm working longer hours than ever before.
I appreciate your candor and encouragement. You've helped me see what more I can do to be the kind of writer I wish to be. I trust that you'll get where you're headed and your hard work will pay off. Thank you.
Really good hub. Thank you.
Prairieprincess, I love your online name to begin with and secondly, thank you! I'm glad it touched you in some way and best of luck to you in your writing.
Deborah, you are either crazy or wise-like-an owl and I know which one I vote for...congratulations on your decision and your friends and family will just have to get onboard because once you have the passion to write it does not go away. Thank you so much for your wonderful comment.
ithabise, you are very welcome. If I have helped you in any way then I am quite pleased. Best of luck to you and you continue your journey.
Wildrosebush, you are very welcome and thank you for taking the time to read and comment. Much appreciated!
I liked your hub and agree with what you have written. I started working as a freelance writer on a full-time basis last April. I also work eight hours a day at this and set financial goals to keep myself motivated. I am almost 44 years old, but finally have the career I've always wanted.
Well then hooray for you, nybride, I am quite happy to hear that. Thank you for dropping by and for the lovely comment...and best of luck to you!
Interesting as well Inspring hub. It will certainly help new writers.
Thank you! I certainly hope it does. I appreciate you reading and commenting.
This was a great hub. I believe that people out there with their chosen career sometimes aren't happy because that's not what they're really passionate about. What I learned from school was that a career should be something you enjoy doing, like how you would enjoy a hobby. Yet, this hub gave me a great insight that there is a difference between hobby and passion. I too want to expand my writing skills and be the best damn writer I can be, hence my educational goal for an English major. To exceed where I'm at right now, as I learned through this hub, I need to keep building on my craft. Thank you for the this hub. It inspired me a lot.
Wow, billybuc ... you certainly have started something here. What a lot of comments!
I have written stuff from the first time I could actually physically write and have destroyed most of it as usually, on rereading it, I found it pretentious. That has never stopped me from trying again however so I guess it must be meant to be.
Like you I am now 63 years old and have the leisure time to knuckle down to it though I don't quite have your self-discipline to do the hours you do. Plus I need to garden to grow food and take the occasional wander to soak up the beautiful countryside around my home.
But this is my thinking time and as such is very necessary to my writing.
Thank you for sharing your routine with us. (Note to self: must try harder).
billybuc, great, inspirational hub. I recently lost my job and I'm giving this writing thing a fulltime go after struggling for years working, raising a family and trying to find time to write. Thanks and the best of luck to you.
THANK YOU! Like you, I have a passion for writing - it's the reason I get up as early as I do. I am at work on an e-book and a fiction book (two separate projects), and not too many people understand that I am doing what *has* to be done. Congratulations on your nomination!
Angie, it is always nice to hear from a fellow writer with age and wisdom as a resume. :) Thank you for your lovely comments and best of luck to you in your writing.
Robert, best of luck to you as well; you and I have paid our dues; it is about time we go after our passion, don't you think?
crochet48, I wish you well on your projects and you are right, it has to be done. Thank you for following along on my journey.
Thanks!
Bldg, you are welcome, and thank you for taking the time to read this.
My husband and I have a home-based business that doesn't have anything to do with writing, and we work 8-10 hours on a daily basis (occasionally less). No free weekends or holidays unless the deadlines allow us (and that's rare). Same here, just because we work from home, people think we are not serious about our job. They should see how much taxes we pay. As for writing, and that's my passion, I'm all the way with you with everything you've said. Beautiful hub!
Vox, it is a pleasure to have you following me. I was doing the 30 hubs in 30 days challenge and had no time to follow other hubbers, but now I'm done with that and will check your site out tomorrow. In the meantime, I truly do appreciate your kind words and best of luck with that home business that isn't really a business (wink wink)
Hahaha, that home business that isn't really a business has been in existence for more than 20 years and pays all the bills. It has to go on, otherwise we're screwed (pardon my French). I'm not sure whether you'll find something interesting on my profile page(s), but I promise, as soon as I finish the challenge I'm currently participating in, I will significantly edit my existing hubs and add new ones (keeping the writing tips I've learned from you in mind) :)
Vox, I look forward to watching you as you work on your writing. I'm going to your site right now and pick out a hub to read. Then I need to bill customers for my business that really isn't a business. :)
Take your time, my dear friend :) My hubs are not going anywhere, and those bill customers can't wait, of course :)
Thank you...looking forward to your opinions and critiques on my writing!
Vox, I am not a writer of such fame that I would dare critique your writing. As I said earlier, you write in a different style because of the nature of your subjects that you write about. If someone were to read my SEO articles they would think someone completely different wrote them, that it couldn't possibly be me.
Constructive cristicism (even if it is negative) can be very helpful if you want to make progress. For example, just a couple of days ago, I started reading a book on web copy that sells and found some interesting facts in the foreword section. The author is Maria Veloso who, prior to working for the Aesop Marketing Corporation, worked as a great copywriter, but for the offline market. Her boss described her position in his firm as a miserable job and felt sorry for her because of her enthusiasm (he knew how hard it was to please him when it came to quality web copying). Her first web copies were great, but not good enough for the online market. In her introduction, Veloso showed great gratitude to this man because his negative critics led her to being who she is today - one of the best web copy professionals out there.
My point is that I'm very happy to have come across a writer whose writings teach me something just by reading them; I'm grateful for the readiness to follow how I'm doing and complimenting me with a few tips or opinions on improvement. I must repeat, I consider you a great writer and would accept criticism any time :)
Thank you so much!
Vox, I will see what I can do and I love that example that you just pointed out. Why is it that the people I really enjoy on HubPages live so far away? It will be fun growing together in our writing skills.
That's exactly why I love HP so much. If I didn't get the chance to write and participate in an online community such as Hubpages, I would have never met some great people who helped me to grow both as a writer and a person. It's a miracle what this kind of engagement can do for you.
Vox, it truly is; I have avoided hooking up with a writer's community and I'm not sure I can explain why. Now that I have I feel so lucky to be amongst kindred souls.
vox - I couldn't agree with you more. I have got some great pointers from people who are much better article writers than I am. What I write is great for entertainment purposes, but I have to write completely differently if I want people to hire me as a content writer/business writer. As such, I have been getting pointers from one of the writers here who is much better than I am.
Meanwhile, I've run into other people who can't understand that I can enjoy reading one type of writing they do while I am not a fan of everything they write and end up writing me nasty messages about me being a rat. How tiresome!
Writing truly is a job. It's almost 11pm on a Friday night. I got home from my day-job at 7:30 and now I'm writing. I love it but you are so right...family and friends don't really believe that it's my second job!
Sinea, it really is a strange occurence that seems to happen to many of us. I'm not sure why they think that but I know to me it is a labor of love despite what they think. Thank you again for your comments.
Exclent hub! Writting is my one and only job and Im so lucky to be able to do what I love. It realy gets to me when people say I dont work because for me writting takes up alot of energy and time. I wouldnt change what I do for the world! Im so glad you wrote on this topic and you did such a good job putting it togeather in a way that others will understand Im sharring this with my family and freinds!
Jasper, I hope it does the trick and they all come to realize the time and effort it takes to write for a career...best of luck to you and thank you so much for following along
I love this hub! I don't write full-time, but sometimes I wish I did. I think it will become my full-time career later in life during retirement - because what writer ever truly retires?
I try to write every day, even if it's on a napkin while I take my lunch at work.
I love reading your hubs. They are very inspirational and great for those searching for a new life-direction.
xlorna, I really appreciate you saying that and I love that my hubs help people. That's why I write; I doubt I'll ever get rich from it but I sure do get enjoyment out of it. Thank you so much!
I too have friends and family in my circle who do not think of my writing as a "real job". I have been a freelancer for two years now, and have made enough to pay some bills. In the beginning I did it when I had a few minutes here and there, but I am to the point now where I work on my writing and my website more regularly. I think the writer also has to have the mindset it is like any other job, where you have regular hours. It is all too easy to be distracted by other household chores. I find that because I work at home, everyone thinks I am available to do what they want me to at any given time. I am getting to the point where I do say NO.
I congratulate you on being able to follow your passion at this point in your life. Pursuing one's dreams is what makes life worth living. You have my vote. :)
I thank you brsmom68; truly the biggest problem is telling everyone that you are not always available just because you are working at home. It seems to be a difficult concept for family and friends to grasp. I wish you well on your writing career and thank you for dropping by.
Alice, I greatly appreciate you taking the time to read this and comment. If it helped you then fantastic and best of luck to you.
I agree that collecting coins is a hobby and that writing is not only a career, and an art form and for some a hobby. But sewing is an artistc art form as well as writing and should be included as part of the arts. Look at all the amazing clothing designers out there!!!:)
Shawn, you are so right. Those who sew or crochet or quilt or any of the other manual arts are every bit as talented as other artists in other genres. Thank you for making that point and for reading my hub.
Thank you for this useful article. It gave me clearer insights to writing as a job because I was asking myself questions along the line of freelance writing/ copywriting. It definitely takes more than it seems to achieve certain outcome and results. Writing for now is definitely a passion but will I be able to independently maintain a flow of work, something for me to sleep over. =)
Consacra, I believe good writers who have a passion for it can make a living, but it is important to realize that it needs to be treated as a job and it is work. If you have the passion you can succeed. Best of luck to you and thank you for commenting.
I liked your hub. I'm in a similar position. I'm 69 going on 70. Whiskey Creek Press published my first (and only so far) novel THE SON WHO PAID ATTENTION, a family drama cold case murder story, in 2010. Although feedback has been positive, sales have been low. The publisher has no sales and marketing department, aside from their website and from getting their titles into Amazon and Fictionwise. I am poor and an introvert with no chutzpah. So even though reviewer and reader feedback has been positive, calling it a good read, sales have been low. (The publisher has the e-book on sale this month. Hopefully that will lead to word of mouth marketing by satisfied readers.) You seem to be doing a good job of marketing your self-published novel, like making YouTube videos. I have a book, POWER MARKETING YOUR NOVEL by Joyce Spizer, that has lots of good ideas. I just need to get up the nerve to try the ones I can afford. I hope your novel(s) sell well, because sales mean readers. And as a postscript, sewing can be an art form as well as a craft. My wife's window treatments and crazy quilts are evidence of that.
B. Leekley, anyone who can sew at that level deserves the title of artist. I understand what you are going through. The hardest part of writing for me is marketing my own writing. I would love it if someone would just allow me to write and they take over all the nasty business of finding sales. Sigh! Best of luck to you!
excellent post billybuc. This hub is the first one for me which i read on hubpages. Great job. Thanx for sharing.
Eolikes, I am honored. Thank you for choosing me first and I hope your stay at HubPages is a joyful one.
Wow! One of the best insprirational hubs I've read! Not to mention the fact that your grammar, spelling and composition are impeccable! I've read a few other hubs regarding writing for a living and I'm appalled at the poorly written content, misspellings and misuse of the English language.
You have offered huge insight to those of us who truly have a passion for writing. I hope to be fired from my day job so I can concentrate on my dream!! (My wish, certainly not the message you've conveyed....)
I look forward to more of your thoughts and insight.
Bravewarrior, that had me laughing. As a former teacher I had better have some grasp of grammar. I do know what you are talking about, though; I have seen some rather shabby grammar on HubPages and it surprises me a bit. Writing is a craft just like any other and you either take it seriously, which means knowing how to spell a damn word, or you don't. Best of luck getting fired and in your future career.
Well written, billybuc. I think it's another example of; "the grass is always greener". Working from home sounds delightful to so many that don't work from home. However, I think all to often the word 'working' is eclipsed by the word 'home'! Working from one's home certainly has it's perks, but like all jobs there are negative aspects as well. Continued success in your writing adventures.
Best Regards,
Alifeofdesign, thank you. I love working from home but it is an adjustment after decades of working for someone else at a work site. This is my passion and I will find a way to find balance; I'm already happy so that's a huge bonus. Best of luck to you as well!
Very uplifting! Thanks for sharing. I don't think you are ever too old to accomplish a dream. My Father taught me this when he decided to go to medical school at the age of 50. He completed and has fulfilled an age long dream.
Dagny, that is remarkable about your father. What an accomplishment! Thank you for sharing and for reading my hub; I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Wow! I am a college student at age 52, so I know how a bit how difficult it was for Dagny's father to go to medical school. I'm only a couple of classes away from my A.A. but have decided to double back for the A.S. in graphic arts, which will complement my writing. I think will work better for the goals I have. In the end, I expect to have both the A.A. and the A.S. instead of the BA in mass communications, though who knows? I may end up with all three! Dangy, part of the reason that I am in school is to be an example to my children and grandchildren. It is working. My 29 year old daughter started college last semester to become a physical therapy assistant.
Connie, congratulations and you are to be commended! That is a great accomplishment.
Great hub. Where do you find most of your freelance writing jobs?
Uninvited, when I first started out I found all of my jobs at http://www.freelancewriting.com/freelance-writing- that helps and thank you.
I agree. I am earning close to $1000 a month just by doing this... and in my place that money is a lot
Wow! I'm gonna check it out for sure!
GDR, thank you and congratulations on your achievements so far.
Sha, as always, I love to hear from you. Let me know if I can ever be of help.
You have no idea what help you are to me, Bill! In all ways I need........
Sha, that's what friends do...or are supposed to do. :)
I just love to hear that freelance writing is a full time job. I have been getting a lot of problems to advise my fellow friends back in Kenya. Now I know where to direct them to. You are my practical example. Voted up. Keep writing.
Well written and thanks for pointing out the need for self-discipline when working from home. I consider it as work when you put your heart and soul into it, whether a person makes money or not. Another quote that inspires me is:'The thing that distinguishes an amateur from a professional is that a professional writer writes every day.' All the best in your writing career and may you publish many books.
Richard, if this isn't a job I'm working awfully hard at a hobby. :) Blessings my friend and best of luck to you.
Sushma, making money does not make one a writer as you pointed out so correctly. Heart and soul make a writer...and passion. Best wishes to you and thank you!
Definitely dedication takes a well evened out place with heart and soul in writing. How can you be a good writer, or a writer at all, if you are not willing to dedicate your time to the art form? Writing is more than just rambling a few words down on a piece of paper or on the computer, it takes a lot of thought and careful analysis to ensure that the writer can reach into the hearts of their audience. Great hub! Voted it up.
KDuBarry, welcome to HubPages. Six hubs in four days young man; you are well on your way to becoming a HubPages Superstar! Thank you for your comment; you will do well here.
Thank you very much, billybuc! I find Hubpages to be very fun to be part of and it is absolutely amazing to find such interesting subjects on here like this Hub!
albertsj Level 5 Commenter 3 months ago
I love this hub. Okay, if people are reading what you write, and your making a living out of it, then it's a job! Just because "they" don't understand that it, doesn't mean it's not a job certainly. Very good hub! Voted up & interesting.