tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69977895839127158812024-03-06T19:34:01.948-08:00The Expat Freelance WriterWriting for Anglophone Clients and Markets in the Land of Far, Far AwayBarbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311851012396635023noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997789583912715881.post-47607368545419511542013-01-12T00:23:00.000-08:002017-09-01T09:22:28.357-07:007 Ways Freelancers Can Avoid Procrastination<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When I first had children, I thought that they’d slow down my writing career. And so they have. But in some respects, they’ve done wonders for it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Having kids has made me a far more efficient writer. I used to be a big-time procrastinator. But when you only have 2 or 3 hours a day to work, you tend to get to the heart of things fast. There’s no time to waste staring at a blank page or revising the same sentence twenty times or checking the refrigerator to see if some new, interesting food has miraculously appeared. It’s Butt in Chair, fingers flying, until someone starts crying. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But as my children grew older and started school, things started to change. I had more time on my hands and guess what? I didn’t always use them wisely. Now, my youngest son just started school full-time, and so for the first time in more than five years, I have about 6 (count ‘em! 6!) consecutive hours a day that I can devote to work. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Those extra three hours a day seem like an ocean of time...and oh, I see the dangers already. So, to keep myself on-track, I’ve set out here certain anti-procrastination techniques that have been effective in the past.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Care to give these a try? </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Make the 15-minute promise</b>. Pick the highest priority task on your list - especially the one you most dread doing - and vow that you’ll work on it for 15 minutes. Promise yourself that you can stop after 15 minutes have passed you can stop, but until then you’ll give it your all. Most of the time, once you get started, you’ll keep going. That 15 minute bump is all that’s needed to get you over the hump of procrastination. (This is also a great trick for house-cleaning.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Make a To-Do List</b>. It may seem obvious but making a daily to-do list every single morning can help prevent procrastination. Seeing all the things you need to do written down can be a great motivator, as is the satisfaction gained from crossing each item off your list. Remember to always put the most important items on your list first - maybe even bold them or put them in a different color. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Eliminate Distractors</b>. Oh, it’s hard to stay away from that wicked temptress known as the Internet. So, when I do need the internet for a particular project and want to make sure I’m concentrating, I seek out a location where the Internet simply isn’t available. Yes, I know great <a href="http://macfreedom.com/" target="_blank">internet blocking software</a> is available but getting out is a good excuse to work in a different environment. (In other words, not Starbucks.) If Wifi isn’t your biggest distractor, figure out what it is and eliminate it. Ringing phone? Put it on silent. Tempted by what’s on the tube? Put a large note on your TV screen saying something like “how does surfing the channels cost?” or place the remotes somewhere so inconvenient, you feel ridiculous seeking them out. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Avoid Taking On Hateful Projects</b>. I learned this lesson the hard way. Last spring, responding to an editor’s request, I pitched an idea that I wasn’t enthusiastic about at all. The editor accepted the pitch (that figures) and gave me an open deadline. Oh how I struggled to write the piece. Not because it was difficult but because it just wasn’t that interesting to me. I must have wasted several hours dragging my feet on the research and writing – hours that could have been used on other paying assignments. While I don’t have the financial luxury to be wild about every single project that comes my way, I did vow never to inflict such pain on myself again. Well, unless the financial or career rewards are simply too good to resist.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>5. Get an Anti-Procrastination Buddy</b>. Do you have a friend or colleague to whom you can faithfully swear that you’ll get X, Y, and Z done within a particular amount of time and will hold you accountable if you don’t? Or who’s can give you an firm but inspiring pep talk when you find yourself wandering off-track? I have a buddy like this and she’s priceless. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>6. Bribe yourself</b>. It’s an old standby but it works. I have often promised myself some culinary reward (usually almond ice cream) for finishing a project or task. It’s effective, though - the way I do it - not too healthy. Maybe it’s a better idea to reward yourself with a long, hot bath...a good run...20 minutes on Wii...whatever will spur you to get the job done. You don’t even have to wait until the completion of a project. Try setting up mini-rewards for finishing difficult paragraph or sending an email that you’ve been putting off. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>7. Declutter</b>. Maintaining a messy desk or computer is an especially insidious way of promoting procrastination. There’s always the temptation to clean it up, which seems like it’s not procrastination because it feels like you’re doing something productive. And even if you don’t clean it up, there’s often something on a cluttered desk or computer to distract you. Just declutter. Take an hour to clean all that extra crap of your desk or computer once and for all, and watch your productivity increase. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What techniques do you use to stop procrastinating?</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo credit:</i><b style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©Stuart Mills (fotalia.com)</span></b></span></div>
Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311851012396635023noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997789583912715881.post-74452706543147846352013-01-03T13:04:00.001-08:002013-01-05T07:08:56.286-08:00My Top Freelance Writing Resolutions for 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Happy New Year writers! I hope we all have a happy, healthy productive year in which many of our freelance writing dreams come true!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I was thinking of what New Year’s Writing Resolutions I should make this year and decided to take a look at <a href="http://theexpatfreelancer.blogspot.ch/2012_01_01_archive.html" target="_blank">last year’s resolutions</a> to get some insight. In short, this is what I resolved:</span></span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">To keep my freelancing fears in perspective</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">To stare my technophobia in the far</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">To invest in my business as needed</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">To network more</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">To firmly believe that I will meet every goal on my New Year’s list.</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Overall, I think I did pretty well. I was very good about confronting my fears, and I definitely didn’t hesitate to invest in my business. I was okay about networking, though I’d have done more if I had more time. And even though I didn’t meet every goal on my New Year’s list, I remained confident that I could had I tried. Sadly, I am as technophobic and illiterate as ever, but, well, you can’t do everything in one year. It’s definitely on the list again for this year. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In terms of resolutions, all of these are keepers (though perhaps I should be more selective about how I invest in my business - some investments were worth it, but a few I should have skipped.) But there’s certainly new resolutions I should make. And so here’s what I resolve this year:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>1. To specialize</b>. Last year, as part of my investments, I hired a copywriting coach, <a href="http://chrismarlow.com/landing/marketing-for-writers" target="_blank">Chris Marlow,</a> who has convinced me of the need to specialize. As she points out, just because you specialize doesn’t mean that you only have to do that one kind of work -- or that you can’t change your specialty later. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But specializing makes sense: it establishes you as an expert in particular area and, when you do it right, makes it easier for your target audience to find you </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This year, I will work on developing a specialty in copywriting for law firms, lawyers and the legal industry. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>2. To be a faster writer</b>. Since I’ve become a freelancer, it’s never been more clear to me that time is money. I don’t dither and sweat over my writing nearly as much as I used to (it’s embarrassing to admit but early in my freelance career, I was such a perfectionist freak it sometimes took 2-3 hours to write a simple 100-word piece), but I know can still do better. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This year, I will not let perfectionism or, more accurately, fear, slow down production.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>3. To write every single day. <i> </i></b>How often have you spent the entire day working, only to realize, as you step away from the computer, that you haven’t actually written a thing, save an email or three? Happens to me far too often.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Naturally we freelance writers must do all those non-writing activities that it takes to sustain our business, but we mustn’t let these things overshadow our true passion. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Only writing (and reading) improves our writing. From good writing comes more interesting gigs, better pay, and greater self-confidence and pride. There’s really no excuse for not making this, career-wise, a number one priority.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This year, I will write every single day, even if it’s a short blog post or private journal entry. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What freelancing resolutions did you make this year? How’d you do last year? </span></i></b></span></div>
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Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311851012396635023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997789583912715881.post-69547245384040216652012-11-01T23:21:00.000-07:002012-11-01T23:21:35.378-07:00Want to write a nonfiction book in one month? <br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Today marks the start of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), a month in which fiction writers double-down and attempt to write a 50,000 word (or more) novel during the 30 days of November. Participates officially sign up on the NaNoWriMo website and submit their manuscript at the end of November to get the word-count checked.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As a non-fiction writer, I've always been a wistful witnessing the enthusiasm and community spirit of the would-be novelists participating in NaNoWriMo. I mean - I love it! Trying to complete a novel in one month? That's inspired! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But there's no need for envy.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yesterday, while reading the <a href="http://writerssherpablog.com/write-a-book/write-your-nonfiction-book-in-november/" target="_blank">Writer’s Sherpa blog</a>, I was excited to learn that there is also a NaNonFiWriMo challenge going on. Anyone who accepts this challenge will do his or her best to complete <i>any work of non-fiction </i>by the end of this month. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Unlike our novelist counterparts, we non-fiction writers don’t have to meet a word count or officially enter a competition. And it doesn’t matter if you already started writing the piece prior to November. This a personal writing challenge, pure and simple. The only prize is the deep satisfaction of having completed a non-fiction writing goal. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As a bonus, Nina Amir, the author who started NaNonFiWriMo, is offering 30 days of blog posts from top writing experts offering tips on writing non-fiction and how to get that work published. You can read more about the <a href="http://writenonfictioninnovember.com/2012/11/01/can-you-become-a-nonfiction-author-in-a-month/" target="_blank">NaNonFiWriMo challenge on Nina’s blog</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I definitely need this kind of fire under my butt to finish my “Kids in Paris” ebook, so count me in! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Any expat freelancers out there with me?</b> Let’s help each other to get some serious work done this month!! </span>Please leave a comment if you are taking up the challenge!</span></div>
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Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311851012396635023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997789583912715881.post-86051791022298502912012-01-08T21:50:00.000-08:002012-01-08T21:50:09.450-08:005 Essential Freelance Writing Resolutions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYy4rzyeZRdSTSItqQg0eAn7hiaPkJsI82SxZanULjiRqy_KJ1Hr5Z2G4M7yJoXN4vOn4AkZiuczI1-gAhKyQ6Z4B482WsED7rB7WFBbkjEPpNvio5qDSeJYaBgFJbHJ0zMeSlZuJkcDg/s1600/Fotolia_28047652_S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYy4rzyeZRdSTSItqQg0eAn7hiaPkJsI82SxZanULjiRqy_KJ1Hr5Z2G4M7yJoXN4vOn4AkZiuczI1-gAhKyQ6Z4B482WsED7rB7WFBbkjEPpNvio5qDSeJYaBgFJbHJ0zMeSlZuJkcDg/s320/Fotolia_28047652_S.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(© fuzzbones - Fotolia.com)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Happy New Year! I love this time of year. We’ve got all the lovely blank pages of the calendar to fulfill our freelance dreams. I’m imagining them filled with new clients, exciting projects, and fantastic surprises that I haven’t dared to imagine but that I’m secretly longing for. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve just returned from vacation, refreshed and excited to start consciously living my new year’s resolutions. I say ‘consciously’ because these aren’t really new resolutions for me. Over the past year, I’ve thought about these principles and tried to abide by them, but I never wrote them down. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Which was dumb.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Writing down your resolutions and goals is as important as defining them in the first place. Writing not only helps to shape your aims, but solidify them. It gives them body and weight. It gives them power. They become both engrained in your subconscious and inscribed in the stars. Even if you later forget about them, I believe that written words will continue to work for you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">(Example: last year, one of my goals was to have two editors contact me with assignments. I had no particular editors in mind. I didn’t even have any solid relationships with magazine editors at the time. But it was something that I wanted to happen, so I wrote it down. I completely forgot about it until last August when an editor contacted <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">me</i> with a story idea. And it happened again with a different editor just a few weeks ago in December. Goal met.) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, the point of this post isn’t just to discuss the importance of writing down your resolutions and goals, but to share my resolutions with you. Resolutions and goals are words that are often used interchangeably but they have different meanings. A goal is a specific objective to be attained. A resolution is the expression of your determination to do something. As freelancers, I think it’s important to write out both goals and resolutions. I have captured my goals for this year in the <a href="http://theexpatfreelancer.blogspot.com/2011/01/developing-annual-business-plan-for.html" target="_blank">business plan</a> I’ve written for myself, but I am recording my resolutions here with you now:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In 2012, I resolve to:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1. Be Fearless</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is impossible to get anywhere as a freelance writer without breaking through your fear. A week or so ago, I was dithering over a query that I wanted to send to a very high profile publication. I kept postponing hitting send because, well, I was afraid. Afraid that it wasn’t good enough. That it was too long. That I didn’t have the right editor, blah, blah, blah. Then I read an article in the New York Times about film director Dee Rees’s breakout hit “Pariah,” an amazing coming-of-age story about young black lesbian.<br />
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And I thought: Wow.<br />
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The director, herself a black lesbian, must have crashed through unimaginable fears, mental barriers and community disapproval to bring herself to write and create this film. What are my fears about sending out this simple pitch in comparison? Nothing. I hit send without delay. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This year, I resolve to keep my freelancing fears in perspective. </i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2. Learn</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"> No one’s ever called me a tech genius, nor is anyone likely to. I’ve managed to set up simple blogs and have a very basic understanding of HMTL, and know how to apply SEO principles in my writing. Anything more tech-y than that, and I pretend that I don’t really need it or I pay someone to take care of it. But as a writer today, I need to have more than a fleeting knowledge of technology. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This year, I resolve to stare my technophobia in the face. </i></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3. Invest</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m always surprised when small businesses balk at paying professional rates for copywriting services. From my perspective it seems like such a sensible investment. And yet, how many times have I glanced at some intriguing course, book, or seminar on writing or freelancing and thought: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nah,</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">too expensive</i>? Just as any entrepreneur must, we freelancers need to spend what it takes to stay on top of our game, market our services, and offer our clients first-rate work. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This year, I won’t hesitate to invest in my business as needed. </i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4. Press Some Flesh</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">How easy it is to sit in my little hidey hole (otherwise known as Starbucks) and conduct all my business networking via email or social media! I use the fact that I’m an expat – and a mother – as an excuse to stay glued to my computer instead of picking up the phone or going out to meet real people. Totally lame. Sure, I’m going to have to drink a lot of Red Bull (the energy drink, not the vodka) before hitting an evening networking event here in Paris, but why not? It’s high time that I spent more effort getting to know the faces of my online communities – wherever they may be. Really, there’s nothing stopping me from attending a writer’s conference in NYC if I plan it well. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This year, I resolve that people are going to see the face of the Expat Freelancer.</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<b>5. Believe </b><br />
<b></b>Is there a freelancer out there who hasn't yet read "<a href="http://thewealthyfreelancer.com/" target="_blank">The Wealthy Freelancer</a>"? If you haven't, get thee to Amazon <i>tout de suite</i>. I've read this book literally to tatters and one of my favorite chapters is the very first, which is called: “Master the Mental Game.” Here the authors discuss developing the mental toughness every freelancer needs to survive the crests and valleys of our business. While they offer several practical tips and techniques, their number one message is this: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Believe in yourself. Believe in your business. Believe in your success. </i><i>You’ll never become a wealthy freelancer if you don’t believe that you can be. </i><br />
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I love this. It sounds new age and flighty, but it’s true. How can anyone live out a dream without first believing the dream to be achievable? <br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This year, I resolve to firmly believe that I will meet every goal on my New Year's list.</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">How about you? What resolutions would you add to this list?</div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311851012396635023noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997789583912715881.post-9698851324492816722011-09-12T13:59:00.000-07:002011-09-12T13:59:51.724-07:00Word Count Limit Got You Down? Try These 6 Editing Tricks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMwbGVZv5IuT53SZmgMirKdM15aSuO7HE-nhgUupvn8Cu4cJ98x1zFdbbqgsiYsxLt3j43CGvCt176DmiqjGYKPX2aXmovbgNKQ6t2X6at3XWwHcqbK-O73PWrUMWctutJeMZaU781js/s1600/364990nozn03g5j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMwbGVZv5IuT53SZmgMirKdM15aSuO7HE-nhgUupvn8Cu4cJ98x1zFdbbqgsiYsxLt3j43CGvCt176DmiqjGYKPX2aXmovbgNKQ6t2X6at3XWwHcqbK-O73PWrUMWctutJeMZaU781js/s320/364990nozn03g5j.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Most of the time, I love being a writer. The brainstorming…the research…that moment when all those random phrases and concepts zinging around my head suddenly settle down and start flowing like a river of hot chocolate. Mmm….</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> But you know what I also like? Editing. I know that many writers don’t like to edit (and I agree that it’s hard to “kill your darlings,” as Papa Hemmingway says we must) but I find it strangely satisfying, especially if I’m editing to adhere to a word count limit. It’s like a game: how tight can I make this story without losing any of its original character or elements? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One of my proudest moments at this game was when I submitted a 400-word FOB article that had 5 major points (complete with three quotes from different experts), and the editor said – looks great, but can you make it 300 words? Yikes! But I did it. I nibbled away 100 words from an already-super tight article without slashing any of the points or deleting my quotes. Really, it’s kinda fun. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMwbGVZv5IuT53SZmgMirKdM15aSuO7HE-nhgUupvn8Cu4cJ98x1zFdbbqgsiYsxLt3j43CGvCt176DmiqjGYKPX2aXmovbgNKQ6t2X6at3XWwHcqbK-O73PWrUMWctutJeMZaU781js/s1600/364990nozn03g5j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you’re a writer who dreads whittling away <s>at </s>your beautiful prose <s>for the sake of</s> to satisfy some editorial limit, here are a <s>couple of</s> few tricks <s>that might</s> to make it <s>a bit</s> easier. </div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Eliminate prepositions. </b> Okay, I sound really nerdy - but it thrills me to slash teeny, tiny words such as “of” “in” or “at” from my writing. It’s like cutting fat from a good piece of meat. Plus, since prepositions are everywhere, cutting them is an easy way of getting closer to your word count goal. </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Examples:</i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b><br />
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<b>Were you the victim <u>of</u> a car rental scam?</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Were you a car rental scam victim?</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">After her husband left, she preferred to stay <u>at</u> home. </b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">After her husband left, she preferred to stay home.</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The wildfires <u>in</u> Texas cost the government billions.</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Texas wildfires cost the government billions. </b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Eliminate “that.”</b> Most of the time, the word “that” can be deleted from your writing without impairing the sentence’s meaning. Even though it’s only a single word, you’ll be surprised by often you use it – and how getting rid of it tightens and shortens your piece. </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Examples</i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">: </b><br />
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<b>I think <u>that</u> his wealth made a difference to the jury.</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I think his wealth made a difference to the jury. </b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Being stuck with a bill for damage <u>that</u> you didn’t cause is a nightmare.</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Being stuck with a bill for damage you didn’t cause is a nightmare. </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Avoid “helping verbs.”</b> The primary helping verbs are “be” “do” and “have.” It’s so common to use them in speech that we insert them into our writing without thinking about it. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
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<i>Examples</i>: <br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">First, you <u>have to</u> create an account. </b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">First, create an account.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The customer <u>is</u> always trying to get a discount. </b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The customer always tries to get a discount. </b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The report <u>was</u> prepared by top scientists. </b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Top scientists prepared the report. ** </b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">** A writing bonus! Eliminating the helping verb also forces you to write actively, not passively! </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Eliminate redundancies and unnecessary words</b>. Don’t repeat things <s>needlessly</s>. ‘Nuff said? </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><i>Examples</i>:<br />
<br />
<b>He knelt <u>down</u> beside the sobbing child.</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b>He knelt beside the sobbing child.</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b>She couldn’t decide whether <u>or not</u> visit him.</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b>She couldn’t decide whether to visit him.</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b>Top with parmesan <u>cheese</u>. </b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b>Top with parmesan.</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b>When shopping at a flea market, look for bargain <u>prices.</u></b> </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b>When shopping at a flea market, look for bargains. </b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ditch most adjectives and adverbs</b>. We all know this one (well, we should) but it’s hard to obey. Some adjectives and adverbs are just so pretty. But it’s true that using a good strong verb in place of an adjective or adverb makes for much tighter writing. And chances are, when you re-word, you can get rid of a preposition or two as well.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><i>Examples:</i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b><br />
<br />
<b>She looked <u>extremely beautiful in</u> that red dress.</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">She rocked that red dress.</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The storm <u>totally</u> ruined our garden. </b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The storm devastated our garden.</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Use contractions</b>. This one might be difficult for those of you who had teachers like I had, who believed that contractions were for drunks, babies, and uneducated good-for-nothings. But these days, using contractions in most forms of writing isn’t a sin. Just look at the style of the publication you’re writing for – if the tone is easy-going or informal, go for it. You can cut dozens of words this way.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><i>Example</i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">: I <u>wouldn’t </u>think you need an example here, but you never know.</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What tricks do you use to shorten your writing? </i></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311851012396635023noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997789583912715881.post-43630243988951887532011-09-06T05:38:00.000-07:002011-09-06T06:16:21.815-07:00Where to Self-Publish Your Book: A Round-Up<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6QvZ1_8FOdUE8QOQdf7-AsoSHOegwgO563v39UNHa3kTlXH1q3bNj7QfX1KCxJiwwjIR7sHre-4qrEtJsptP3QmIX_qGCaara-BBpnwIHqKjUbp2qK5Z-P2IM_jlWOvYEAjreeq-hElP/s1600/51500mbybj683gs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 253px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6QvZ1_8FOdUE8QOQdf7-AsoSHOegwgO563v39UNHa3kTlXH1q3bNj7QfX1KCxJiwwjIR7sHre-4qrEtJsptP3QmIX_qGCaara-BBpnwIHqKjUbp2qK5Z-P2IM_jlWOvYEAjreeq-hElP/s400/51500mbybj683gs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649233800709979202" border="0" /></a><br />As my book-in-progress inches closer to completion, I’m beginning to examine how I’m going to get the darn thing published. I’ve already decided that I want to go the self-publishing route, for reasons I’ve explained <a href="http://theexpatfreelancer.blogspot.com/2011/02/ebook-publishing-or-traditional.html">here</a>. But whenever I started researching the various self-publishing services, I always ended up rocking back and forth in bed screwing my fists in my eyes, muttering <span style="font-style: italic;">too many, too many, too many</span>.<br /><br />But one must be brave. So, I turned to my writer’s group at LinkedIn, asking more experienced members to recommend good self-publishing services. The response was awesome. Though I haven’t quite decided which service I’ll go with, I think I’ve got the top options in hand and can make a good, informed decision when the time comes.<br /><br />To help you narrow down your list, here’s a round-up of the "best" self-publishing services, according the International Writers group at LinkedIn. Of course, not everyone will be satisfied with every service, but this list provides a good starting point to find the right match for you.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">(If you’ve had good experiences with others self-publishing services, please add your own in the comments!)</span><br /><br /><a href="http://publishing.booklocker.com/">Booklocker.com</a><br /><a href="https://www.createspace.com/">CreateSpace.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.publicious.com.au/">Publicious.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.lulu.com/">Lulu.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.smashwords.com/">SmashWords.com</a><br /><br />Now, if you’ve been looking into self-publishing, there’s no doubt you’ve come across the name “AuthorHouse.” It’s one of considered the largest of the "big three" of self-publishing (the others being iUniverse and Xlibris, all three of whom have the same owner). Several members of the LinkedIn group were fiercely negative about their experiences with this service. Further research revealed a computer-crashing amount of <a href="http://www.fonerbooks.com/q_vanity.htm">negative</a> <a href="http://dogearpublishing.net/morecomparisons.aspx">opinions</a>, not to mention some truly <a href="http://www.ripoffreport.com/book-publishers/authorhouse-iunivers/authorhouse-iuniverse-swindl-39jb8.htm">alarming</a> <a href="http://authorhouse.pissedconsumer.com/welcome-to-the-big-rip-off-which-is-author-house-20110814255361.html">reports</a>. Complaints primarily centered around the company’s lack of integrity, inflated prices, control over the cover design, and a workmanship so shoddy that it almost seems intentional.<br /><br />You might want to steer clear of that one.Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04009616180629388735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997789583912715881.post-9325389729524372292011-08-29T09:13:00.000-07:002011-08-29T09:13:50.497-07:005 Reason Why You Should Become an Expat Freelancer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjx9R8ODX3pk1kanuH3UO2trdN3t5hyphenhyphenm2zUS43jonXPrAJJt3HRJ6lJ15tg1YoVHStVpJwVjCvTBCUYFdQEOW1YvJgd8RRliYxcsogwSaBMXRcb8BSgE6i5HKPBqG0itgJdFIabJyE-0/s1600/Fotolia_21097263_S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjx9R8ODX3pk1kanuH3UO2trdN3t5hyphenhyphenm2zUS43jonXPrAJJt3HRJ6lJ15tg1YoVHStVpJwVjCvTBCUYFdQEOW1YvJgd8RRliYxcsogwSaBMXRcb8BSgE6i5HKPBqG0itgJdFIabJyE-0/s320/Fotolia_21097263_S.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(© IKO - Fotolia.com)</span></div><br />
Well, hello there! Yes, I’m back after a 3-month hiatus. That’s right – I took 3 months off from posting and I’m walking right back in here, unashamed. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I know all the social media gurus say that taking such a break is to commit social media suicide. That I should at least arrange to throw some old content or some guest posts in my absence. And I daresay they’re right. But the Expat Freelancer blog isn’t <a href="http://www.copyblogger.com/">Copyblogger</a>. And while part of me wishes that I was mistress of all that brilliant content and had an audience that runs in the tens of thousands, the other part of me is happy that I can sneak away for a nice long summer break, lounging on the beaches of Corsica and Narragansett, without feeling guilty or stressed. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is the beauty of being an expat freelancer. As an expat, I have adopted that French “give me vacation or give me death” mentality. As a freelancer, I can indulge it. (Not that I didn’t continue to work some while I was away. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1940858416"><u> </u></a><a href="http://theexpatfreelancer.blogspot.com/search/label/visits%20home">An expat freelancer at home has to take advantage of the situation</a>, especially if you target American magazines and clients.) Okay, yes, my beach reading did the latest edition of Peter Bowerman’s “The Well-Fed Writer.” And yes, I did outline a novel. But none of that felt like work. Can I help that my work is also my passion?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">At the moment, I’m feeling so satisfied with life as both an expat and a freelancer that I thought I’d kick of the new season of this blog with 5 reasons why being an expat freelancer totally rocks. If you’ve been dreaming about writing abroad, maybe this will spur you to make a change!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Reason # 1: You get a fresh perspective…on everything</b>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Good writers do more than turn an elegant phrase; they offer a new perspective or insight to their readers. As an expat freelancer, you get new perspectives and insights in spades. Everything from driving on a highway to <a href="http://theinternationalmama.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-to-stand-bus-stop-in-paris.html">standing at a bus stop</a> can be a cultural revelation – and potential copy. Even now, I'm working on an essay about my trip to the local Stop & Shop when I was at home in the U.S. Did anything special happen there? Not really. But as I wandered the huge aisles, wide-eyed as a refugee, picking up tons of stuff didn't need, I suddenly had a perfect understanding of that mixture of awe and distaste that many Europeans have toward America. What an enormous, greedy, fabulous country. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Reason #2: You’ve got instant entry into travel writing</b><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s easy to create a niche as a travel writer as an expat, even if you don’t actually travel much. Plenty of magazines and websites will pay good money for to know what’s happening in your backyard. This is how I got my first clips as a freelancer: writing 100-word reviews of Paris attractions and restaurants. No travel greater than a metro ride was required. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Reason #3: Wider Client Pool</b><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Today’s freelancer can work with clients all over the world – but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to tap into a client pool in another country. Unless you live there. As an expat, I can market my copywriting services with facility to both France-based business as well as those in the U.S. (particularly those in my hometown). In a sense, I’m a “local” in both locations – or at least, that’s how I spin it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Reason #4: Cool Office</b><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Expat freelancers have some of the most exotic offices in the world: tropical beaches, mountaintops, or, in my case, sweet little Parisian cafés. And if I chose to work at home? I’ve got a kick-ass view of the Seine and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">La Conciergerie</i>, the tower in which Marie Antoinette was imprisoned. I admit, I often take the beauty and history of my adopted city for granted, but when I remember, it gives me a shiver of pleasure, privilege and gratitude. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(But you know what? When I’m in the U.S., writing at my favorite Starbucks, I’m pretty thrilled too.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Reason #5: Positive influence of local customs </b><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As an American it’s hard to turn off that compulsion to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">always</i> be productive, to never be caught slacking. But, as I noted in the intro to this post, living in France has been a good influence in that way. For better or worse, here, there’s no shame in just kicking back and enjoying life at the expense of productivity. I have no doubt that my work-life balance is more evenly distributed than it would be if I lived in the U.S. I guess you could say that being an expat helps puts the “free” in freelancer. (Sorry – couldn’t resist!) Just make sure you chose to reside in a country more laid-back than the one you live in!<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 264.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Are you an expat freelancer? What do you love about your career/lifestyle choice? </i></b></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311851012396635023noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997789583912715881.post-716712214451042782011-05-25T06:35:00.000-07:002011-05-25T06:35:17.522-07:00Expat Freelance Writer for Hire!I'm excited to announce the launch of my new website! Check it out at <a href="http://www.barbaradiggs.com/">www.barbaradiggs.com</a>. Many thanks to <a href="http://www.technicallytanya.com/">Tanya Olander</a>, who did an excellent job in designing the site.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311851012396635023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997789583912715881.post-62486493749134003492011-05-04T23:51:00.000-07:002011-05-04T23:51:20.405-07:00Are These Habits Sabotaging Your Freelance Career?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWijxk4W2hD-31wO_tAp8ti-AEQU9M15D_vUC6BKzvPA-6IdiM6y4L-Vu2ws7PD6Wy7M-a_jfIgDUDH4NYQTZxnHCnh6FSk3cfKkLQcfLvD_l4paXLPYKonjNtKja6FTwtXcRFfJzUB0A/s1600/25849hqfpnv5luk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWijxk4W2hD-31wO_tAp8ti-AEQU9M15D_vUC6BKzvPA-6IdiM6y4L-Vu2ws7PD6Wy7M-a_jfIgDUDH4NYQTZxnHCnh6FSk3cfKkLQcfLvD_l4paXLPYKonjNtKja6FTwtXcRFfJzUB0A/s320/25849hqfpnv5luk.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Photo credit: Michal Marcol; freeditigalphotos.net)</span></div><br />
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The last time I was at “home” (in the U.S.), a book at Barnes & Noble caught my eye. It was called “<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nice-Girls-Dont-Corner-Office/dp/0446531324">Why Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office: 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women make that Sabotage Their Careers</a>,” by Lois P. Frankel, PhD.<br />
<br />
Even though I do have a corner office, a nice little one in the corner of my dining room, I couldn’t help but pick up the book. After flipping through it for a few minutes, I knew I had to buy it. Because even though my corporate days are long behind me, I saw some terribly, familiar habits listed in that book – habits that could be dragging down my freelance career. <br />
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Ladies (and maybe some gents), I ask you: are you guilty of any of the following five career mistakes? <br />
<br />
<b>Mistake # 1 – Pretending it isn’t a Game</b>. <br />
<br />
Lois Frankel writes: “<i>The workplace is exactly that – a game. It has rules, boundaries, winners and losers. Women tend to approach work more like an event (picnic, concert, fundraiser) where everyone comes together for the day to play nicely...Playing the game of business doesn’t mean you’re out to cause others to fail, but it is competitive. It means you are aware of the rules and develop strategies for making them work to your advantage.</i>”<br />
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Does this “game” mentality apply to freelancing? It should. The game is different than in a corporate environment, but still it exists. Just because our workplace is our home and we’re working alone doesn’t mean that we’re not in the midst a giant, invisible chessboard. All those organizations and people who want us to work for free or a pittance while they're pulling down cash from our words...believe me, they know it's a game. (Let's just say that homegirl Ariana Huffington has <u>not</u> made this mistake.) Magazines, small businesses, corporations, newspapers: they're all in the game. And when you freelance for any of them, so are you. Better make sure you're not just a pawn.<br />
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And let's not forget our competitors. They're out there, sending queries to the same editor, bidding on the same projects. If we want to get the freelancing equivalent of the corner office (whatever that may be), we have to keep an eye on what our competitors/peers are doing, spot what we can do better or differently, and then do it, moving as quickly and skillfully as we can. <br />
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The great thing about freelancing is that pretty much all of us can get a "corner office." As freelancers, a corner office can be whatever we want it to be. But that doesn't mean there's no game involved. Play it, ladies. <br />
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<b>Mistake #2 – Playing the Game Safely and Within Bounds</b>.<br />
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Frankel writes: “<i>Even when a woman knows the workplace is a game, she has the tendency to play safe rather than play smart. She obeys all the rules to the letter and expects others to as well.”</i> As an analogy, she refers to her style of tennis play, how she always feared the ball going out of bounds, and so artificially narrowed her field of play. But once she started hitting the ball outside of her comfort zone, she says, she started to win more games. <br />
<br />
I love this “mistake” and analogy. In the corporate world, I was forever seeing men play fast and loose with the rules…and moving swiftly ahead. Meanwhile, I only dared to follow the rules and hope that someone would appreciate it. (Ha! Why would they? It was the least I could do). In my freelance career, I try not to be such a “good little girl,” though it’s a struggle. <br />
<br />
My role model is Linda Formichelli, co-author of the fabulous and inspirational book, “<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Renegade-Writer-Totally-Unconventional-Freelance/dp/1933338008">The Renegade Writer</a>.” She, along with co-author Diana Burrell offer scores of valuable tips on how you can be a rule-breaker and still have a successful freelancing career. If playing the freelancing game too safely is a mistake you think you're making, definitely read this book. <br />
<br />
<b>Mistake # 13 – Failing to Capitalize on Relationships</b>. <br />
<br />
In this section, Frankel tells the story of a woman who was having trouble selling her idea for a new book to a publisher. It turns out that the woman’s father has a good relationship with an editor who could play an instrumental role in getting her idea before the right publisher. When Frankel asked the woman why in the world she didn’t ask her father for an introduction, she responded that she didn’t want to capitalize on her father’s name.<br />
<br />
How many of you ladies out there see yourselves here? I know I do. I have an acquaintance who is an editor of a highly prestigious newspaper. I have another friend who used to be the deputy editor of a well-known women’s glossy. Have I ever tried to pitch an idea to either them? Nope. Why? Because I was afraid of being perceived as a “user” or complicating our relationship. Dumb, right? <br />
<br />
Men use relationships to advance their interests and careers all. the. time. Frankel advises women to be unafraid to ask for introduction, referrals, or permission to use a colleague’s name when trying to get the attention of someone. Amen, sister.<br />
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(** Note- As a pat on the back to myself, let me just say that I recently asked my acquaintance at the newspaper to be a source for me on a buzz piece I’m writing. She answered my questions cheerfully and promptly. No sweat. And now I’m working on a pitch to throw her way. Yay me.)<br />
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<b>Mistake #50 Being Modest</b>. <br />
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Frankel writes: “<i>Both boys and girls are taught in childhood to be modest – but women take the lesson way too far….When people fail to notice major accomplishments, it’s your job to illuminate them…Completely, totally and permanently erase the words, “Oh, it was nothing” from your vocabular</i>y. <br />
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Sigh. Right again, Dr. Frankel. Ladies: are you downplaying your accomplishments? When you’ve done amazing back-flips for an editor or client, are you letting him or her know? Are you asking for testimonials? Are you displaying these testimonials in a prominent way? You don’t have to become a braggart or start boring people by endlessly recounting your successes, but when you have accomplished something brilliant, don’t be afraid to take credit for it – and let others know what you’ve done.<br />
<br />
<b>Mistake #59- Asking Permission</b>. <br />
<br />
Frankel writes: “<i>Have you ever noticed that men don’t ask for permission? They ask for forgiveness. My hunch is that women ask permission more out of habit than from really needing someone to give them the green light….by seeking permission before acting, we are less likely to be accused of making a mistake – but we’re also less likely to be viewed as confident risk-takers</i>.”<br />
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This is a variation or natural consequence of mistake #2 – playing the rules safely and within bounds. We women, I think, are particularly afraid of making a mistake. We often worry that any error we make could be attributed to our gender and reflect badly on others in that group. Time to get over this fear.<br />
<br />
When you have the urge to ask permission of a client or editor, take a look at your motivations. Are you playing it safe? Or would you be genuinely acting out of bounds? Frankel advises women to inform others of your intentions, not ask. In other words, say, “I just wanted to let you know that….” instead of “Would it be all right with you if….” -- an important distinction.<br />
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*** <br />
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I could just keep going here. Mistakes <b>#36 “Ignoring Quid Pro Quo</b>,” <b>#39 “Letting People Waste Your Time</b>,” and <b>#55 “Being Invisible</b>,” are other important mistakes I'd like to draw attention to. But I'll stop now. If this post speaks to you, I highly recommend buying the book. After all, with 101 tips, there’s bound to be several that will make you squirm uncomfortably, even if these don’t.<br />
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<i>Readers: what mistakes/habits might be hindering <u>your</u> freelance career? </i>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311851012396635023noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997789583912715881.post-2283727172567049202011-04-13T00:57:00.000-07:002011-04-13T01:15:52.851-07:00Finding Balance in Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3IjQ6yYyS7B_3k901yERAdMFg5yFBdSOk_tIiruUkX7_BayWwjQ5AONFGFmTD4EwMw5QR2IfBzaIxjLwXemDO6KJYduSEeOAxD-suICSTGsI-Cv5XnlSqUxCn2dfAZGtzlg8E5HubIM/s1600/12330c4fe1xramr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3IjQ6yYyS7B_3k901yERAdMFg5yFBdSOk_tIiruUkX7_BayWwjQ5AONFGFmTD4EwMw5QR2IfBzaIxjLwXemDO6KJYduSEeOAxD-suICSTGsI-Cv5XnlSqUxCn2dfAZGtzlg8E5HubIM/s320/12330c4fe1xramr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Photo credit: Michelle Meiklejohn, freeditigalphotos.net)</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><i>I couldn't decide where to put this post because I think the advice is useful for both moms and freelancers. So, I'm doing something I've never done before and cross-posting it at my other blog, <a href="http://theinternationalmama.blogspot.com/2011_04_01_archive.html">International Mama</a>. Wherever you're reading it, I hope you find it helpful! </i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Last week, the <a href="http://www.urbanmusewriter.com/2011/04/open-thread-whats-your-biggest.html">Urban Muse</a> posed the question: what is your biggest challenge as a freelance writer? Many of the responses, including my own, concerned finding a suitable work-life balance. Because we freelancers don’t have to punch the clock, it’s all too easy to allow one aspect of our life – usually work –to dominate the other. </div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">But you know what? One day, last September, I did it. For about, oh, four hours, I understood my life to be in perfect balance. Don’t laugh! As far as I'm concerned feeling that the world is perfectly aligned for four hours is an amazing achievement. As an expat, I am perpetually seeking – consciously or not – to find a balance between my own culture with that of my adopted country. Because I’m married to someone of a different nationality, I have to do the same in my marriage. Throw a couple of young kids and a new career into the mix and you’ve got one off-kilter lady.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But last September, for that brief period, it all worked. More than worked – it flowed. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">That day was no less busy than any other. I had to drop my three-year old off at school and then pick him up three hours later. I had two big assignments due that I hadn’t yet begun. The baby had a doctor’s appointment later. My husband was out of town for the week, so, I’d have to handle the exhausting evening rituals (dinner, bath, bed) by myself and then pray that the kids would stay asleep so that I could work as late as I could, then get some sleep myself. Normally on days such as this, my mind is constantly abuzz, skipping ahead to the next task on my list before I’ve completed the first one. But on this day, as I picked up my son from school, my mind grew quiet. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As we walked down the street, I noticed that the sky was a deep, pure blue and that the leaves on the trees were beginning to turn yellow-brown. I became aware of the pressure of my son’s hand in mine, of the sweet, singing quality of his voice, and of the rush of pleasure these things gave me. I enjoyed the way the autumn breeze made my open trench coat flap slightly as we walked, and the tapping sound my boots made on the pavement. With every step we took, I grew more and more connected with everything around me, as if I were beginning to see my place in part of an enormous, smoothly functioning machine. For once, I wasn’t borrowing time from the future or the past. Every moment belonged to itself. I was wholly – in New Age parlance – “in the moment.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This sense of connectedness lasted until we got on the metro, and then slowly began to dissipate. But I didn’t feel any panic or depression as the feeling left me. Instead, I felt both relaxed and empowered. I suddenly understood the key to having a balanced life: being truly present. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Riding the metro home, I had no urge to check my cell phone, check my to-do list, make notes on an article, send out a tweet, dwell on my crammed schedule or engage in any of my usual multi-tasking habits. I was simply happy to sit and listen to my son tell me how he “drew a picture of my belly” at school (no, I wasn’t pregnant – thanks kid.) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When I got home and turned my son over to the babysitter, I sat down to work without guilt and without anxiety for the tasks ahead. Time felt different to me; both more precious and more plentiful. It occurred to me that we generally view time as something that is forever slipping away from us, not as something that we always have. But we do always have time. Maybe not time enough to achieve every task on our list, but time enough to fully appreciate the things we can accomplish. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Since this revelation, can I now claim to always have a perfectly balanced life? God, no! But now, whenever I feel overwhelmed with work or life, I take a moment to recognize that it’s not necessarily my work-life balance that needs adjusting – but my attitude. Multi-tasking, letting my mind wander, worrying about anything except the matters in front of me can make my whole world spin. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Taking a good look at the advantages, opportunities and beauty of the moment helps to set it right again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>How about you? What helps you to find balance? </i></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311851012396635023noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997789583912715881.post-70649332345912309062011-03-28T05:47:00.000-07:002011-03-29T01:43:13.246-07:007 Ways a Virtual Assistant Can Help Your Freelance Writing Business<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhStlIt32tdL8KZTWD6KG8xlZHXi4FMJMTwZ_GjnJFT9wNN-CzfeeEZj0K4Y4wqZIR62zO1TBucAq8WxM933EP5zcM010KeMYF9jlqT4_llAelAq8cECv33naTbQVbkUAbiiIFpYCA_Tw/s1600/33058o9h83mo838.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(free-stock photos.com. Paulus Rusyanto)</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">As far as I'm concerned, no one needs a virtual assistant more than the expat freelancing mom. Man, do I want one. I’ve dreamed of having one long before I ever heard the term. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In my fantasies, I imagine this person to be sort of a doppelgänger: an alter ego who lives the freelancing life that I would if I were back in the U.S. While I’m here in Paris writing in various cafes with a café crème at my side, my virtual assistant would loiter at the magazine rack Barnes & Noble, sipping a Starbucks chai tea latte, checking out new magazines and potential markets. While I’m snoozing away or tending to a sick kid at 2am, she’d be listening to and taking notes at a freelancing webinar that takes place at 8pm EST. Between the two of us, we'd make one whole freelancer! </div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, I realize that this could happen, at least in theory. Even a quick perusal of the internet reveals a number of virtual assistants that specialize in assisting freelance writers. What’s more, there are even freelance writers that have a “virtual assistant” component to their business. These are the ones I’d hire. The most efficient virtual assistant would already be familiar with the freelance writing world and its networks, sources, terms, and perspective. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But, alas, I can’t afford a virtual assistant right now. Even though apparently prices can start as low as $25/hour (although I imagine that most cost more), I currently employ a real assistant without whom I could not do one. single. thing: a babysitter. In a couple of years, when the kids are both in school, I’ll definitely reconsider the matter. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you’re short on time and have a few bucks to spare, here’s 7 ways a virtual assistant could help you be a more efficient business person -- and free up more time for you to write. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>1. Find markets/jobs</b>. God, wouldn’t I love this one. A virtual assistant could trawl job boards, review magazine databases, or otherwise search for publications that would be a good fit for your ideas. He could also help unearth writer’s guidelines and find out the names and email addresses of the appropriate editors for your pitches. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>2. Create a database</b>. As your VA does the above, she could (and should) create a database containing all this information so that it’s always at your fingertips. Make sure the database is a flexible one that can be easily updated with your own notes regarding each publication. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>3. Fact-Check</b>. The very idea of getting my facts wrong scares me silly. A VA could double-check your research, giving you a little extra comfort before hitting “send.” Your VA could also check out the background of someone you’re considering using as an expert.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>4. Attend conferences or webinars</b>. As I indicated above, I’m forever finding interesting webinars and conferences that are at hideously inconvenient hours or locations. Your VA could occasionally serve as your eyes and ears. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>5. Research potential clients</b>. You want to do a direct mail campaign but want to tweak each letter/email so that it’s tightly targeted? Your VA can help dig out key details and fact to flesh-out potential clients so that you can add that personal touch to each letter. </div><div class="MsoListParagraph"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>6. Interview Transcription</b>. Got a recorded interview? No need to spend an hour or more transcribing it, when you’ve got a VA to take care of it! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>7. Administrative Tasks</b>. And of course, a VA can do the standard assistant type stuff: sending out invoices, contracts and other correspondence for you. He can also keep track of payment status, scheduling and even take phone messages. I imagine this last aspect can be particularly useful for an expat freelancer with clients in the U.S. – they get to hear a human voice even if they call at an inconvenient hour for you. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Freelancers: Have you used a VA? Care to share your experience? </i></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311851012396635023noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997789583912715881.post-81564600492215108612011-03-16T04:18:00.000-07:002011-03-16T04:18:25.067-07:00Do You Really Want to Be a Freelance Writer?<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkU0KrI3go5nuKRVdJHOEXKGLbVxAod5XQWVXk4fhPoL5FW5G0pO-XNlYzGXpfAd32snfYhv7qs2AA9hYW8P5tljwwflB5LjVFN-uB50w9jJHzstpRMWt2p23iJyR2kSGC8TYY9E13JY/s1600/16415dj4xn5wzt0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkU0KrI3go5nuKRVdJHOEXKGLbVxAod5XQWVXk4fhPoL5FW5G0pO-XNlYzGXpfAd32snfYhv7qs2AA9hYW8P5tljwwflB5LjVFN-uB50w9jJHzstpRMWt2p23iJyR2kSGC8TYY9E13JY/s320/16415dj4xn5wzt0.jpg" width="320" /> </a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(freeditigalphotos.net)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
Every few months or so, I receive an email from someone newly arrived to Paris (usually a mother with young kids) wanting to meet to discuss how to launch a career as a freelance writer. While I am always happy to talk about such matters, more often than not, our conversations aren't really about how to start a freelance career. Instead, we wind up talking about the reality of being a freelance writer and whether it’s a career she truly wants to pursue. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoreTDIQCCAZXpxmtinDYYX7kvNQaZFAu-P0L6ITq94YUanjvWo2Cv-QuqbXWAa0Xl4O4Dp-7U6yaK5Sgq_59Oy-UiiSoN9uvP76rdhantRWEnsTg84OMg71Ivrs57aNkWgog1pI-xV8g/s1600/woman-working-on-laptop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a>I figure we can all save time if I posted here five essential questions you should ask yourself before taking on a freelance writing career. That way, you can think about these issues on your own and determine whether you want to go forward. If you still want to talk after reading this, email me!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"><b>1. Are you looking for a career or a job?</b> Consider whether you’re interested in having a career as a writer or simply would like to use writing as a means to earn a little extra cash (emphasis on the little). If you’re an expat mom, I can see why the latter option appears tempting. Freelance writing offers you a flexible schedule, you can work from home, and you don’t have to speak a foreign language to do it. But to be honest, there are more efficient ways to make money. Writing is often hard, time-consuming work and you rarely get paid the amount your time and effort is truly worth, especially at the beginning of your career. It can be done as “just a job” but I wouldn’t bother with it if making money were my only motivation (which brings me to my next question….).</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b>2. Is writing your passion?</b> Most writers don’t start a writing career because it’s convenient, and they certainly don’t do it for the money. We write because it is a compulsion. I cannot imagine a day passing without writing, even if it’s just longhand notes in my journal. I can’t walk down the street without turning everything I see into a story. To embark on a writing career, I think you <i>must</i> have that compulsion. There’s a lot of annoying crap to slog through as a writer and often you’ll have nothing but your urge to write to pull you through. </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b>3. Can you handle rejection, criticism, ridicule or being ignored?</b> Rocky Balboa should be the role model of every freelance writer. Rocky or the Energizer Bunny. ‘Cause as a freelancer you’re going to face some kind of “negative” feedback (or no feedback) on a regular basis. Even if makes you feel as if you’ve been hit by a truck, there’s nothing to do but pick yourself up, brush yourself off and keep slugging away. You must have confidence in your writing ability and know how to keep perspective. It’s not personal. </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b>4. Can you afford to be a freelance writer?</b> Unless you get extremely lucky and find a regular gig straight off the bat, the money will come in waves. You’ll probably have to suffer some very thin periods, particularly at the beginning. For print magazine work, many magazines don’t pay until publication. This means that you won’t see a dime for your work until the article is published, which could be several months after you’ve written it. Payment goes much faster in the online world. Nonetheless, you constantly have to keep the wheel turning to keep money flowing.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b>5. Are you ready to run a business?</b> If you really want to make a career out of freelance writing, better start thinking of yourself as a small business owner right. now. Because that’s what you are. As a freelancer, you’re responsible for finding clients, maintain clients, marketing yourself, handling the accounting, researching ideas, selling ideas, interviewing experts, keeping abreast of current trends…and, oh yeah, writing. </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m not trying to turn anyone off of freelance writing – personally, I love it, warts and all. But it’s not a career to stumble into. </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">Freelancers with additional opinions,feel free to chime in!</div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311851012396635023noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997789583912715881.post-5942242188826597182011-03-04T04:27:00.000-08:002011-03-04T06:30:18.063-08:00Finding local freelance clients<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ym6m8v1MThf0ZUe3OasgdD0MmUSlK7cJ0-4vO3pvtwg3ymTkx_eQ3ZkT55mK2vw38bJbHPG2t2bMXGnmzWt40eXxMRubLlA_Z0ST3diCh_dOvm5R2zg5J7qiObIc54hXMpaH8twqFgg/s1600/client+find.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 67px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ym6m8v1MThf0ZUe3OasgdD0MmUSlK7cJ0-4vO3pvtwg3ymTkx_eQ3ZkT55mK2vw38bJbHPG2t2bMXGnmzWt40eXxMRubLlA_Z0ST3diCh_dOvm5R2zg5J7qiObIc54hXMpaH8twqFgg/s400/client+find.jpg" alt="" 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mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" >As an American living in France, I’m always translating.<span style=""> </span>I walk down the street mumbling to myself in French, planning conversations way before I have them.<span style=""> </span>When I need to call the plumber or go to the doctor, I thumb through a French-English dictionary first.<span style=""> </span>And when I read a book on freelancing or the writing business, I translate the advice given to fit my expat life.</span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" >As I expand my freelance business to embrace copywriting I’m doing that last kind of translation more and more.<span style=""> </span>For example, many freelance copywriting books advise you to start your business by contacting local clients. Now, of course, with the internet and social media, you don't really have to do that anymore, but it makes sense. With local clients you have the advantage of sitting down with them, seeing their operations first-hand and making a more vivid impression than clients you contact remotely.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" >Some books recommend finding prospective local clients by subscribing to a local business paper or magazine, or heading off to the library to peruse industry magazines and journals, or using online contact directories. But when you're an expat freelancer, these helpful items may not exist, or you can't get your hands on them, or they don't have contacts in your region. <span style=""></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" >So, how to tap into the local English-speaking market in your country? Here are a few ideas:<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" >1. <a href="http://www.uschamber.com/international/directory"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Join your local American Chamber of Commerce</span></a>.<span style=""> </span>The American Chamber of Commerce Abroad (called AmCham) is an organization affiliated with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.<span style=""> </span>The organization has 112 chapters in 102 countries and its purpose is to “advances the interests of Americans businesses overseas.” Members are composed of businesses and individuals with business interests, and there are plenty of social and networking opportunities. Get involved, find out who’s doing what and be ready to offer your services. (Americans in Paris - <a href="http://www.amchamfrance.org/">here's</a> the link to our local AmCham).<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" >2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Get involved in your Alumni Association</span>.<span style=""> </span>Both my undergraduate and law school have alumni chapters/networks here in Paris.<span style=""> Every month I get email notifying me of local events and parties. Check to see if your school has an association in your country. If not, find out from your alumni office if there are others grads in your area. Maybe it's time to start a chapter. </span><span style=""></span></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" >3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Plan a Tweet-up</span>.<span style=""> </span>For those unfamiliar with the term, a Tweet-Up is a tweet way (sorry!) of saying “Meet Up” for people who follow each other on Twitter. I met my first official copywriting client via Twitter - not because we followed each other, but because we attended a Tweet Up and happened to sit next to each other. <span style=""> </span>Why not organize a tweet-up of people in<span style=""> </span>your area so that you can meet, greet and network face-to-face?</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">4. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Join a private organization</span><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Churches, synagogues, parenting groups, entrepreneur groups, volunteer organizations are all great ways to meet other English-speakers and find out what’s going on in the Anglophone community – and possibly land a few clients.</span><br /></span></p><p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">Expats - How do you find freelance clients?</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><br /><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" ></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" ></span> </p>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311851012396635023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997789583912715881.post-20882422917643242342011-02-23T10:17:00.000-08:002011-02-23T13:12:24.391-08:00How to Be Your Own Client<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwcRjySAf_eYKsamvRK5x-PzHtWKfmLINMhlXA90kXgMpFFfg_cywIrtsMRi-Nzgbz878m4uf6vJ2KAA9NdYffzUA78tG9mwYyXMoAdHCWAz8rd4TB_Xqa1S6j0tiME-3KQI2G24bveg/s1600/Client.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwcRjySAf_eYKsamvRK5x-PzHtWKfmLINMhlXA90kXgMpFFfg_cywIrtsMRi-Nzgbz878m4uf6vJ2KAA9NdYffzUA78tG9mwYyXMoAdHCWAz8rd4TB_Xqa1S6j0tiME-3KQI2G24bveg/s320/Client.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576994575318701954" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">image provided by freedigitalphotos.com</span><br /><br />Has this ever happened to you?: You’re writing a piece for a client or editor and that piece is <span style="font-style: italic;">singing</span> to you. Your mind is fizzing with fresh ideas; the words are flowing, smooth as milk. Every time you meet an obstacle, you battle it like a knight and leave its steaming carcass in your wake. You almost hate to let the piece go, you’ve enjoyed working on it so much, but it’s done, finished. You look it over, hit send, and off it goes to the client/editor.<br /><br />Now it's time for your personal writing projects!<br /><br />But your creative well has abruptly gone dry. Composing every sentence feels like pulling a live tooth. Each obstacle you meet looms big and scary and it whispers really mean things about ability as a writer and the pointlessness of your task. Your mind starts to wander. You start tweeting random stuff. But then – you remember that there’s another assignment you could be working on! One for a paying client! You quickly abandon your own project and start working on the other assignment. Amazingly, your energy is restored, the words are flowing, and every challenge you face, bested.<br /><br />If that’s never happened to you – respect. But I’m sure there are more than a few people out there who know what I’m talking about. I had one of those days last week. But as I put away my own stalled project to be fruitful with someone else’s, I sighed: <span style="font-style: italic;">I wish I could be my own client.</span><br /><br />Cue the thunderclap, light bulb, choir of angels or whatever imagery you prefer to use when you have a revelation. Suddenly, I realized that there was absolutely no reason why I couldn’t offer myself the same attention and creative power than people who pay me. I just had to figure out how. Here’s what I came up with:<br /><br />1. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Don’t just set goals – set a deadline</span>.<br /><br />Write down every task you need to do for your personal project: research, writing, interviews, etc. and then set a firm deadline for each one. I have never missed a deadline for a client/editor. The very idea makes me feel ill. Meeting deadlines is the bare minimum of professional conduct, right? Why, then, are we so willing to push off personal deadlines? If you want to be your own client, you need to start holding yourself to the same professional standards.<br /><br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Keep the “big picture” in mind as you work</span>.<br /><br />When you’re working for someone else, it’s easy to keep the “big picture” in mind. The big picture is usually a paycheck. Or exposure. Or building a portfolio and what have you. Once you’ve done the work, you know immediately what you’ve gained. It’s not so easy to see the big picture when you’re working on a personal project. You know what you hope to gain, but you also know that it may be a long while before you reap the fruits of your labor. Find some way of keeping the big picture in front of you as you work. It may be as simple as putting a big Post-It note on your computer screen saying: “Fame & Fortune” if that’s what you seek. Or “Financial Independence.” Or “I’m Quitting My Day Job.” You could also find a picture that embodies whatever it is you aspire to through your personal writing and put that on your desk. Whatever method you choose, make sure it’s something physical and in plain view so it can constantly remind you of your ultimate goal.<br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Obtain feedback on your work</span>.<br /><br />The nice thing about working for people other than yourself is that you usually receive feedback on your work. Of course, it’s always lovely to get positive feedback, but sometimes even critical feedback is welcome. When working on personal projects, you often get no feedback at all. This can make you feel as if you’re working in total darkness, groping and feeling your way forward. And who wants to work like that? Get some feedback on your work. Form a writer’s group. Join a writer’s forum. Get out there and let<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> another writer you trust</span> </span>to shine some light on your project.<br /><br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Praise yourself when you’ve done a good job</span>.<br /><br />Of course there will be plenty of times when you know you’ve done a good job without anyone telling you. And when that happens, don’t be afraid to pat yourself on the back or publicly acknowledge the good work you’ve done. After all, you’re the client. And when you’ve made the client happy, you deserve to feel good.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What would you add to this list? </span>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311851012396635023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997789583912715881.post-77908346633336708902011-02-10T06:03:00.000-08:002011-02-10T06:40:30.023-08:00eBook Publishing or Traditional Publishing: How to Decide Which is Right for You<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtR9GigG9dEVOthGODr0uw1_C_K0_J7dXUqcvf4lHDNzL4JFzdcY9rdbK4iyyxcRwHi90JXbxWBDn8LSbEe4pasOSwiCakIPljQjqUGXGP0zlyCRP8SIQ1PUu8_RSk1jTWxJwc2nuFHHg/s1600/ebook+print+book.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 99px;" 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mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]-->There comes a time in every modern writer’s life when she asks the question: should I write an eBook or go the traditional publishing route?<span style=""> </span>I am now at that crossroads.<br /><p></p>I have been working on a book project for the past few – okay, several – years.<span style=""> </span>In all this time, I have never once considered self-publishing the book.<span style=""> </span>I have put so much effort and research and thought into the project, I want the validation that comes with traditional publishing. <span style=""> </span>I gotta see that book on the bookshelf of Barnes & Noble one day.<br /><br />But recently, I came up with an idea for another non-fiction book that is barking and nipping at my heels all day long. It isn’t going to take years to research and write this book. <span style=""> </span>It’s a good idea.<span style=""> </span>I want to start writing it <i style="">now</i>, not just labor over a proposal and wait with fingers crossed someone else’s approval.<span style=""> </span>But at the same time, I don’t want to be hasty.<span style=""> </span>It would be a lovely little feather in my cap to have this book published via the traditional route.<span style=""> </span>So what to do?<br /><br />Here's how I made my decision - might be useful for you, too. <span style=""> </span><p><b style=""> <span style=""> </span>1. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Make a good old-fashioned pro/con list</span>. </b>I provide below my thoughts on the general advantages and disadvantages of eBook publishing.<span style=""> </span>It’s not an exhaustive list - you may come up with more items of your own. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><p><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><b style=""><span style=""> </span></b></p><b style=""> </b><b style=""> </b><table class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: medium none;" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr style="height: 18.4pt;"> <td style="width: 239.4pt; border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt; height: 18.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b style=""><span style=""> </span>Pros for eBook publishing<br /></b></p> </td> <td style="width: 239.4pt; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; padding: 0in 5.4pt; height: 18.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b style="">Cons for eBook publishing<br /></b></p> </td> </tr> <tr style=""> <td style="width: 239.4pt; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid;" valign="top" width="319"> <ul><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Can start writing immediately while creative energy for the project is high</li></ul> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"> </p><ul><li>Can publish and sell the book immediately when completed</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"> </p> <ul><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Author has total creative control over content, design, title, etc.</li></ul> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"> </p> <ul><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Shorter publishing process. </li></ul> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"> </p> <ul><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Production and distribution costs are low</li></ul> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"> </p> <ul><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Retain all rights</li></ul> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"> </p> <ul><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Receive a significantly larger share of any profits</li></ul> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"> </p> <ul><li>Potential for residual income</li></ul> </td> <td style="width: 239.4pt; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: none solid solid none;" valign="top" width="319"> <ul><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Most people don’t buy eBooks<br /></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span> Topic may not be suitable for/popular in eBook format.</li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Not as prestigious as print books with traditional publishers.</li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span> Author responsible for 100% of marketing </li></ul> <ul><li> <span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Can’t put the book on your shelf.</li></ul> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"> </p> <ul><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>No free editorial assistance</li></ul> <ul><li>May not earn a single penny </li></ul> </td> </tr> </tbody></table><b style=""> </b><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""> </b></p><b style=""> </b><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">2.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><b style="">Assign a value to each item on the list</b>.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></b>Using a scale of 1-10, I gave each item a numerical value with 10 being “very significant” and 1 being “not at all significant.”<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>I liked this process very much as it gave me an opportunity to really examine my motivations.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>For this book, I am clearly motivated by having something wholly within my creative control as well as by the prospect of residual income.<span style=""> </span>My final total was in favor of eBook publishing, 55 points to 43 points.<b style=""><span style=""><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><b style=""><br /></b></span></p><b style=""> </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">3.<span style=""> </span><b style="">Listen to your gut</b>.<span style=""> </span></b>There’s still a little voice in me that says – go for it!<span style=""> </span>Go for the traditional publisher!<span style=""> </span>And wrapped up in that voice are fantasies of book signings, seeing my book on someone’s bookshelf, talking about the book on the Today Show…..</p><p class="MsoNormal">Whatever.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>That’s not my gut talking.<span style=""> </span>It’s a few rogue cells in my brain who aren't taking into account my true objectives. When I take a look at that pro/con list with my assigned values, both my reason and my gut assures me that the eBook is the right way to go for this project.<span style=""> </span>Plus, I kinda like the idea of all the new fantasies I can conjour: publishers begging me for the rights to my eBook, promising me vast sums, three-book deals, stays in luxury hotels…..</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">What have you decided for yourself: eBook or Traditional Publishing?<span style=""> </span>Why?</i><b style=""><i style=""><span style=""> </span></i></b></p>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311851012396635023noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997789583912715881.post-17666521263227615602011-01-25T04:54:00.000-08:002011-01-25T05:05:34.395-08:00Top 5 Online Research SitesI miss lots of things about living in the U.S., but whenever I sit down to research an article, one thing I really miss is the libraries. I practically get misty-eyed thinking of libraries of my past: the majestic staircase and dusty stacks of Olin Library at Wesleyan University; the noble, marble lions, Patience and Fortitude, outside of the New York Public Library; the gilded ceilings of Library of Congress. I remember with special affection the tiny, musty Southwest Library in Washington, D.C, where as I kid, I came to scoop up my favorite friends (<span style="font-style: italic;">The Little Princess, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, A Wrinkle in Time</span>) and bring them home for a visit.<br /><br />It’s hard to get so worked up about online libraries.<br /><br />I do work in brick-and-mortar libraries here in France sometimes. We expats in Paris are lucky to have the wonderful <a href="http://www.americanlibraryinparis.org/">American Library in Paris</a> as a resource. And French libraries have a surprisingly large number of English-language books available as well as a digital system that makes these books easy to find. But the vast bulk of the research I do takes place online.<br /><br />Here are 5 of my favorite resources:<br /><br />1. <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page">Project Gutenberg</a>. I just love this site for doing historical research. The scent of old parchment practically emanates from it. This digital collection has some 34,000 texts, many dating as far back as the 16th century. As a bonus, if it doesn’t have the book you’re looking for, it provides links to other free libraries that might. Awesome.<br /><br />2. <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://findarticles.com/">FindArticles.com</a> (BNET). This site is as close as an expat freelancer can get to browsing the magazine racks at Barnes & Noble. Here you’ll find back issues of some 900 magazines. The site’s not only great for research, but it’s good for checking out whether and when a magazine has covered a particular topic. <br /><br />3. <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://books.google.com/">Google Books</a>. Using Google Books makes me feel slightly dirty. I didn’t like the broad, careless way the company interpreted copyright laws when they initiated the project, and it creeps me out to think of how they could restrict access to information, if they so chose. But, damn it, the resource is so freakin’ useful. I’ve turned to it many times when I couldn’t find a particular book in the American Library of Paris, or didn’t have two hours to wander the mammoth halls of the Bibliotèque Nationale. The expat freelancer’s job would be a hundred times more frustrating without it. So I can’t help but recommend it. I mean: 7 million digitized books. Holy cow.<br /><br />4. <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.questia.com/">Questia</a>. Questia is an online library that requires a subscription for access to most of its books. But a portion of their library, particularly academic journals and periodicals, are free. It has nowhere near the number of digitized books as Google Books (only 1.5 million), but unlike with Google books, you can read the entire text of the books offered.<br /><br />5. <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.ipl.org/">The Internet Public Library</a>. This site, created by a group of graduate students at the University of Michigan, is a new millennium concept of a library. It not only provides you with access to countless newspapers, books, magazines and articles from all over the US and abroad, but it offers features of a brick-and-mortar library. For example, it has a “Reading Room”, presents special exhibits, has an online librarian, and houses a variety of collections. I’ve found good information on this site and it’s extremely easy to navigate. The only downside is that it offers the same dangers as a “real” library: it’s easy to get sucked into fascinating rooms that you didn’t mean to be in. I love it.<br /><br />What are your favorite online sites for research?Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311851012396635023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997789583912715881.post-57419942299585355342011-01-12T02:26:00.000-08:002011-01-12T02:32:54.031-08:00Developing an Annual Business Plan for your WritingWhen I think about how little I knew about freelancing when I first started a few years ago, it takes my breath away. Amazing that I plunged head first into the business without every really thinking of it as a business! I thought – silly me – that being a freelance writer simply meant coming up with good ideas and writing about them well. I had no idea that being a freelance writer meant also being a salesperson, accountant, marketing expert, techie, researcher and more. <br /><br />Well. Now I know better. Although ideas and good writing skills are definite prerequisites for becoming a freelance writer, having a directed plan for your career matters almost as much. A business plan isn’t just about writing down your goals. It’s about developing a strategy for a successful career. It’s about figuring out how to juggle all those hats you need to wear. It’s about knowing who you are as a writer and who you want to be. And when the year comes to a close, you’ll be able to look back and clearly track your successes and failures, and understand what tactics you need to keep, improve, or abandon. <br /><br />So what does a writer’s business plan consist of? Here’s my take on it:<br /><br />1. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Mission Statement</span><br /><br />Your plan should begin with a description of your mission as a writer. What kind of writer are you? Who are your clients and what kind of service are you providing to them? For example, if you’re a print or online magazine writer your mission statement may be: “<span style="font-style:italic;">To provide editors with a steady flow of original ideas and high-quality, well-researched articles that leave the reader with some new knowledge or insight</span>.” If you’re a copywriter it may be: “<span style="font-style:italic;">To help my clients achieve their marketing objectives by providing clear, snappy, and informative copy</span>.” <br /><br />For those of us writers that have our fingers in several pies, from copywriting to blogging to ghostwriting, write a mission statement for each type of writing that you do. Having separate mission statements can help you transition your focus as you take off your magazine writing hat and put on your business writing hat. Finally, your mission statement should indicate the percentage of your business each type of writing should comprise. <br /><br /><br />2. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Objectives</span><br /><br />Record your annual and monthly goals. Yes, do your monthly goals – to the extent possible – right now! Don’t wait until the beginning of each month. Writing topics are often seasonal. In January, you might already need to be thinking of tax-related articles. In June, you might need to start thinking of Christmas. Also, as expat freelancers, we need to think about when we might be next in our homeland and how we can work that to our advantage. <br /><br />Be moderate with your goals. I’m not saying don’t reach for the stars, but if you give yourself a overwhelming number of goals or set goals that aren’t practicable given the amount of time you have available, you’re bound to become quickly frustrated. Make sure that your goals are commensurate with the percentage of time you’ve allotted to each aspect of your business in your mission statement. If you’ve said that you want your copywriting work to comprise 50% of your business, but 70% of your goals relate to another form of writing, you probably need to re-evaluate your mission. <br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Strategy</span><br /><br />The heart of your business plan should consist of a step-by-step strategy for each annual goal. These strategies should be comprehensive, but not so detailed that your ultimate goal becomes lost in a sea of tasks – aim for five to seven clear, actionable steps. Your strategy is where most of your non-writing duties come in: marketing, networking, research and so forth. As you draft your strategy, think about all the hats that you can – or should be – wearing to achieve your goals. Also, consider which ones can be delegated to others. <br /><br />4. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Financial Plan</span><br /><br />Now comes the sweat-inducing part of the plan: figuring out how much you can reasonably expect to make a year. Your financial plan should follow the same model as your overall business plan: annual goal + strategy. <br /><br />When setting your annual goal, be realistic. Pick a figure that is challenging but also feasible. Consider the type of writing you do, the rates you can charge, the likelihood of obtaining the work, and the amount of time you have available to work. <br /><br />If you’re having trouble coming up with a realistic annual figure, try setting a monthly, weekly or even daily financial goal. This approach has a couple of advantages. First, it can make your annual goal seem less daunting. Second, it can help you to determine your strategy. By knowing how much you want to earn each week, you’ll also know the type of work you need to seek, how much to charge, and the particular publications or clients you should to target to meet this goal. For example, if your goal is to make $500 a week, you’ll know that you’d have to write 10 articles worth at least $50 a piece, write 5 press releases at $100 a pop, or find some other combination that works. If you find that you’re not anywhere near meeting your goal of $500 a week, you need to make some changes to your rates, your clients, or to the goal itself. <br /><br />***<br /><br />Of course, there’s no single way to create a business plan that works. What does your elements does your business plan contain?Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311851012396635023noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997789583912715881.post-79727364845294038062010-12-08T05:53:00.001-08:002010-12-08T06:02:53.179-08:00Are you being bold enough in your freelance career?So busy was I last month, that I forgot to link my post:"<a href="http://tinyurl.com/2ansjfa">Cultivating Boldness: How to Be a Bold Freelancer</a>" on FreelanceSwitch.com. Check it out!Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311851012396635023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997789583912715881.post-2468979720481320842010-12-07T04:20:00.000-08:002010-12-07T04:49:35.432-08:00Key Elements of a Freelance Writer's Business CardLast Saturday, I sat down to accomplish what I thought would be a simple and straightforward task: picking my business card. But instead of taking the one or two hours I thought it would, I agonized about it all weekend, dragging friends and my husband to peer at my designs; even, in a desperate moment, trying to get my preschooler to weigh in. In the end, I’m satisfied with the design and format I chose, but I can’t stop thinking about it.<br /><br />What are the elements of a good business card for a freelance writer? Your name should be on it, of course, along with your email address, website address and telephone number. But beyond that? There are worlds of opinions. Most freelancers agree that today’s business card should be creative,. Forget about those standard white cards with your name, title and coordinates -- bright colors, patterns and designs are the way to go these days, as are cards with vertical orientation. After that, consensus goes awry. Here are some of the issues.<br /><br />1. <strong>Your title</strong>. What should a freelance writer call his or herself? “Writer” isn’t specific enough, as it doesn’t tell people what kind of writing you do. For some, “freelance writer” is acceptable, but others say that it’s still not detailed enough – you need to say “business writer” or “travel writer” and so on. And if you’re an editor or proofreader in addition to writer? You need to have that on there too.<br /><br /><em>My take</em>: If you can be specific as “travel writer” and “business writer” and those are the only markets you’re targeting, then go for it. But if you’re like me and can’t, or don’t, want to define yourself so narrowly, I say stick with “Freelance Writer” or “Writer & Editor” and so forth. There are other areas on your card to indicate what your business is about.<br /><br />2. <strong>A description of services</strong>. Some writers swear that it is essential to list your areas of specialization on your card. For example, on the back of your card you might have a bullet point list noting that you specialize in press releases, brochures, white papers and other marketing materials.<br /><br /><em>My take</em>: It’s a fine idea but it carries the risk of cluttering your card. My eyes glazed over at some of the examples I saw. The business cards were so crowded with information that I could barely find the name of the person whose card it was. In my view, the card should just be an initial enticement to get potential clients to look at your site. It doesn’t have to be a mini-version of your site.<br /><br />3. <em><strong><em>A tagline</em></strong></em>. Many writers add a short text summing up their abilities or the service they offer.<br /><br /><em>My take</em>: Again, it’s a great idea, if you have a gripping tagline. If you have a hum-drum tag, you might as well have none. But a really good tagline can make people sit up and take notice. One of the best taglines I've come across was that of freelance writer Susan Johnston, author of the <a href="http://www.urbanmusewriter.com/">Urban Muse </a>blog. Her tag? <em>Clear. Creative. Compelling</em>. I loved that. Those three words gave me a nice little preview of Susan Johnston’s style and what she could offer a client. Of course, it completely ruined me for coming up with a brilliant tagline of my own. I kept thinking: “I know! <em>Clear…Creative</em>…oh, wait.” Rather than forcing the issue, I opted to go tag-less, for now. Business cards are fairly inexpensive. If a dazzling line comes to me, then I’ll simply order new ones.<br /><br /><br />4. <em><strong><em>Your address</em></strong></em>. For privacy reasons, some freelancers don’t put their address on their business cards, giving only email, phone numbers and the like. Others give only city and state (and country).<br /><br /><em>My take</em>: I suppose it could be risky – but, for heaven’s sake, these days just giving your name to someone enables them to find out all kinds of personal information about you. Since I’m marketing my services internationally, I felt that having an address grounded my business…and explained why my telephone number is a foreign one. I could be persuaded of the folly of this.<br /><br />There are countless other issues to consider: should you include a Twitter handle? Your Skype phone number? A photo of yourself? A logo? The list goes on…<br /><br />Personally, I feel that less is more. As writers, it’s important to know how to deliver effective messages concisely – and our business cards should reflect that. If your budget allows, get a second business card that offers a slightly different slant, so that you don’t have to cover all your bases in one shot. <br /><br />In the end, I don't know if my business card is perfect, but I do know this: having a less-than-perfect business card is better than having no card at all. If you don't yet have a business card, check out the following printing sites:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/ns/default.aspx?GP=12%2f7%2f2010+7%3a24%3a50+AM&GPS=1395180709&GNF=1">Vista Print </a>– This site offers free business cards – you only pay for shipping. It must be popular with many freelance writers as several blogs that I've read mention it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/businesscards">Zazzle</a> – I ordered my cards at this site. I really liked that you can customize your own design. The cards haven’t been delivered yet, so I can’t speak to their quality.<br /><br /><strong>What do you think a freelance writer’s business card should include?</strong>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311851012396635023noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997789583912715881.post-944491643456043672010-11-25T04:02:00.000-08:002010-11-29T06:21:56.616-08:005 Mistakes Every Freelance Writer Should AvoidYes, yes...shame on me for not posting in so long. But be happy for me! Silence on the blog generally means that I've had lots of paying work to keep me busy. It's sad that the blog falls by the wayside during busy stretches, but hey - something's gotta give. And now that I'm entering a "famine" period, I have time to share with you some of the stuff that I've learned.<br /><br />I've noticed recently that pretty much every freelance blog has an article titled something like: "5 Mistakes Freelance Writers Make" so I thought I'd go ahead and throw in my 2 centimes.<br /><br />1. <strong>Failing to follow-up on queries, promising leads, etc</strong>. Always, always, always follow-up on queries that you've sent or any leads you've gotten. About 50% of the magazine work I've snagged has come from following-up on original queries that went unanswered. Most of the time, the editor has actually thanked me for sending a follow-up, saying that s/he was interested but lost track of the query, the time, etc. You may be letting potential work slip through your fingers if you don't follow up, so make sure that you do! Even if you get a rejection on the follow-up, you can take advantage of the contact by quickly throwing more ideas in the editor's path while your name is still fresh in his or her mind.<br /><br />2. <strong>Being a Perfectionist</strong>. It sounds like a great answer to that classic job interview question "What is your greatest weakness?" but striving for perfection can hurt as much as it can help. It can make you less efficient, promotes procrastination, and keeps you from advancing. I am a recovering perfectionist. I used to spend <em>weeks</em> on a single query letter. I'd interview and sometimes even re-interview potential sources to find the perfect quote to include in the pitch. Or I would spend days and days immersing myself in background research, as if an editor was going to give me a pop quiz on the subject. And then, of course, I would write the query letter over and over, looking at it from every conceivable angle, until I felt assured of its brillance and perfection. But none of this saved me from receiving rejections and it wasted <em>a lot</em> of time.<br /><br />These days, I avoid the trappings of perfectionism by setting a reasonable estimated time for completion of a project. If I find myself taking too long on a task, I step back and make an honest assessment of whether the extra time is justified. If not, I force myself to move on. Since becoming less of a perfectionist, my productivity has improved immensely --and I don't think the quality my work has suffered at all.<br /><br />3. <strong>Failing to fully understand the terms of service and publication</strong>. Always make sure that you understand everything that is required of you and the circumstances of publication before starting to write. When is the article due? How many words should it be? What rights are you retaining? When will it be published? When will you be paid? Is there a kill fee? Does the editor expect you to provide photographs? All of this information should be clear - and in writing - before you lift a pen (or move your mouse).<br /><br />4. <strong>Failing to Diversify</strong>. It's nice to have steady work with a client that always pays on-time. But it doesn't pay to get too comfortable with the gig, no matter how reliable it seems. What will you do if your client's business folds or no longer needs you? A freelance writer should always be looking for the next (or another) gig. It's exhausting, but it's the trade-off for being able to work in our pajamas. And this leads me to my final point....<br /><br />5. <strong>Failing to Have a Plan for Your Career</strong>. You know, I thought I had a plan for my freelance career. But after having read the very excellent book, <a href="http://thewealthyfreelancer.com/book/">"The Wealthy Freelancer"</a><br />I have come to realize that all I really have is a bunch of goals. Naturally, having clear, written short-term and long-terms goals for your writing is essential, but it's not necessarily the same thing as having a plan. Goals tell you where you want to go; plans tell you how to get there. Freelancing is a business and without a proper business plan, you may find yourself career stalled.<br /><br />Happy Writing!Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311851012396635023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997789583912715881.post-6825782294509136872010-10-05T13:10:00.000-07:002010-10-05T13:15:37.342-07:00The Only Book I Feel Like ReadingMan, it’s been forever since I updated, but September was a crazy month. My three-year old started school, my husband was all over the world, I had lots of freelancing work to do (yay!), and I had to adjust (am still adjusting) to a completely different work schedule.<br /><br />Perhaps because September was so stressful, I experienced a sensation that I have only felt once or twice before in my life: I didn’t feel like reading.<br /><br />For those who know me, this is a huge deal – perhaps even unthinkable. I’m someone who won’t buy a purse, no matter how fashionable, if I can’t fit a small paperback into it. I panic if I go on holiday and I think I haven’t brought along enough books. My husband says, not entirely with admiration, that I’m addicted to books.<br /><br />I’m beginning to think he’s right because even though I didn’t feel like reading last month, I still craved it. I didn’t want to but I had to read. It was weird. I would climb into bed at night, wanting nothing more than to go to sleep, but instead of punching my pillow and turning the lights off, I’d find myself looking through the books on my nightstand (which is actually a full-sized bookcase), feeling distressed because absolutely nothing appealed to me and yet I knew I needed something. <br /><br />The book that finally appeased my soul was this: Harry Potter. Any of ‘em. All of ‘em. (Well, except the last). <br /><br />Why Harry Potter? After giving it some thought, here’s what I figured out: the reason I didn’t feel like reading was because reading had become work. I couldn’t read a magazine without thinking of topics that I might pitch. I couldn’t read a non-fiction book without thinking about my own non-fiction WIP that so desperately needs my attention. I couldn’t read a fiction book without analyzing sentence structure, character development, the author’s word choice, or fretting about when I will ever have time for fiction again.<br /><br />But when reading Harry Potter, all of that fell away. Not only is Harry Potter’s world a wonderful place in which to spend time, the JK Rowling story is one that warms the heart of any writer. I’m sure you know the tale: a depressed single-mom, down on her luck, comes up with an idea about a boy wizard while stuck on a train, writes the book, is rejected 12 times, but eventually finds and publisher and goes on to become the first writer billionaire. I love it! Reading the books with this in mind, all I felt was pleasure and inspiration. Just the thing a tired mom needs. <br /><br />October is shaping up to be just as busy as September and I’m probably going to finish re-re-re-reading the Harry Potter series in the next week or so. Does anyone have another suggestion for a good book to read when you really don’t feel like reading? <br /><br />It's not for myself that I'm asking. It's for a....friend.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311851012396635023noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997789583912715881.post-20089278413319556002010-09-08T12:28:00.000-07:002010-09-08T12:43:34.347-07:00International Freelancer's DayWere you aware that September 24th is <a href="http://www.internationalfreelancersday.com/International">International Freelancer's Day</a>?<br /><br />Me neither.<br /><br />But it is. In honor of this day, there is going to be international online video conference exclusively for “the solo professional.” (Note that this isn’t just for freelance writers, but freelancers of all stripes, from copywriters to graphic designers to translators.)<br /><br />According to the website, on September 24 and 25th, conference participants will have access to 10-15 video presentations per day featuring topics relevant to building a successful freelance business. Just as with a regular conference, the videos will play at a certain time and date. And best of all – it’s free! All you have to do is <a href="http://www.internationalfreelancersday.com/">sign up</a>.<br /><br />I’ll definitely be watching at least a few of the videos. As I pointed out a few months ago, we expat freelancers often have to go through a lot of trouble to attend conferences, so it’s great to have one that we don’t even need shoes to attend. Moreover, I’m optimistic about the conference because it’s being organized by Steve Slaunwhite, Ed Gandia, and Pete Savage, the three authors of “The Wealthy Freelancer” – a book I’m currently reading. I’ll review the book on this blog in a few days, but I’ll say right now that I’m really enjoying it. These guys have something good - and new – to say.<br /><br />If you’re still not convinced about the conference, watch the introductory video on the conference’s website. It’s not super-informative as to the actual events, but nevertheless gets you all jazzed up to participate and proud of being a freelancer. It makes us seem like we’re Gladiators or something.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311851012396635023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997789583912715881.post-70052234524914226572010-09-04T12:23:00.000-07:002010-09-04T13:19:57.872-07:00A Post for la Rentree: What My Law Career Taught Me About FreelancingSince everyone in France goes on summer vacation at roughly the same time, the return to normal life in September is called <em>"la rentrée"</em> (the re-entry). It's one of my favorite times of the year, not only because the weather tends to be at its best, but because Parisians are so unusually cheerful and I like the laid-back, almost careless way everyone eases into their regular routines. One is busy, returning phone calls, answering emails, getting kids ready for school -- but not stressed. It's as if the entire city has recently awoken, yawning and smiling, from a long, pleasant nap.<br /><br />In the laid-back spirit la rentrée, I return to this blog simply by linking an article I recently wrote for FreelanceSwitch.com called <a href="http://freelanceswitch.com/freelance-writing/law-career-freelance-writing/">"What My Law Career Taught Me about Freelance Writing."</a> My life as lawyer definitely taught me a thing or two about how to run a freelance business.<br /><br />Happy Autumn!Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311851012396635023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997789583912715881.post-19788234651359616202010-07-06T01:14:00.000-07:002010-07-07T03:24:01.109-07:00Notes from the MotherlandAhhh...it's great to be in the Motherland. When I walk into the bookstore and see the array of magazines on display (so bountiful and so cheap, compared to the jacked up international prices) I bemoan my expat status. <em>How easy freelancers have it here!</em> I think. I<em> would be churning out dozens of queries a week, if I lived here. </em><br /><br />It's not true, of course. My two little monsters are the primary reason I don’t write more, not my diminished access to U.S. writing markets. But nonetheless, I am scrambling to take advantage of my time in the U.S. and accomplish a slew of freelancing tasks that are easier to do over here than over there.<br /><br />For the expat freelancer that may be visiting his or her home country for a spell this summer, here are a few freelance-related duties you might want to take care of while there:<br /><br />1. <strong>Pay a lengthy visit to the bookstore.</strong><br /><br />I’ve always adored books and bookstores, so it’s great to have a job that virtually demands that I spend a lot of time in one. When I’m at a bookstore for professional purposes, I spend about 60% of my time hanging out at the magazine stand, searching for new markets and staying updated on old ones. I spend 30% of the time checking out the latest nonfiction books to assess which topics are hot and might be relevant to articles or queries that I have in the pipeline. I jot down any titles and/or authors that might be a good future source. The remainder of the time, I loaf around in fiction.<br /><br />2. <strong>Research at the library.</strong><br />Expat freelancers based in Paris are lucky to have the <a href="http://www.americanlibraryinparis.org/">American Library in Paris</a> at their disposal. But the library is based upon donations and doesn’t always have the most recent books. Neither do online libraries. So, when I return to the U.S., I always bring a list of topics that I want to research in the library while I’m there.<br /><br />3. <strong>Do some interviews</strong><br /><br />Most of the sources that I interview are based in the U.S. When possible, I schedule telephone interviews while I’m in the U.S. so that I don’t have to deal with huge time zone differences. Trying to schedule a phone interview with a person in Seattle while I’m in France just sucks.<br /><br /><br />4. <strong>Check out local markets</strong><br /><br />I am fiercely jealous of freelancers based in their home country because not only they (probably) have an easier time finding new markets, they also have access to plenty of local markets. While at home, I grab up every halfway interesting-looking local paper, magazine or rag. Most of the time they publish local news, but some of them have travel departments that may be worth looking into.<br /><br />5. <strong>Take an Editor to Lunch</strong><br /><br />Two of my favorite freelance writing guidebooks recommend occasionally taking editors that you work for out for lunch to improve client relations and get an opportunity to present your ideas in person. Hmmph. None of the publications I write for are based in my home city and, even if there was one here, I’m not sure whether I’d actually have the gumption to ask an editor out for lunch. It sounds like a good idea, though, if you think the editor might be amenable to that sort of thing and you have the sort of personality that could pull a lunch like that off. Me, I’m not ready for that. Maybe next summer.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311851012396635023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997789583912715881.post-6398410637497778992010-06-16T14:46:00.000-07:002010-06-16T15:02:50.246-07:00Don't. Stop. Me. Now! (I'm having such a good time... having a ball...)I wasn’t sure where to put this post – here or at my other blog, <a href="http://theinternationalmama.blogspot.com/">International Mama</a>. But I guess it’s most appropriate here since maybe other expat freelancers can relate.<br /><br />In my last post, I mentioned how living abroad means working around an unfamiliar vacation schedule. I was pretty cheery about it in that post, having just spent 10 days in the sunny climes of Biarritz. But now it’s the middle of June and my real summer vacation is looming in front of me like a black hole. I know that as much as I’ll fight it initially, come the start of July I’m going to get sucked into that hole and not fully emerge until the beginning of September. It’s making me sad.<br /><br />People who don’t freelance don’t really get it: “Just enjoy!” they say. Or, if American they say, “I wish I had so much vacation.” And I respond: “I wish someone would continue to pay me during my vacations!”<br /><br />But, you know what? It isn’t just missing out on a paycheck. I hate losing momentum. I’ve had some great breaks in the past two months and I want to keep riding on that high you get when people like – and pay for - your work. Vacations make me happy but so does getting an email that says: “love that story idea…will be sending you a contract shortly.” My husband thinks I’m a workaholic. But really I just love writing. I love building a career from scratch. I love feeling increasingly confident about my work and taking on bigger challenges.<br /><br />Right about now, you might be saying<em>: so, don’t take such a long vacation</em>. Uh-huh, I hear through my computer. Well, the thing is, my other job requires me to go on vacation: my mom job. The tots need to spend time with my family in the U.S. They need to see their family in Germany. They need to spend time with me and my husband, when we’re not sneaking glances at our cell phones or “just quickly checking” something on the computer. To accomplish all this traveling takes time – and thank goodness for our kids – time is something we have.<br /><br />I know that once vacation starts, I won’t be worrying too much about the work I’m missing. I’ll get a chance to do some personal journaling. I’ll get lots of article ideas. And I’ll get my writing groove back in September. Still, as vacation inches ever closer, I can’t help but feel as if I’m preparing to say goodbye to a good friend for awhile.<br /><br />Readers - what about you? Are you reluctant to stop working? Is this an expat problem or a freelancer problem? Or maybe a mom problem?Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311851012396635023noreply@blogger.com2