Tuesday, July 2, 2019

The Pros and Cons of Writing as a Dream Job


by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

Is writing your dream job? Do you want to write full time or on the side? Here are some aspects to consider.

The Pros
  • Freelance writing can be portable. I can write anywhere including on the sidelines of my child’s soccer practice, on an airplane, at the library, or at home in my bunny slippers. 
  • A 40-hour week can be a flexible 50-hour week. Jerry Jenkins grew his career by writing for an hour each morning before his day job, and at night after his boys had been tucked into bed. 
  • While interviewing and researching, I meet a lot of interesting people, including other writers. 
  • There are many informative and encouraging conferences to attend featuring proven writers and top keynote speakers. Conferences often provide opportunities to pitch ideas to editors and publishers.
  • There is always room to improve my craft. Writing is not boring.
The Cons
  • If a steady paycheck calms your nerves, it may be better to get a regular gig with a publication or marketing firm. Or get a regular job doing something easier than writing like becoming a brain surgeon. 
  • Writers invest as much time marketing as writing. Writers are not always writing.
  • Not everyone wants your work. 
If I could go back to when I was starting out, what would I tell myself about the world of freelance writing? 
  • Network! Attend events and conferences to meet others and keep up with the ever-changing industry. 
  • Never burn a bridge. Be gracious and professional. Look for the best in others. Remember that people do what they do for their own reasons and it is rarely about you. 
  • Be an excellent team player. 
  • If this is your business, run it like a business. Give readers and publishers what they want and need. How can you make their life easier and better? 
  • Be contract savvy. Or know someone who is that will be your second pair of eyes.
  • Be accurate!!! Check your facts and spellings of names. 
  • Stay humble and remember who is your Savior, Source, protection, and provision. 
  • Always have a unique question ready for those serendipity moments when you cross paths with a significant person. For example, what would you ask a successful writer? An astronaut? The leader of a nation?
  • You can learn something from everyone.
  • Get a mentor.
  • Mentor others.
  • Help fellow writers be successful in their career.

The creative life is simultaneously art, craft, communication, and tool. And like every other dream job, writing has its own pros and cons to consider.

TWEETABLES
The Pros and Cons of #Writing as a Dream Job - @PeggySueWells on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

"Like every other dream job, writing has its own pros and cons to consider." @PeggySueWells on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Tropical island votary and history buff, PeggySue Wells parasails, skydives, snorkels, scuba dives, and has taken (but not passed) pilot training. Writing from the 100-Acre wood in Indiana, Wells is the bestselling author of twenty-eight books including The Slave Across the Street, Slavery in the Land of the Free, Bonding With Your Child Through Boundaries, Homeless for the Holidays, and Chasing Sunrise. Optimistic dream-driver, PeggySue is named for the Buddy Holly song with the great drumbeat. At school author visits, she teaches students the secrets to writing, and speaks at events and conferences. Connect with her at www.PeggySueWells.com, on Facebook at PeggySue Wells, and Twitter @PeggySueWells. 

4 comments:

  1. Great insights, good and bad ma'am. Thank you

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  2. I continue to learn about the pros and cons of writing. Each day brings a new experience in the world of writing. :-)

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  3. Fortunately, there are more pros than cons.
    Great article, Peggy Sue.

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