Freelance Writer - Blog Posts
Writing at The Coffee Shop.
I live pretty close to a local coffee shop, which offers free Wi-Fi. I decided to start working on my writing orders at this coffee shop 1-2 a week. It was going well. I was able to get out of the house a few days a week, and it helped me to focus on my work with minimal distractions. It's only a few minutes from my home, and my niece works here, so we can walk together at times. Now? I'm here 4-5 days a week. My brain associates it with work, so I'm able to focus better on my writing orders. I barely get distracted by anything or even open social media. It's just me, my headphones, and my work. It's not crowded often and the employees are so welcoming. The prices are also reasonable, which is a must because I won't write here without at least purchasing a beverage. It's a small/local business, so I want to support them as best as I can. Having a place to just focus and write has been a game-changer for me. I think I also needed to get out of the house (without constantly walking to the store to do so). It's been working out for me, and I think coming here is one of the best decisions I've made for my writing. Furthermore, I can stay home if I need a mental health day, the weather is unkind, or I feel under the weather. But I also like the option of being able to walk up here at the last minute to get out or focus on an order. :)
Good Evening, Writers and Readers.
I hope everyone is doing well! When my anxiety was bad, I dreaded Mondays. I felt they were the start of another anxious, depressing week. Now that my anxiety is back at a manageable level, I'm back to enjoying Mondays. For me, Mondays are for fresh starts; another chance to work toward my goals and make positive changes. This could be an insanely productive week. I could start fixing my sleep schedule again. Maybe I'll FINALLY figure this time management thing out. You never know what the week may bring. Right now, I'm working on a few writing orders on a writing platform. It's something to fill in the gaps as I wait for my clients to prepare and send off my work for the week. The orders are for a writing team, and I'm looking to knock out as many as I can before they're all gone. Then, I'd like to bake some cupcakes. Since I've been in an autumn/Halloween mood, I'm going to decorate them with black and orange sprinkles. So, baking is another thing I'd like to accomplish today. Writing orders and baking... how's that for a work-life balance lol?
Welp, I'm going to wrap this up, but I hope everyone has a great week! Take care! :)
“The writer is by nature a dreamer – a conscious dreamer.”
— Carson Mccullers
First Post in Months!
Hey, hey, hey! It's been quite a while, and I've been meaning to sign back in and post, but I just haven't gotten around to it… until now.
I'll start off by sharing the reason I had stopped posting altogether. I was dealing with anxiety (which led to depression) for some of February and a good chunk of March. I've been dealing with it for years, but it became unmanageable and disrupted my diet and sleep habits. Since finding a psychiatriast (in addition to my therapist), I've gotten my medication changed and adopted healthy outlets (i.e., Animal Crossing and getting outside), and my anxiety is back at a mangeable level.
Next, work had picked up across several platforms, so I've been busy with my writing orders. I'm not complaining though; I'm grateful for the work, even when I was swamped. I would rather be stressed because I have too much than worried because I don't have enough.
Finally, I've been working on my work-life balance, so once I'm finished with my work, I'll usually shut down the laptop for the night. I decided this evening that I should really get in here and post something.
So, that's basically where I've been. I'll try to do better at sharing updates on my writing journey. If anyone reads this, or even if you don't, I hope you're all doing well! :)
Just keep swimming. Just keep writing. Goodnight, everyone! :)
Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.
— Louis L'Amour
I'm Offering A Writing Gig of 1,000+ Words On Fiverr
I offer multiple writing packages on my Fiverr gigs, which are 300, 500, and 700 words. Of course, I also offer custom orders for those who need more than 700 words. I've had clients need to place an order for 1,000+ words. After several years of custom orders, I decided it was time to create a separate gig.
My writing gigs are for specific topics, of course, but they also vary in topic. My main topics include apartment/home living, children and family, and holidays. My sub topics are an expansion of the main topics, i.e., “How To Make A Small Space Feel Larger,” “Tips For Taking A Road Trip With Your Family,” and “Host A Halloween Party With These Ideas.”
I've taken other topics, within reason, of course.
My latest gig features three packages, which are 1,000, 1,500, and 2,000 words, as well as custom offers for even longer content. It's pricier than my other gigs because there is more time that goes into a longer order. I'm spending more time researching, writing, proofreading, and editing to ensure it fits my client's needs. In addition, I always proofread my orders twice. Sometimes three times if necessary.
My goal is to deliver quality content by the deadline, and this is not something I take lightly.
Well, here comes the "Call To Action" portion of my post. I can add a CTA to your content as well. ;)
If you need content of 1,000+ words, written by an author who only wants to deliver the best content possible, please check out my latest gig. I'm available Monday through Friday, but I can discuss your project over weekends. Thank you so much!
“A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.”
— Richard Bach
I've Joined Two More Writing Websites.
I recently decided to take the leap and join Medium and Vocal Media, which have both been added to my Linktree. I’m grateful to be a freelance writer. I love what I do, and I enjoy working with my clients. But sometimes, I need a creative outlet to just express myself and interact with others. I can do just that on Medium and Vocal Media. Now, I don’t expect to make bank on either website (I was just accepted into the Medium Partner Program and Vocal Media pays per view. I’ll have to elaborate on each website at some point). It would be a nice little side hustle; spare change to add to my savings account. However, I know that’s going to take time to get to that point. I’ve been freelance writing since 2009, so this isn’t my first rodeo. I took my time gaining followers on Medium, so I can take my time with earning on both websites. Right now, I’m enjoying having other places to share my thoughts, feelings, and experiences. :) And hey, maybe I’ll make some new friends! I don’t really have a lot of friends in the writing community because it’s not something I thought or knew to branch out in, so maybe that’ll change on these websites.
I did link both of my pages in the opening paragraph, so you’re welcome to follow me on either if you have an account and want to (but no pressure or obligation). Okay, I do have a freelance writing order for a client to work on, so I need to get that finished. I may catch you all a little later. :)
It's been a while, but hello! :)
“I wanted to be a writer, so I became one. How? I wrote things down.”
— Ariel Gore
It's me, I'm my own culprit lol. But I'm working on it. :)
My Writing Week.
Hey, hey, hey. So here is how my writing week is shaping up: - I'm doing a bunch of orders for one of my favorite writing teams on Textbroker. - I'm starting a project of four writing orders this week. It's not due until 10/28, but they're easy orders, and I would rather not wait until the last minute to get started. - I want to post on here for fun. - I also want to post on MyLot for both fun and spare change. - My goal is to also get back into my journaling and planning offline, as I skipped last week because I was so busy. Whatever you have on your agenda, I hope it's a great writing week for you all. :)
Agreed. Sometimes, I'm so focused on orders on the job board or deadlines, that I forget that I need to take care of myself as well. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup.
By Top Girl studio.
https://www.instagram.com/topgirl.studio/
Hey, hey, hey, everyone! It's Monday (evening on my end), and a new week is a fresh start. I'm going to work on a few writing orders today, but I don't have any tight deadlines, so yippy-skippy lol!
Regardless of what's on your agenda, I hope it's an amazing writing week for all of you! 😊
Photo Credit: Bellahu123 on Pixabay.
Swamped With Work, But Still Swimming.
Just keep swimming? Or just keep writing? ;) It's Sunday, and I don't normally work weekends if I can help it, but I fell a little behind over the week... so here I am. It's okay though. I didn't have anything else planned for the weekend, other than running an errand yesterday, so I'm fine with working today. I'm kind of swamped with work. Here's what's on my plate: - Finishing up a 4,000-word order on a kitchen appliance. I have already written over 2,000 words, so I have no doubt I'll finish it tonight. It's due on Tuesday, but I would rather submit it before the weekend ends. - Completing a 700-word order on home decor/furniture. I've been receiving work from this client at least once or twice a week for several weeks now, so I found my groove with writing it. It's due by 3am (tonight into tomorrow), but I know I'll get it done on time. And that's what's on the agenda today. If you're writing anything this weekend, I hope the gears are turning well! As for me, I need to stop procrastinating and get my work done. :)
Regardless of what you're writing, I hope you all have a great writing week! :)
“Rule one, you have to write. If you don’t write, nothing will happen.”
— Neil Gaiman
What I’ve Learned As A Freelance Writer
Hello, hello, helloooo. I hope you’re all doing well. :) I’ve been freelance writing for over 10 years, and I thought I’d share what I’ve learned as a freelance writer.
Don’t Put All Your Eggs In One Basket I’ve seen websites go under, and I’ve had clients disappear on me. It used to send me into panic mode, but I’ve learned not to put all my eggs in one basket. Now, I always make sure I’m on enough writing teams and keeping in touch with my regular clients. I also bookmark other freelance/content writing websites to research as needed. Always Do Your Research Sometimes, a writing website sounds too good to be true because it IS too good to be true. Whether it’s for blogging or content writing, you should always research a website and/or ask for opinions before diving right in. At least that’s what I do. Don’t Be Afraid To Try Something New Even though I had an account for years, it took me until 2018/2019 to even post a gig on Fiverr. It was different from the websites I’m used to, so I wasn’t ready until then. I’m glad I made that leap because that’s where I land some of my writing clients. The same can also be said for joining new writing teams and websites, or taking on a new client. If it’s possible and legit, do not be afraid to take the leap because it could lead to something great. However, Learn When To Say No When my Fiverr gigs started picking up traction, I would try to do anything. If I didn’t feel qualified? I’d turn it down. If I was already swamped with work? I would do it and cut it close to my deadlines, or I’d pull an all-nighter to get things done. I’ve learned when to say “no” and/or put up my away message. It’s good to be productive, but you don’t want to overextend yourself and risk burnout. It’s Okay To Make Mistakes - But Make Sure You Learn From Them When I first joined Textbroker, I made a lot of comma mistakes because I wasn’t knowledgeable in the AP Style. I went from avoiding commas (unless I was sure I was right) to taking the time to learn how to properly use the commas. If I’m unsure of anything in general, I hit up Google to double-check it. I also read out loud when proofreading, and I proofread my longer writing orders twice. You’re a human being. You’re going to make mistakes, and that’s okay, but you want to make sure you learn from them. Write Outside Your Freelance Work It’s good to write for fun and as a hobby. I run this blog, as well as a grief-related blog (because I lost my parents) and a fan blog for my favorite band. I’m a member of MyLot, and I have multiple online/offline journals for sharing my thoughts. Write outside of your work. Express yourself. Keep the creative juices flowing. And mostly, don’t lose your passion for writing.
Those are just a few things I’ve learned as a freelance writer, and I hope they help you to grow into the writer you wish to be. :) What have you learned as a freelance or creative writer?
Quotable – Stephen Leigh
Read more about the author here
I’m Looking For Legit MTurk Alternatives
Hello, everyone. I'm going to share a short story followed by a question.
Around 10 years ago, I started doing various tasks on Amazon MTurk. It was a nice way to make a little extra money, even if it was just spare change. There were even times when I could find short writing-related tasks. Basically, I enjoyed my time there because it was nice to change things up every now and then. Then one day, I was told they couldn't verify me, so I couldn't use MTurk anymore. I even contacted them a few years later to try again, which they allowed, and they still couldn't verify me. I honestly have no idea why because I sent everything they required, but unfortunately, I figured I should just throw in the towel. So here is my question, does anyone know of any legit MTurk alternatives? I'd prefer websites over apps (but I'm open to apps) that pay via PayPal. I'm not looking for anything that I need a paid membership to use (I don't know if that's a thing with MTurk alternatives, but I just wanted to clarify that one). Please, I'm looking for serious, legit answers only. I'm not going to respond to any spam. If anyone knows of any alternatives, thank you in advance. I'll also search for alternatives on my own, but I thought I'd see if anyone has any experience on any of the websites or apps. Thank you so much, and I hope you all have a great weekend! :)
I hope you all reach your writing goals for this month. Have a good night! :)
A new month has begun.
A new month has begun.
Cheer up this month! :) ⠀
My First Experience On A Writing Website
Aside from online journals and diaries, my first experience on a writing website was Associated Content (later known as Yahoo! Contributor Network). I submitted a few articles here and there in 2009, and in 2010, I decided to start writing and submitting articles to AC/YCN weekly. I’m not going to lie and say that I made a ton of money off those articles. I received upfront payments for a lot of them, as well as monthly payments for article views. What I really received from my time on AC/YCN was (freelance) writing experience. My articles were mainly things such as “Top 5 Toys For Infants” and “5 Craft Ideas For Valentine’s Day” because those were familiar topics for me. My late Father introduced me to “Top X” articles, and I knew of craft projects because I used to work with children. Other topics were local and seasonal, from museums in my area to autumn-themed activities. Even when I moved on from submitting articles for upfront payments to working on other websites, I would still receive a little each month for views, so I thought that was cool. I did try out other websites, such as Triond and Bukisa, but I still preferred Associated Content. Associated Content/Yahoo! Contributor Network has been gone for several years now, but I’m grateful for my time on that website. I feel it helped me to learn and grow as a writer, and I got my feet wet in freelance writing.
Where did you first get your start in freelance writing? If you’re just getting started, keep at it. I know you can gain experience, grow as a writer and reach your goals. :)
Oh, but I'm finished for the night. :)
Introduction.
Recently, I realized that I have shared a few posts on here, but I never actually introduced myself. For starters, I'm Tammy! :)
I have always loved writing. I can remember writing stories (alone and with my younger sister) as a child. As a teenager, I enjoyed writing poetry, and I loved the creative writing class I took as a sophmore in high school. Throughout my teenage years and early 20s, I was constantly writing in online journals because I love being able to express myself through words on a screen (or even on paper).
Now, at 37 years old, I am a freelance writer on various websites. I am a member of a discussion website that allows you to practically blog for a small payment (spare change, basically, but a great website). I also have several non-work-related blogs for no reason other than the fact that I wanted to blog. Finally, I recently started journaling offline again, as a way to get my thoughts off my chest, but for my eyes only.
I've often said that if I won the lottery tomorrow, I'd still take on my writing orders with my clients, and I'd still run my other blogs for fun. I would get bored otherwise.
Writing as always been a part of me. Being a writer is who I am.
I am not sure where I am going with this blog, or what order my experiences, memories and thoughts will be posted in. It's just a way for me to share my journey as a freelance writer, and as someone who enjoys writing for fun.
Speaking of which, I have an order on Fiverr to work on soon. I hope everyone reading this has a great day! :)
I'm a freelance (content) writer, and procrastination and I like to battle it out weekly. This week, I'm determined to win the battle. Sooo, let me get off of Tumblr and other social media platforms and get back to work. :)
The one true thing that makes you a writer is that you write. 🧚🏻♂️✨✨
@southfarthing you are absolutely correct and you should say it louder
I'm imagining if tolkien lived now and publishers were asking him if he had enough followers on twitter and if he could film videos to market his found family elfcore magic cottagevibes worldbuilding fantasy book on tiktok. i think he would run them over with his car actually
I’ll go ahead and check it out :)
The Outcasts
The Outcasts is a superhero series I'm writing featuring black superheroes! It will be comprised of six novellas and the seventh installment will be a full-length novella. Each novella tells the story of a different hero and they all come together at the end! I'm also planning a bunch of additional content such as fictional history books and science books!
I'm going to be doing a lore series to promote the book I already have out, so I hope you're ready!
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/smogg-jr-moon/1145216378?ean=9798881157883
I’m live on fiverr as a freelance writer! I write for anything fictional (or educational) check me out! My packages are listed in the link down below!
https://www.fiverr.com/share/WQdW3R
Santa Muerte
NO. 1
A skeletal figure dressed in robes or dressed in the virgin’s shroud, Santa Muerte is both the Grim Reap-ress and the Angel of Mercy. She is the personification of death, and her full title, Nuestra Señora de la Santa Muerte as she is well known as, brings an ambiguous and malleable identity that is associated with healing, protection, and safe delivery to the afterlife by her devotees, as her following, especially in 21st century is being celebrated all over South America, but especially Mexico City to the United States and Canada.
NO. 2
Even though Christian missionaries and leaders condemned the religion, Santa Muerte ‘‘offers hope to a society threatened with hopelessness. In the colorful barrios of Mexican culture, the figure of Death is ubiquitous. With the lure and dangers of narco-culture, the violence among competing youth gangs, the haunting realities of an economy in collapse, and the gravel fight to survive in a Tepito marketplace; Mexicans face the reality of death on a daily basis. Santa Muerte, the image of death, protects them from uncertainties in their everyday lives. When Death is the only guarantee, it seems like Death is the only one to be trusted.’’ The worship of Santa Muerte began in the mid-20th century and was clandestine until the 1990s, were most prayers and other rites have been performed traditionally at home. Now in the 21st century, worship has become a more public thing. Santa Muerte has a male counterpart in the U.S, called the skeletal folk saints San La Muerte of Paraguay and Rey Pascual of Guatemala.
NO. 3
So, what caused the worship of Santa Muerte to become a massive, worldwide following? Drug violence, for one, and loss of faith in Christianity. ‘‘Former Mexican president Felipe Calderon’s declaration of war on the cartels in 2006 was received with praise by North American politicians, as in their view, it seemed that the Mexican government was finally taking a strong stand against the cartels and that there would be a swift resolution to the social problems associated with drug trafficking. This open war declared on the cartels resulted in an escalation of drug violence and forced several dramatic changes in the safety of Mexico and its already chaotic social scene. Military personnel, paramilitary groups, and the cartels have been fighting for control of the country and have created a state of panic in the border towns and beyond. The panic and violence in the north have begun to gradually make it’s way south and reach areas that were once ‘safe’. According to the BBC from 2006 to 2012, more than 50,000 individuals have died from drug-related violence. Amidst the drug-related instability, the once strong and influential Mexican Catholic Church has been losing credibility, support, and members. The loss of faith in the Catholic Church could be caused by many factors: general pessimism, individuals searching for other forms of faith, and the result of the church’s support for governing political parties.’’
NO. 4
Who is Santa Muerte? Anthropologists and historians J. Katia Perdigon Castaneda and R. Andrew Chestnut agree that the veneration of Santa Muerte is a combination of Catholic imagery and rituals from Meso-American pre-Hispanic gods and rituals. There is a common list of names for the goddess, such as Mi Nina, (My little girl), La Nina Bonita (the Pretty Girl), La Madrina (the Godmother), and Mi Amor (My Love)—adoring names that tighten the relationship between devotee and saint. There are darker allegations like Senora de la Sombras (Lady of the Shadows) or La Negra (the Black Lady). There is also La Hermana Blanca (The White Sister) and Hermana de la Luz (Sister of the Light). She is celebrated on the Day of the Dead, November 1st and 2nd. better known as Dia De los Muertos.