Sunday, January 10, 2010
This one’s a really personal post and this might not help in promoting my freelance writing services because I’d be opening up a ‘dark side’ of my life as a freelance writer.
One of the scariest things that could happen to a freelance writer like me is to become unproductive for the past few weeks. Imagine this: I’ve got tons of work to do but I don’t have the urge to do them. This is horrible especially for someone like me who have a few freelance writers working for me.
Everything else would be delayed - from the giving out of projects, submissions to the payment of my writers. This would not only mean less productivity and earnings for me but for them as well.
But why do such things happen? I really don’t know. During my three year stint as a freelance writer, this had happened several times in the past. There would be weeks or even months wherein I lack confidence, inspiration and drive to write. I would use up all of my time to stare at my monitor or surf several websites.
Well, I have to admit. I am often attacked by my laziness. That’s one of the things I wanted to change this year.
To my clients, I have to really apologize for my incompetence, laziness and all the inconvinience I have caused you.
To my freelance writers, sorry if I had been pushing you so much to submit the articles on time while I cannot do my part in giving projects for you and paying you as soon as possible. Though payment delays are sometimes on the part of my clients, I must admit that there are certain points wherein I delay the withdrawal of funds from my PayPal account because I’m waiting for the exchange rate to go up. As my writers know, they are getting the lion’s share of what my clients give me that’s why every centavo added to the exchange rate counts because it somehow raises my share even for a few pesos.
For that, I am really sorry.
But just like what they say, sorry isn’t enough. There needs to be a change - and that’s what I’m trying to do.
Especially to those freelance writers out there, can you please advice me on what to do? It will be very much appreciated.
I get what you mean. Been going through a slump myself, and I’ve had cycles of burn-out and inspiration in the past. This job does take its toll, specially if you’ve gone into that “mass production of articles” mentality.
If it’s burn-out, maybe you need more balance in your life? Go out more, spend time with family, give your brains a rest.
But do get back on the horse ASAP!
Contacting clients is a good first step; most are understanding if you explain. Forcing yourself to write a paragraph at a time might help you regain your momentum. And if you need support you can talk to me if you want. I welcome a conversation with a fellow writer anytime.
Good luck! Will pray for you.
Posted by Kay at January 11, 2010, 3:18 am