What Inspires Me #9: Paid to Play
What Inspires Me #9
Getting Paid for Doing What I Love!
When I began my writing journey, there were SCADS of paid gigs out there for writers willing to put in the hours. Back then, a single mother of 2 with a dream of being an author, I worked as a waitron robot so I’d have the flexibility to be there for my kids and work at being a writer. (Definitely more “Flo” than “Alice” although I fancied myself “Jenna”.
I didn’t go it alone, thank heavens. I was part of a team. My writing partner Ronnie and I queried and wrote and submitted stories, poem, articles. And the best part we began having work accepted. Each acceptance—each check—meant less wait shifts I had to work to make ends meet. Alas, nowadays with so many writers writing free content—basically giving it away for free (with blogs like this, Huff post, Wikipedia, etc. etc) those paid opportunities are harder to find. So, when Lucy Reed from Gigmine, approached me asking to share this article on how to get paid writing gigs, I said Yes!
Guest Post by Lucy Reed, founder of Gigmine
A Guide to Freelance Writing for College Students and Recent Grads
One of the best things about pursuing a freelance career in writing is that you can write from practically anywhere, no matter the time or day of the week. As long as you get everything done before your deadline, it doesn’t matter whether you’re working nights, weekends, or a standard 9-to-5 schedule. And because of the flexibility freelance writing provides, it’s an excellent career path for college students as well as recent graduates.
If you’re looking to get started as a freelance writer, this guide will tell you everything you need to launch a flexible, profitable, and rewarding writing career. Read on to begin!
Boost Your Writing Skills
Whether you’ve recently graduated from college or you’re working toward your degree, there are several steps you can take to become a better writer as you prepare to launch a freelance writing career. As one option, you could enroll in a writing degree program if you haven’t already completed one. Different types of writing majors include:
● Professional writing
● Creative writing
● Technical writing
● Business writing
● English
● Journalism
● Mass communications
● Marketing
● Public relations
● Digital communications
As an alternative to obtaining a writing degree, many free online courses are available to improve your skills as a writer. Amy-Mae Turner of Mashable shares 10 great courses for writers, or you can browse courses on learning platforms such as Masterclass, Udemy, Coursera, and edX to find the right fit for you. Reading and writing exercises can also help you to become a better writer, speller, and proofreader.
Find Your Writing Niche
If you’re working toward your college degree, you may still be finding your writing niche or specialization. After all, the niche you choose as a freelancer should depend on your passions and interests, areas of expertise, and competitors — and it can take some time to find the right niche for you.
Some examples of profitable writing niches to consider include finance, cryptocurrency and blockchain, technology, digital marketing, software-as-a-service, alternative health, and education. You could also specialize in a particular type of content, whether it be long-form blogs, white papers, case studies, or e-books.
When you’re just getting started as a freelance writer, there’s nothing wrong with marketing yourself as a generalist. You can always choose your niche once you’ve launched your freelance career and gained some professional experience as a writer.
Launch Your Freelance Writing Business
Once you’ve improved your writing skills and explored possible niches, you’ll be ready to launch your freelance career. Some of the steps you’ll need to complete when launching a freelance writing business include:
● Creating a professional website. This website should include a professional web domain, homepage, several writing samples, About and Contact pages, and testimonials from your teachers, colleagues, or former managers. Create your site using free website builders like Wix, GoDaddy, or Weebly, or hire a web developer to create one for you.
● Choosing a legal entity. Some of the most common legal entities for freelancers include limited liability companies (LLCs), sole proprietorships, and S corporations.
● Applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Regardless of how you choose to structure your freelance writing business, there are many benefits of applying for an EIN (or a Tax ID Number). An EIN allows you to separate your freelancing from your personal life, simplifying the process of filing state and federal business taxes, building credibility as a freelancer, and applying for a business bank account. Plus, you can get EIN online using ZenBusiness formation services.
● Filing taxes as a freelancer. Above all else, make sure you’re keeping good records and filing the appropriate forms at tax time. As a freelancer, you’re responsible for all parts of the tax-reporting process, so ensure you’re tracking things like expenses so you’ll have accurate records. Collective has an excellent guide to help you get started.
On the topic of federal and state business taxes, many freelancers opt to pay estimated quarterly taxes in addition to filing an annual tax return. Alexis Grant of The Write Life shares some tips for paying estimated taxes as a freelancer, or you may wish to meet with an accountant to learn more about your tax obligations. Alternatively, use tax software to help you determine how much money you need to set aside to cover any money owed at tax time. Determine which system works best for you.
Furthermore, several business tools can make life a whole lot easier when you’re getting started with freelance writing. You can use free accounting tools like Wave and Zoho Books, time trackers such as Toggl Track, and project management tools like Trello and Asana. Other online tools can be used to check for plagiarism, grammatical errors, and readability.
Look for Freelance Work
Once you’ve launched your career as a freelance writer, there are several different ways to find freelancing opportunities. As one option, you could cold-pitch clients directly: Just make sure you have a professional email address and you don’t use your college email to reach out to potential clients.
As an alternative to cold-pitching clients, you could create a freelancer profile on job boards such as Upwork. Once you’ve created your Upwork profile, you can search for projects and assignments and submit proposals for the projects you’re interested in.
Another option for beginner freelancers is to use online job boards to look for paid writing opportunities. A few places to look for freelance work include ProBlogger, Freelance Writing Gigs, BloggingPro, and FreelanceWriting.com.
Market Yourself as a Freelance Writer
Building up a freelance client base takes a great deal of time, patience, and perseverance, so don’t be discouraged if you’re not finding immediate success as a writer. Continue to promote yourself online by guest posting on other websites, writing content for your blog, and sharing your work on social media. You could also contribute to freelance forums, improve your website’s search engine optimization (SEO), and join and participate in groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Pursue Your Writing Dreams
As long as you’re skilled at writing, have a curiosity for learning new things, and you’re willing to put yourself out there, you can pursue your writing dreams — even if you’re still in school or have recently graduated from college. You don’t necessarily need a degree in order to pursue a career as a freelance writer, but the important thing is that you never stop learning.
While rejection is inevitable as a freelance writer, knowing this shouldn’t hold you back from launching a writing career if it’s something you’re truly passionate about pursuing. Whether you’re a college graduate or working toward your college degree, freelance writing can be a great way to make some extra money while improving your skills as a writer!—Lucy Reed is the founder of GigMine.
Fin Pal asks Norman: "Do You Pee?"
Norman T. Goldfish answers letters from readers. Click on the link to read his reply.
This is a question lots of kids ask.
Ready to read Norman’s answer? Scroll down . . .
Glug
Glug
Glug . . .
Below is a drawing of a goldfish’s guts (really just the intestines but guts goes betters with goldfish.) Below that is a drawing of the human digestive system aka people guts. See how much more complex human guts are?
When it comes to guts—goldfish or human—in the end, it all ends up…coming out the end!
Do you have a question for Norman the Goldfish—about friends, school, pets, family, life in and outside the fishbowl? Send him a letter!
Poetry Challenge #232-Wait One Dog-Gone Minute!
Oh my . . . where has the time gone? We are already 46 days… 8 weeks… 12.6 percent of the way through 2022! Before we go one more step forward into the future, let’s take 7 minutes to reflect, regroup, and revise!
Poetry Challenge #232
Wait One Dog-Gone Minute
Choose one of your poems to revise. Do not pick it because it is “almost” good. Do not pick it because it’s soooo bad that in your will you’ll demand it burned so no one will ever ever ever see it. (I have some of those too.) Just pick one—whichever one catches your eye—pick it.
Now, use the elements of your chosen poem to create a Tanka.
Tanka is an ancient Japanese form of poetry expressing mood, thoughts, feelings, desires—usually about nature. So, no matter what the subject of your poem, see if you can’t include a hint of the natural world.
Tanka directions:
A Tanka has five-line poem with a total of 31 syllables.
Lines #1 and #3 have 5 syllables each
Lines #2, #4 and #5 have 7 syllables each.
Set Your Timer for 7 Minutes
Start Writing!
Don’t Think About it, just do it!
To find out more about Tanka poems—along with the answer to every question about Tanka imaginable—click over “How to Write a Tanka” by lisbdnet.com
Cindy Faughnan and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge 2000+ days ago. Now we take turns creating prompts to share with you. Our hope is that creatives—children & adults—will use our prompts as springboards to word play time. If you join us in the Challenge, let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole poem in the comments.
Click on Fishbowl link and sign up to receive email notifications from Kelly's blog (aka The Fishbowl): All who subscribe, comment or share a poem will be entered in . . .
What Inspires Me #8-Oportunistic Reading
“Library” the word is intimidating. It conjures images of at worst, grizzled frowny faces judging or shushing; at best Marian and Professor Harold Hill dancing and singing ala The Music Man! (Okay, if I thought there was a chance of this kind of shenanigans going on inside my library, I’d be there. Yes, I am obsessed with The Music Man revival. Tickets anyone?)
Which is why I’m saying Fie on Home Libraries Fie! Gasp NO!
YES! But wait for it . . . I have a less-intimidating and much more inviting alternative. (And have author Carrie Pearson to thank for it.)
What Inspires #8 Opportunistic Reading
Instead of taking on the daunting task of creating a “library” aka bookshelves lined with gilded spines, study spaces in your room with an eye to providing/inviting reading opportunities and then cluster books in baskets, racks, stacks, barrels, and yes, the occasional bookshelf, in these spots where they are eye catching and easy to grab when a reading opportunity arises. Including near dining tables and in the bathroom—definitely the bathroom!
How to get started? First, make it fun and functional. And if you like me need order. Try this for starters:
Curate and display books by the color of their spines. Children’s books, in particular, are made to engage visually so the spines of hardcover books are beautiful colors. They really pop when they are displayed in similar groupings either vertically or horizontally. Or get really creative and make a book rainbow on each shelf. – Carrie Pearson Books
And this for seconds: Google it! That’s what I did to find “Books Storage Ideas for Kids”!
Need More? And here’s a link to the full blog post featuring this gem from Carrie and 13 others: “Expert Tips to Create a Functional Library at Home | Redfin”
Be warned, while you’re sorting and scattering you’ll most likely be rereading, too! Dang!
Poetry Challenge #231-Uncrank the Crank
Curmudgeon, crank, grump, sourpuss, bellyacher, grouse, crosspatch, malcontent, crab, grumbler, grump …Uncle Ted! Call um what you will, we all know one (maybe even are one…) the person who is chronically cranky, aka The Grouch!
Caroll Spinney was the original puppeteer behind Oscar and Big Bird:
Surprise! Today is Do a Grouch a Favor Day (Feb 16th). A day devoted to turning those grouchy frowns upside down.
Think of all the things you could do to try to make a grouchy person smile.
What might you give them?
What might you say to them?
What might you do for them—to them—to brighten their gloomy dispositions?
After his mom posted this Grumpy boy’s school photo it went viral. Click over to @today’smom for the rest of the story. But first…before you DO one thing more…
Poetry Challenge #231
Uncrank the Crank
Write a rhyming poem with things to try to make a grouch happy. Remember to smile!
Set Your Timer for 7 Minutes
Start Writing!
Don’t Think About it, just do it!
Cindy Faughnan and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge 2000+ days ago. Now we take turns creating prompts to share with you. Our hope is that creatives—children & adults—will use our prompts as springboards to word play time. If you join us in the Challenge, let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole poem in the comments.
Click on Fishbowl link and sign up to receive email notifications from Kelly's blog (aka The Fishbowl):
All who subscribe, comment or share a poem will be entered in . . .
What Inspires Me? #7 My Go-To Scroll-To
Confession time: What do I do to recharge when my C-Battery is out of juice or way low? What do I do when I’m standing in check out lines? What do I do when I don’t know exactly what to do? Or how to do it? Or just plain don’t want to do it?
What Inspires Me #7
Pinterest is my Go-to Scroll-to for Inspiration, Recreation & . . . Procrastination.
With the holidays over, the temps in the teens and a list of to-dos, what do I do? (Ghostbusters!)
I click over to Pinterest, click on the magnifying glass search button. Input: “vacation with tiny umbrellas” (caps or no caps, spelled correctly or not) and PRESTO! I’m here: Thank you Still Playing School!
When I’m looking for recipes, especially when I have limited ingredients I search: broccoli recipes kids and Presto: It takes me to pins like this from Super Healthy Kids:
When it’s freeeeeeeeezing outside and I’m laminting our should-be-cozy home’s lack of a fireplace I search: Fireplace ideas . . . Presto!
When I’m looking for books to read, share, gift, study (and maybe, just maybe needing affirmation) I go to Pinterest, input Books about fish, don’t find what I need so begin a new search “Books about Pets” and am rewarded with pins like this Vanessa Pre-K Pages
Instagram is inspiring but it goes away or gets buried in new posts. As Deb Gonzales: author, teacher, coach and Pinterest Master says, “Pinterest is evergreen” once a pin is posted, it stays posted. Save it and it stays saved. And dang, Pinterest creators spend zillions of hours creating these inspiring, helpful posts—I know because I try! Here’s my Pinterest page. Go-To Scroll-To!
Fin Pals ask Norman: What If You Can't Sleep?
Norman T. Goldfish answers letters from readers. Click on the link to read his reply.
Say Kids: When you get tired, do your eyelids ever feel heavy? Do you rub your eyes when you’re sleepy?
Norman gets tired, too. But he doesn’t rub his eyes because he can’t. His fins are not long enough to reach his eyes.
Norman can’t close his eyes when he’s tired, either, because goldfish don’t have eyelids.
If you were a tired goldfish what would you do when you were tired? Hmmmmm….
Ready to read Norman’s answer? Scroll down . . .
Glug
Glug
Glug . . .
To learn more about how goldfish sleep, click over to this article by aquagoodness.com.
Do you have a question for Norman the Goldfish—about friends, school, pets, family, life in and outside the fishbowl? Send him a letter!
Poetry Challenge #230-Pizza Party
Here’s all the excuse you need. . .
Give me a P!
Give me an I!
Give me a Z!
Give me another Z!
Give me an A!
What are we talking about? PIZZA!
Yep, February 9th is officially National Pizza Day. A day set aside specifically to honor-eat-make-eat-celebrate-eat-read about pizza. Let’s start with these fun pizza facts from Giovanni:
Every second, Americans order 350 slices of pizza.
Every day, Americans eat about 100 acres of pizza.
On average, each American eats 23 pounds of pizza every year. (and puts on 23#…)
The most popular pizza topping is pepperoni.
The world’s first pizza, largest pizza, longest pizza were all made in Italy. *
But, the real question and inspiration this prompt is: Who Wants Pizza???
Poetry Challenge #230
Pizza Party
Ding-Dong! Surprise! It’s a pizza party and you’re invited.
Begin by writing a shopping list of pizza toppings—at least 10!
Cut the list into bits—one word per bit.
Stir the bits, toss them into the air as one would a pizza crust, and then scoop them up and arrange them into a tasty pizza of a poem.
Feel free to add more or delete some, after all you’re the pizza chef!
Set Your Timer for 7 Minutes
Start Writing!
Let’s get this Pizza Party started!
*The world’s record for the largest round pizza ever made was set in Rome, Italy on Dec 13, 2012. How big was it? The pizza was so big, they named it Octavio! Octavio stretched more than 130 feet across, bigger than 1 ½ baseball fields and weighed 51, 257 pounds! It took 19,000 pounds of flour, 10,000 pounds of tomato sauce, 8800 pounds of mozzarella cheese, 1488 pounds of margarine, 551 pounds of rock salt, 220 pounds of lettuce, 55 pounds of vinegar and two full days to bake it. “The dough had to be baked in more than 5000 batches over a 48-hour period.”
The longest pizza ever made looked like a pizza sidewalk and was more than a mile long! In 2016, 250 pizza chefs from around the world gathered in Naples, Italy to construct a margherita pizza that stretched “1853.88 meters, which is approximately 6082.28 feet, or 1.15 miles.” It took more than 4400 pounds of flour, 3500 pounds of tomatoes, 4400 pounds of mozzarella, 200 liters of oil, and 66 pounds of basil to make the pizza.
Hungry for more? Here’s a round-up of pizza picture books from pocketofpreschool.com.
Cindy Faughnan and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge 2000+ days ago. Now we take turns creating prompts to share with you. Our hope is that creatives—children & adults—will use our prompts as springboards to word play time. If you join us in the Challenge, let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole poem in the comments.
Click on Fishbowl link and sign up to receive email notifications from Kelly's blog (aka The Fishbowl):
All who subscribe, comment or share a poem will be entered in . . .
