Struggling to juggle a day job and being various writing stints can take its toll on a freelance writer. Nobody said that the pursuit for art is an easy one. Legions of detractors and multitude of trials will besiege the writer. In order to survive the demands of the craft, a freelance writer needs to possess these five virtues:
Patience
As the proverbial adage goes, "Patience is a virtue." One needs to have heaps and tons of fortitude to be a successful freelance writer – patience in working two jobs at the same time; patience in landing projects; patience in getting a big break.
Self-discipline
Freelance writers should arm themselves with loads of self-discipline as worldly distractions can lead them astray. Oftentimes, the temptation of sloth will lure the writer to a state of indolence. However, the writer should triumph over this and impose self-discipline. This would mean working and writing even though he or she does not feel like doing so at that time.
Hard work
With the pool of talented writers out there, one needs to work doubly hard in order to make a name for oneself. Starting out as a freelance writer is a good start. However, Shakespeare hopefuls need to remember that they need to be prolific in writing and, at the same time, deliver excellent work.
Professionalism
Writing lives and works by deadlines, so to be a freelance writer is to be as slave of deadlines. One needs to respect these deadlines set by editors or clients in order to thrive in the business and have the reputation for being a professional.
Love of Work
The only people who survive this kind of career are those who have a genuine passion for what they do. To be a patron of the arts is to love it no matter what challenges life will put the freelance writer through. If writers are truly devoted to their craft, no amount of obstacles will deter them from writing and getting their works published.
Elizabeth Murphy is a communications officer for a retail company. Back in 2004, the travel bug bit her and she wanted to join her girlfriends on a trip to Europe. To earn additional income, she tried some freelance writing stints, which she continued to do even after her vacation. Now she continues to benefit from the supplementary earnings she gets as a freelance writer. Elizabeth loves reality shows, coffee breaks, designer bags and shoes, and movie premiers.
