9 Comments
Feb 23, 2020Liked by Jean @ The Working Writer

1. I'm a writer. Have been all my life, mostly journals, some poetry. I've wanted to be a freelancer for at least five years now, but it seemed like too big of a dream, and I also struggle with imposter syndrome. But now, I'm at the point where not going for the dream is scarier than trying and falling flat on my face.

2. I would like to become a freelance writer who makes enough money that I can leave cubicle life forever. That's my first goal.

3. My biggest obstacle is myself - my fear, my self-doubt, and my paralyzing perfectionist streak. As I wrote in item one, though, not writing is harder than writing. I'm also concerned that, like many other interests in my life, I'll grow tired or overwhelmed and give up before I really get going. However, I feel positive and excited about this community and what we can build here.

Expand full comment
Feb 22, 2020Liked by Jean @ The Working Writer

1. My writing journey is stuck. Practically non-existent for the past few years. Over a decade ago I published a few how-to books but haven't charged for them because they are books of faith. I believe they should be accessible to all, so the e-book versions are free. The money from the print versions go to a faith-based non-profit. The e-books have been downloaded in over 60 countries and translated into a few other languages. I also wrote a NaNo Novel and started a few more, but nothing else for a few years.

2. I'd like to get back to writing, do it regularly, and get paid for it. I don't really care whether I write fiction or nonfiction, just so I can make regular income with it.

3. I'm still recovering from Cushing's Syndrome. My health is improving: my blood sugar is totally under control, I've lost over 100 pounds, I've weaned off several of my medicines. But I am sleeping through the recovery--12 to 16 hours a day. I have no energy and have trouble getting focused. That makes it very difficult for me to set a writing schedule or, in fact, commit to anything that requires energy and focus.

Expand full comment
author

I'll go first:

1. I've got enough content marketing clients at a high enough rate of pay to help pay the bills plus a little extra, and I'm able to carve out time to work on my fiction.

2. I've got a goal this year to double my income by breaking into higher paying markets and replace my lowest-paying client. I'm working on diversifying my portfolio by pitching outside of the pet market and also contributing to Medium. I've also got another non-fiction book planned for after I finish my current novel. In five years I'd like to be earning my income from books and other products, retire from freelancing, and focus entirely on producing my own content.

3. My biggest obstacles are the imposter syndrome I have to battle every time I query a major publication, and also not having the capacity to carry out my ideas and plans as quickly as I'd like thanks to chronic illness zapping my energy.

Expand full comment