Rediscovering Creativity: 5 Essential Tips for Freelance Writers
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Chapter 1: Embracing the Freelance Journey
Having spent two decades in writing within various sectors like government and consulting, I recently transitioned to freelance writing. While this new path is fulfilling, it comes with its own set of challenges.
There are days when I feel creatively drained, resorting to simple lines like, “Matt walked up the hill. It was hot. He was tired. He took a nap.” I might be exaggerating, but only slightly.
The shift from employee to freelance writer is significant. As a staff member, I could afford to daydream and still get a paycheck. I had the luxury of switching tasks when I hit a wall, and even the occasional early Friday exit.
But as a freelancer, productivity is crucial; if I don’t write effectively, my income suffers.
Writing: A Repetitive Cycle
My first long-term freelance contract began in March 2022 with a gardening publication called All About Gardening. For fellow gardening enthusiasts, this publication is a treasure. My work can be found here.
The client was fantastic, providing a clear content queue and robust editorial guidelines. Initially, writing came easily, given my passion for gardening.
However, as time went on, the topics became monotonous, heavily focused on SEO and seasonal trends. After three articles on powdery mildew, I was desperate for variety.
I learned that writing isn't just about creating captivating stories; it’s about showing up daily and fulfilling my obligations. I was tasked with producing informative articles about home gardening—nothing more, nothing less.
Once I accepted that I didn't need constant inspiration, I became more productive for my paying clients, freeing up time for my personal writing.
5 Productivity Strategies for Writers
Image by StartupStockPhotos from Pixabay
Be Prepared to Write Anywhere
This realization was a game changer. My schedule is often chaotic, with my son's competitive swim practice taking up significant time. During their 90-minute sessions, I used to see it as downtime until I decided to bring my laptop to the pool.
Equipped with headphones and a personal hotspot, I could write without distractions for about an hour while occasionally watching the kids swim.
It’s unrealistic to wait for the perfect moment to write. Life is busy, and silence is a rarity. We must cultivate an internal environment conducive to writing, regardless of our external circumstances.
By staying adaptable, you can uncover countless hidden opportunities to put words on the page.
“A word after a word after a word is power.” — Margaret Atwood
Utilize Distractions to Rejuvenate
While many believe that phones and the internet hinder productivity, I find them necessary for my mental well-being. I often need breaks to reset my focus.
Here are some of my favorite productive distractions:
- Taking a 10-minute dog walk
- Folding laundry
- Researching a topic online while standing
- Reading a book for 10–15 minutes
- Gazing out the window to let my mind wander
Image by Author
Purposeful distraction can refresh your mind, but it requires self-discipline. If you struggle with this, consider removing temptations. Put your phone away, lock the door, and focus. When done right, this approach can keep you energized throughout the day.
Draft Outlines
I frequently use outlines for my client work, especially for longer articles ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 words. Without a plan, I often find myself lost.
Outlining is also beneficial when I hit writer’s block. I usually start with the informational sections, saving personal anecdotes for later. This method allows me to ease into the flow of writing, making it easier to find inspiration.
Prioritize Ideas Over Grammar (But Edit Later!)
As a perfectionist with a penchant for grammatical errors, I know that focusing on grammar during the drafting phase can be counterproductive.
“Get it down. Take chances. It may be bad, but it’s the only way you can do anything really good.” — William Faulkner
I focus on completing my piece first, then review it for flow before using an editing tool like Grammarly. This method allows me to concentrate on writing rather than getting bogged down in corrections.
Understand Your Energy Patterns and Schedule Wisely
Everyone has peak productivity times. For me, mornings are my sweet spot, particularly between 8:00 and 11:00 AM. My energy dips in the afternoon, often requiring a break due to chronic migraines.
I use this time to relax, read, or listen to a podcast. Tailor your writing schedule to fit your energy levels; there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the key is to get the work done! By applying these five productivity strategies, you’ll become a more consistent and engaging writer. Remember, even writing 500 words a day can lead to a completed novel by year-end.
Happy writing! If you enjoyed this article, consider following me for more insights on writing, managing migraines, and leading a healthy lifestyle. Cheers!