Writing With Purpose

Like any job, freelance writing has its pros and cons. One of the pros is being able to work from anywhere, as long as you have an Internet connection and your laptop. You can take you job to a cafe, traveling, to a friend’s house, wherever. Your office is where you are at the current moment.

However, I have talked to people that think it is all fun to spend the day in front of the computer JUST writing, and getting paid for it. It sounds like a real cushy job. The keyword here is 'job'. Whether it involves going to the office every day, or you have a work-at-home occupation, you have to do the work or you will have no work to do.

The Start of your Workday

Since you are your own boss, the start of your workday is basically when you choose it to be. However, if you truly want to be successful, you should have a routine that fits your schedule and stick to it. As one who often has difficulties in this area, I can tell you that it is a lot easier if you treat your freelance writing like a real job, and start at the same time each day.

You should also have an established work area that is free from distractions. Personally, I prefer to settle with my laptop in the comfy recliner. I have a small bookshelf on rollers beside the chair. It holds all of my needed work resources and has plenty of room for my coffee. I also have a place to set my laptop down.

However, you may want to have a desk, with all of your things arranged like an office. You need a small work area with everything you need easily accessible for a typical work day.

Daily Distractions

Before settling down for work, get rid of potential distractions. Since you are working at home, it is easy to leave the television or the stereo blaring. But, if it takes your attention away from the business at hand, you need to flip the switch.

If you have a difficult time staying on task, get an alarm. Set it for 2 hours. When it goes off, take a break. No matter how busy you are, it is important to take regular breaks, just like a real job. Get up and pour yourself a fresh cup of coffee. Take a bathroom break. Get a snack. Then, get back to work.

Clock Out

Set a time for lunch and take it. Whether you choose to eat or not, take a half hour or an hour to clear your head. When you are freelance writing, you will likely develop a niche, and write for certain types of clients. But, it will be nothing like writing a short story or any other type of recreational writing. You are helping entrepreneurs develop their business of providing a product or service. Although the articles are meant to inform the Internet public, you will often be providing a sales platform. After the 10th or 12th article, your brain will need a break.

Finally, set a time to clock out for the day. I have been freelance writing for almost 4 years, and this is one of my biggest mistakes. I tend to think about what I still have left to write. I have trouble relaxing and mentally clocking out of my day. But, you will be a much better freelance writer, if you can walk away and have a life beyond your computer. Your friends and family will like you better too.

Well, there are no amazing accolade, banners or anything else. Freelance writing is not always glamorous, nor is being your own boss. It is work. It is a job. But, if you strive to structure your days, and give yourself a much needed break now and then, you can be a successful copywriter.

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