Why did I become a freelance writer you ask (or didn’t) I’ll explain but first you have to know a bit of the back story.
When I was a kid, even in elementary school I loved two subjects; English and reading. I know, weird right?
Who likes writing those paragraphs and reading those books? 👉🏼this girl👈🏼
I got so excited when the book fair would arrive, I’d buy a stack of books to jam into my book bag that I couldn’t wait to read through the weekend.
One of my favorite hobbies besides reading new books is reading books I’ve previously already read.
I like to fill my bookshelf so I don’t buy Kindle or Audiobooks. I know it sounds really weird but i love the smell of books too.
I told you that to tell you this; I fell in love with words as a child before I even knew what love was.
As I got older I wrote in a journal everyday, wrote poetry, and oftentimes those words got me in a lot of trouble and even broke my heart on a few occasions.
Why did I become a freelance writer?
I became a freelance writer to help companies find and use their words in a voice that talks to their readers.
You’d be surprised how many voices writing can entail. There’s friendly, sales pitches, informational. It’s all about the writer’s tone.
I love so much to get testimonials back about how my article or blog post helped a client with their business or converted visitors into buyers.
Think of it this way, whatever brings you the most joy, that is what writing feels like to me.
I love taking words and twisting them into a masterpiece that is a sentence. Some masterpieces are art, others are cars, relationships, or homes but to me it’s words.
In 2017, I tried starting a writing business but i had a full time job and things weren’t working out with trying to grow it and working 55+ hours a week so I let it fall to the wayside.
In recent months I’ve felt it nagging at me to give it a try again. I’m working part time now so I’ll have more time to grow it, let it prosper to become what it’s intended to be.
It’s a little harder than I first remember I’ll admit, with all the different hats everyday and trying to figure out the perfect business plan. I’m not completely there yet but I can’t wait to write great content for the clients I get.
If I have one piece of advice for new freelancers and entrepreneurs it’s to take it slow at first, it’s not a race to the finish. To do it right the first time is better than having to go over to do it again (believe me I know). Take each day one step at a time with your growth of social platforms because trying to do them all at once will certainly burn you out. Enjoy what you do!
What’s something you have a passion for? That lights that spark that shines in your eyes every time you think about it.
Someone recently asked me what some of my favorite smells are that people may find weird. The smell of old books in the library (i can smell it now) and fresh cut grass.
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Haha, I’m the same way. I love the smell of a library isle. I like fresh cut grass too although now I have to stick to a candle because of allergies, haha.
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This is a really inspiring read. Keep up the good work!
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Thank you so much!
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I’m so glad you do what you have a passion for! I love writing hence my blog and some day I hope to earn extra income from it!
-Kyra xx
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Keep up the great work and that day will be sooner than you think.
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I love the way books smell too…my partner thinks I am crazy lol…Did you take any courses for freelancing or did you just go for it?
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People I tell think it’s odd too, hah. I haven’t taken a course yet I just went for it. I do have a few I’d like to take but so far I haven’t taken any yet. I just love researching and writing.
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That is awesome!!
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It’s nice to see such strong passion with writing these days! Keep it up ❤️
🌸 Marissa Belle | marsybun.com x 🌸
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Thank you! It’s one thing I am passionate about at least.
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I loved writing as a child and it’s become something that I do now to relieve stress and document my days. Wonderful that you’ve made a career of it! xx
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I love reading why people decided to pursue their careers. It is great that you became a freelance writer to turn your thoughts into real life creations. I am glad that you are giving it another chance. Keep it up!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
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Oh my goodness, I thought I was the only one who loved the smell of books! It’s just something about them that makes me happy. :]
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Right! No one else gets it. I love opening the doors to a little bookstore or a Barnes & Noble.
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Amen! Weirdly enough I’m also the same about a Home Depot and fresh cut grass. It just smells nice to me haha
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Thanks for your post Leslie! In your view, what’s the most important non-writing skill for a freelance writer to have in order to be successful?
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A good idea of marketing and presence is what I’d think would be best.
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Good point. That makes sense. Thanks Leslie.
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I love your advice to take it slow, that it’s not a race to the finish.
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I know the excitement can set in and you’d want to rush but things take time. I thought it was important to mention.
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I love being a freelance writer as well! it’s something I can really have a true passion for!
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You learn so much with different clients, no two projects are ever the same. I’m glad you love it too.
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Good luck! I hope you have the opportunity to follow through this time!!!!
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Thank you! I’m certainly going to give it all I have this time.
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Thanks a lot for your post.
I feel like reading through my own words.
Writing is such a huge part of my life too.
It’s refreshing to find bloggers who feel the same way 🙂
I have been consistently searching for ways to engage in activities that I could use words to earn from the craft. Lately, I found https://www.therisr.com/ and I hope I can share this with others who might also want to find a way to use their skill to earn.
Thanks again for your post. Hope to hear more from you soon.
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This is a great blog post!
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We have so much in common! Freelance writing has been an amazing second career for me. When I was in college, writing as much as I loved it, was much more difficult to make a living doing. Now the internet (I’m dating myself) provides us with so many opportunities. I used to think writing well was something everyone did but now I realize it’s a true gift.
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It’s so important to remember the why (:
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Love your advice for new freelancers. I’m one of those (blogger turned Pinterest manager) and love hearing about how other people ended up freelancing too! I love the freedom it brings, but there is definitely a lot of room to make mistakes along the way. Thanks for sharing your journey!
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It’s great that you found a way to make a living doing something you love and stuck with it. It’s something we should all pursue x
Sophie
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I truly enjoyed reading about your passion for words! I can also completely relate to your love for books! When I was little, I would order library books in the mail and remember the feeling of opening up the mailbox to see a brand new set of books. It was the best feeling! It’s great to hear that you are continuing to pursue your dreams! Good luck with everything!.
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An inspiring post, thanks for sharing and the reminders of why writing is so joyful!
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Such a great article young lady please keep up the positive vibes and keep doing what you do!!
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“I love taking words and twisting them into a masterpiece that is a sentence.”
LOVE that statement!
And, same here. There’s something about being able to put together words in a string of sentences that moves people to emotion or action! ❤
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Great post!
My favourite subject was English too and I adore reading – Maybe why I started a blog?
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I love reading and writing as well! Glad you’re doing what you love.
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Oh my! Love this! I love how you included your personal story into an article about why you became a freelance writer. By the time I got to the paragraph on the childhood book fairs – which was a highlight of my school years too – I was thinking about how much I loved the smell of books. No kidding. And in the very next section you said you liked book smells too! I wonder if that is common among people who love to read books, lol!
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Hey Leslie, thank you for sharing your story!
I am a freelance writer too and I used to work under an agent until a week ago. Now, I am having difficulties finding clients to pitch to. Do you have any advice or job boards that you frequent? It would be great if you can point me in the right direction. Thank you! 🙂
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I wish I had sound advice but I’m having trouble finding clients myself. I’ve been cold emailing and got a contract yesterday though. Maybe give that a try?
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Ooh do you send cold emails to just any client/blog in your niche?
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Yup, I seek out clients/businesses in my niche and shoot them an email asking to be directed to their PR personal. I’ve just started doing it though. I try to find a name to personalize each email too.
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I’ve always wanted to get started in freelance writing, just not sure where to start in getting any jobs or clients. Maybe I’ll look more into this weekend! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
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This is cool! I love writing too! Great work!
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Freelance writing tips are cool here. thanks for sharing.
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Great tips. I’ve been considering doing this too. Thank you for the post.
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Aww I’m so pleased to hear you have such a passion in life! I’ve never been a massive writer, but I do love reading!
Katie | katieemmabeauty.com
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I loved writing too from young age but never liked English 😂. I don’t know who doesnt like the smell of books, its like the best smell ever. Great blog!
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