When are you most productive and prolific as a freelance writer? If you think about it, you’ll probably agree that it is when you’re busy doing interesting things. An active lifestyle is good for your writing career. In fact, I’ve observed in my own life that my writing is more profitable when I am in one of my more adventuresome phases.
This topic occurred to me today as I embark on 3 adventures this week. As busy as I am these days in my office, I said, “Yes!” when a friend asked if I’d join a group of local history buffs in establishing a route for a walking tour of our city this morning. As many of you know, I cut my teeth on the process of publishing by producing a substantial, comprehensive history book of the Ojai Valley through my own publishing company in 1983. I also served several terms on the city’s Historic Preservation Commission. So I am known locally as a bit of a historian. I’ve also been asked to bring my camera and take publicity photos of the outing.
Yes, this will take me away from my work. But, it has been my experience over the years, that outings—involvement in something outside of my office—can bring to the surface new perspectives and fresh ideas that I can use in my writing.
Heck, I might meet someone with a great story to tell, be introduced to an innovative concept to write about or suddenly realize a new slant on an old subject. And this can occur as a result of a question someone asks me, my perception of someone I meet, a revelation I have while focused outside of my self-imposed cubicle or while observing a situation, for example.
Some of my most popular articles (and, at least a few of my books) resulted from my experiences and observations while out and about in the world.
Tomorrow, I’m climbing aboard a boat with a group of artists whom I’ve never met and we’re heading to one of our Channel Islands for hiking and a photo/art opp. We’re bringing sack lunches and will picnic on the rugged, uninhabited island together. Now this outing should bring with it all sorts of writing prompts through introspection, communing with nature, getting to know new people and simply the adventure of it all.
The third item on my list falls into the “miracle” category. Shortly after I arrive home from the sea adventure, I will get word that I’m a great grandmother for the first time. My granddaughter, Alison is scheduled for a c-section and we’ll finally get to meet baby Adam, who has been incubating happily for the last 8.5 months. This event is certainly liable to evoke all sorts of thoughts, reminiscences and dreams—some worthy of ink.
What are you doing this week to trigger, stimulate or massage your writing career or the process? Here’s what I suggest:
• Get out among people at least often enough to create a good balance in your life.
• Say “yes” to adventure.
• Embrace even those uninvited occurrences that creep into your life. You can always use extra sugar in that lemonade.
• Approach activities and life itself with a curious and open mind.
Let me help you with your project.
• I will edit your book manuscript.
• I can guide you in choosing a publishing option and even a publishing company.
• I can assist you in establishing a freelance writing business.
• I will help you create a book marketing plan.
I am Patricia Fry. I am the executive director of SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) http://www.spawn.org.
I am the author of 29 books, many of them related to writing and publishing. My hallmark book has helped hundreds of authors to make better decisions on behalf of their projects. The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book.
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html
I work with other authors and freelance writers on their projects. Contact me at PLFry620@yaho.com