THE
FREELANCE WRITER
"Remember,
people may keep you (or me) from being a published author but no one
can stop you from being a writer all you have to do is write and keep
writing. While you're working at a career, while you're raising
children, while you're Trout fishing - keep writing! No one can
stop you but you."
What is
a writer? The simple description is that, the writer is a person who
writes. If you can write down your ideas, thoughts, emotions, plans,
concerns and everything that operates inside your head and heart,
you're a writer, as simple as that. However, there are two types of
people who write: the one who is appreciated and the one who is not.
If you want to be appreciated, respected and compensated you should
do more than just write, you must exert effort to make sure that your
writing is worth reading. As Samuel Johnson once said, "What is
written without effort is in general read without pleasure".
Writing is not about "rocket science" in fact you don't
need to have a genius mind to be able to write something; what you
need is willingness to learn, passion, dedication, determination and
creativity in order to succeed. Writing is like breathing the air; it
should be done in a natural way because it's part of our everyday
life. The more you practice, the better you get and the more you get
used to it, the more it becomes permanent in you. In the "Old Days"
the art of writing was confined to only few people; most of them
belong to the middle-class and to the oligarchs. Nevertheless, as
time passed the art of writing became an integral part of our daily
life as it coincided with the progress of literacy. Today, unlike in
the old days, writing is no longer an art to be mastered but it's
just an ordinary tool that we utilize daily in order to achieve
something. Just in my case, I've been working in the private
security industry for more than twenty years now. As supervisor my
main job is to write security reports, memorandums and business
communication, I've been doing this kind of writing for the past
two decades now. Based on my experience and observation, there are
only two types of persons in this world: the one who can write well
and the one who can't. Those who can write well often than not get
the advantage (promotion and salary increase) in whatever field he or
she is working, while those who can't are left behind. Modesty
aside, my colleagues and officers appreciate the quality of my paper
work hence I've earned the reputation as the guy in our
organization who can write well. However, my journey before I reached
this level of success was not an easy one; it was filled with trials
and errors. In the process I've done a lot of reading and practice
writing. I also studied the writing styles of other people (prominent
and even less prominent) - it was not an easy task. Now, I'm
writing not for the sake of my office work, I'm writing for a
deeper reason.
The
great American writer and philosopher Henry David Thoreau once said,
"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is
because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which
he hears, however measured or far away". I've been following
this different drummer for some years now and I must admit that what
it's not an easy path. What I have at present is a mixed emotion:
pleasure and pain, happiness and sadness. I've written some
articles that I've sent to major publications but didn't receive
any reply from them; some of my work was left unfinished while others
were just hidden in my cabinet. I've also joined various writing
clubs at Facebook and online publications where I've submitted my
other works; I received many positive and negative comments; some of
the criticisms are constructive others are destructive. My poems were
appreciated and praised by many and it was criticized by others. Was
I hurt by the criticisms? Yes, of course. Yet I always told myself
that this is part of the process, so I willingly took the blows. My
major accomplishment so far is the compilation of my English poems in
book form called 'Free Verse and other Poems'. A copy of
that was sent to my friend in Sri Lanka. I can't remember how and
when exactly it started but as far as I remember I was already in my
late 20's when I entertained the idea of writing. I was writing
then in order to kill time, just to deal with boredom. Scribbling few
verses in scratch paper and writing few paragraphs on a notebook
concerning whatever idea that enters into my mind. My writing then
was purely desultory it has no focus. This time I want to write
because this is my passion; I have no choice, I've got to step into
the music. Every writer has a field of expertise or niche, in my case
I want to concentrate in writing articles and poetry. I love prose
and poetry.
One of
the sacred rules in writing that I've learned is that, you
shouldn't write for the sake of fame and money. Write because
you've a message that you want to share to other people. I respect
and accept this doctrine. Nevertheless, as a normal human being, I
would be hypocrite if I say that I don't crave for recognition and
payment. Every writer whether they're humble or noble at one point
in their life has desired to be recognized and appreciated by their
readers. Most of the time money is just secondary for the writer,
what matters most is the recognition of the editor, publisher and
reader. They say that many writers are introverts, probably this is
true, yet it doesn't mean that they're also Narcissistic. Behind
their solitude and "weirdness" writers are human beings who want
their work to be appreciated and respected not only by the publishing
company but by their readers as well.
I want
my writings to be published, I want the editor and the publishing
house to accept and buy my ideas; I want the public in general to
read my works in the magazine and newspaper. I want appreciation,
recognition and compensation. I want to establish my reputation as a
good writer - I want the glory of the byline that every writer
craves. But, what if I fail? What if they don't accept me? What
shall I do if they reject me? If that happens to me, I have no choice
but to face the future alone; I'll travel the remaining miles of my
journey all by myself. I shall live on the principle laid down by
Katherine Neville; I shall continue my writing with or without the
approval of other people. My writing won't stop just because no
editor and publishing house accepts it; therefore, I shall continue
to write even without them. And I'll always have an audience (my
family and few friends) promise. If nobody wants to buy my writings
I'll give it free. The satisfaction from my writing shall be my
payment. However, before I yield and accept that possibility, I must
do everything first to assert my right to be recognized and
appreciated as a legitimate writer; I've to build my portfolio as a
writer. They say that the competition in the market is tough, so
what?
Of
course, my goal is to be a freelance writer. The main objective of
any person who knew how to value his talent is to become the boss of
his own. Why waste your whole life working for other people when you
can build your own source of income? The idea of becoming a freelance
writer is not only comforting but at the same time it's a lucrative
ambition. Yet, this kind of ambition is not easy to achieve; it'll
take a lot of hard work, patience and determination before you reach
the top. I've nothing against the idea of working in a company or
government institution. However, if you're seeking a convenient way
to live your life having your own source of income or business is
ideal.
I'm
not a businessman, I tried once (fish vending) and it was a disaster.
But since I'm planning to be a freelance writer, I've no choice
but to adapt some of the major qualities of a business minded person.
Since, having a freelance job (any kind of freelance work for that
matter) is like operating a business enterprise. In short, you're
the captain of your own ship.
Creating
your own product - like a businessman the freelance writer is
responsible in creating his own product and maintaining the quality
thereof. Whether you're writing poems, novel, short story, lyrics,
blog, essays, research, biography whatever is your niche the same
rule in business applies: always make your product good. The quality
and quantity of your product is always in your hand. Business
enterprise either excels or falls down mainly because of the quality
of their product.
Marketing
your product - as a freelance writer it's also your
responsibility to market your products to your customers; it's your
obligation to persuade the editor and the publishing company to buy
the piece of work that you're selling to them. You're the only
person who will sit at the negotiating table. Many promising writers
have talent and skill, their work is alright. However, they're
either too lazy to offer it (to the publishing house) or they just
probably don't know how they will market their product. Hence,
their opportunity and talent are wasted. While some of them are
afraid to show their works to the public because they fear criticism
and rejection.
Handling
competition - remember that you're not the only fish in the water
therefore expect competition. In the business world many
entrepreneurs are crush down by the tough competition in the market
and same thing happens to freelance writers. Many neophyte writers
succeed while others failed because they can't withstand the heat
of the competition. The Darwinian theory of the evolution of species
is applicable in situation like this, "survival of the fittest
and the elimination of the unfit".
Aggressive
calculated risk - read the biographies of successful businessmen
(local as well as in abroad) and you will learn that they're all
risk takers, daring and imaginative. They've no qualms in venturing
into the unchartered territories; "to hell with fear" was
their motto. Budding freelance writers (like me) with no portfolio
and writing credentials should adapt this kind of mind set if they
want to be successful in their chosen career. There's really
nothing to fear but fear itself. Fear is a great paralyzer, get rid
of it.
Venturing
into the unknown - many people fear the idea of going into the
terra incognita (unknown region) because it's only natural
for "ordinary" people to fear the things that they don't
understand. But business minded people are not like the ordinary
people; they're always looking at things from a different
perspective. For them, opportunity lies in the unknown. The freelance
writer must likewise have this kind of thinking in order to see
opportunity that's waiting for them beyond that unknown region.
Bankruptcy
- behind every successful business organization is a story of
bankruptcy. This is an inevitable part of any business ventures, at
some point along their way, business people suffered tremendous loss
one way or another. The weak perished, the tough survives. Freelance
writers have their own version of bankruptcy, it manifests in many
forms. It's up to the freelance writer to adjust; either he or she
will go along with the current or go against the tide to survive.
The
ability to return to action - for me, the most wonderful quality of
a businessman that a freelance writer needs to adapt is resiliency;
the ability to return to action after experiencing defeat after
defeat. In the final analysis this is what matters most. This is
really the most important barometer of success. Benjamin Disraeli the
British Prime Minister once said, "The secret of success is
constancy of purpose".
I've
always prided myself as a voracious reader and for that reason I can
honestly say that I'm not really a fan of Mrs. Ayn Rand and her
philosophy of "Rational Selfishness" but I must give
credit where credit is due. I really liked her novel called the
"Fountainhead" and while I was reading it, I must admit
that I've learned to love the protagonist Howard Roark though the
pages of that book. Howard Roark was kicked out from the
architectural college where he was studying because of his
non-conformist attitude towards the teachings of his professors. Then
he applied and worked as an apprentice to an old maverick architect
who was living on the brink of bankruptcy at that time since no
client in town trusted him because his taste in architecture was very
unorthodox. Eventually, Roark went on his own as a freelance
architect. However, often than not Howard Roark was unsuccessful in
getting the trust and confidence of his prospective clients since he
was always arguing with them. Roark was the modern type of architect
who believes that the skyscraper is the future design in the world of
architecture; he hates the classical (Greek and Roman structural
designs) model. Unfortunately, most of his clients want these old
architectural styles, Roark refused to yield so he always ends up by
not getting the contract. Roark was so adamant in his principle that
he's not willing to compromise not even a single portion of his
design. Howard Roark was not really much concern about the money or
big commission that he will earn from the projects being offered to
him; he has only one condition that he constantly ask from his
clients. That, they must let him do the design; that, the project
must be done according to his vision. Because of Roark's maverick
style many of his illustrious and wealthy prospective clients have
turned their backs on him; they even regarded him as insane. Howard
Roark suffered rejection, ridicule and humiliation yet he didn't
give up. He reached the point of bankruptcy that he decided to close
his modest office; to earn a meager income he worked in a quarry as a
laborer. Eventually, Roark was able to come back in the world of
architecture and made success.
If you
believe in yourself, if you really believe that you're a writer,
never compromise. This is the moral lesson of the story. A freelance
writer should emulate Howard Roark who maintained the integrity and
sacredness of his art by not yielding to anybody. I believe that
there are many freelance writers who're prostituting and
bastardizing their own art by kowtowing to the demands of their
clients. They do this for the sake of money even though what is being
asked from them is against their principle and philosophy. They
willingly sacrifice their creativity and originality just to get the
"juicy" contract, pathetic. Rejection is painful, it is
frustrating but that is part of the process you won't be able to
escape from it. Learn how to handle rejection while maintaining your
integrity as a writer; imitate the example of Architect Howard Roark.
The good
thing about being a freelance writer is that you can always defy the
rules. Nobody can dictate you, unless you allow them. Unlike when
you're working in a government or corporation you have a boss who
will always tell you what he wants you to write. Of course, you can
say no to your boss just like "Bartleby the Scrivener" in
Herman Melville story however just makes sure that you're ready to
leave the office anytime; because for sure your boss will fire you
out from the job. If you haven't read the story of Bartleby I
suggest for you to read it, it's a nice story and I'm sure you'll
like it.
In my
case, I'm a human rights activist, I'm not a member of any
militant organization but I've always expressed my opposition
against the government, corporation and other entities that violates
the human rights and dignity of the people. As a freelance writer I
can always write my defiance against all kinds of human rights abuses
without reservation since I'm not obliged to please anybody.
In her book "The Author's Toolkit" Mary Embree said, "If
you would write, read" furthermore she said, "read works
that inspires you, excite you, enlighten you, entertain or surprise
you - books that touch your feelings." No writer can write
without reading first, in the same manner that a painter cannot paint
without his brush. My love for writing came late, my first love was
reading. I started reading books voraciously when I was a freshman in
college. The first American classic novel that I've read was called
"Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Harriet Beecher Stowe. Then it
was followed by "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre
Dumas and "Les Miserable" by Victor Hugo. These three
books were my launching pad in my journey to the wonderful world of
reading. So, before I became a writer, I'm a reader first.
It's
alright to write and write without conducting reading and research if
you're writing a personal journal (diary) or a memoir. But if
you're writing an article you really need to do some research.
The
writer must know how to accomplish these two; he should know how to
create and how to innovate. His mind should be creative and at the
same time innovative. Creating something means you're writing
something that hasn't been written or discussed before by other
writers. Innovating means you're expounding, analyzing or exploring
something that has already been written; you're giving it a new
twist, so to speak. Take for example the ancient book in military
strategy called the "Art of war" it was created (written)
by a Chinese general named Sun Tzu. Nevertheless, many scholars then
and up to now are writing about this book. They're analyzing
continuously the relevance of this ancient book in today's modern
warfare as well as the applicability of Sun Tzu's principles in
business management; that's innovation. Whether you're creating
or innovating, as a freelance writer you need your imagination to
work effectively to make your writing more appealing in the eyes of
your reader.
Aside
from the undeniable fact that Harland Sanders the founder of Kentucky
Fried Chicken restaurant and Ray Crock the creator of McDonald
fast food chain are both successful businessmen, what else do they
have in common? They both started operating their respective business
empires at old age at the time when they were supposed to retire.
Aside from the age factor, their health condition was neither good at
that time.
Winston
Churchill was more than 70 years old when he became the prime
Minister of Great Britain. He led his country in its struggle for
survival against the "odious apparatus of the Nazi rule". As
long as your brain is normal and as long you can write with your
hands there's no excuse for a freelance writer not to write. James
A. Michener the American author of more than forty books most of
which are fictional started his writing career when he was already
forty years old and he continued to write until his eighties.
Well,
they're all wonderful people and if they were able to do it, why
not me? I'm forty-three (43) years old now, Diabetic and my vision
is blurring yet I know that I can still establish myself as a
freelance writer. I'm not yet old for this. If I'm lucky to live
until eighty (80) years old that means I still have thirty (30) years
ahead of me to fulfill my dream of becoming a freelance writer.
Indeed, age is just a factor. If you fail a thousand times in your
attempt to achieve glory that's not a tragedy; the real tragedy in
life is not to try at all. Procrastination is a thief, get rid of it;
if you want to do something do it now.
The late
British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli said, "Politics is the
only profession where there is life after death". Indeed, in
politics the loss of a politician in an election is not forever, he
can always make a return; the demise is just symbolic. The best
example of this is Richard Nixon, he was defeated in the presidential
election by John F. Kennedy and when he runs for the position of
governor of California he was defeated again. Yet, Nixon staged a
spectacular come-back in politics when he was finally elected as
President of the United States of America.
In
writing there's also life after death, the writer can always
resurrect from the grave. He can re-invent himself whenever he wants.
Personally speaking, I believe that once a writer is always a writer.
Whether you're a published writer or not you're a writer. I've
turned my back on writing many times; I told myself that this isn't
going to work out, that writing isn't for me. The negative voice
inside my head keeps on telling me, 'you're not really a
writer, you're just assuming', 'give up the idea it's not
going to work'. However, despite all these I always return to
writing as if it is my natural haven. I killed myself before but look
I'm resurrected and I'm writing again.
I was
trying to live an ordinary life, I just want peace and happiness, I'm
not even craving for wealth and fame; I just want to be simple. Yet,
out of nowhere I heard the beating of this different drummer, at
first, I tried to ignore it. But the more I disregard it the more I
hear the sound. I didn't plan to become a writer, but I can't
resist the calling. Am I romanticizing my experience in an overstated
way? What is waiting for me in the future? Will I be successful or
not? Honestly, I don't know the answers to all these questions. The
only thing that matters to me right now is my writing, I want to
write, write and write. I've been rejected before and was harshly
criticized and I don't give a damn; I shall continue what I've
started. I shall build my portfolio and as soon as I have it I shall
send Query Letter to magazines and newspapers to offer my freelance
service as a writer.
Honestly
speaking, I sometimes envy those people with ordinary mind; people
who are contented on what they have in their life. I admire them
because they live an ordinary life with their love ones. Accept it or
not, the mind of a writer is not normal; it is situated somewhere
beyond the level of normalcy. This condition is a gift at the same
time it's a curse. It's a gift because you can create or describe
your own version of life by using the power of your thoughts and
imagination. In effect the writer is like a god because he can create
things (good or bad) inside his head. However, his talent in writing
is also a curse since it enslaves him all the time and he can't get
away from it.
When
shall I cease writing? I guess I shall stop writing as soon as the
beating of the drum stops. I'll stop when the inspiration is gone,
I'll stop when I'm finally free. Perhaps I can continue to live a
normal life by that time. However, as long as I hear the drum beat of
the different drummer I won't be able to cease from writing; he's
my master and I'm the slave.
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