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All too often writers turn into freelancers looking for the next gig that will put food on the table. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but sometimes it sort of “just happens” to those who need the extra money and decide they may as well use their writing skills to get it.
That’s exactly where I found myself last year–looking down the barrel of the freelancing gun; wondering where in the world I was and where in the world I was going. I didn’t have a clue.
The one thing I thought I knew was that I wanted to build a freelance writing business. I enjoy writing and liked the idea that my writing could help other business owners fulfill their goals. But somewhere in the middle of all that I lost me. I lost my voice. I lost my love for writing. I lost sight of my own dreams and goals.
Even though I enjoyed the writing (for the most part) and enjoyed the clients I worked with, something was missing. I still felt a void inside myself, a nagging emptiness telling me I had strayed off-course. But where? When? How? Why?
The biggest problem I faced at that time was that I continuously emptied myself on a daily basis writing for others. There was no time to write for me. There was no time to pen prose from my heart. There was no time to listen to a Higher Voice and put those words on paper.
I was too busy. I was lost.
I think, like everything, there are seasons in our lives. Regardless of whether you are a high-powered businessman, or a best-selling published author, there are valleys and mountain peaks we all must face. The most important question is what will you do when you come to a valley?
Although I’m sure you’ve already noticed the change of tone and pace on this blog in the last few months, I have to point it out. I’ve been figuring out who I am, where I’m headed, and what I want (from life and this writing talent). I’ll share some of my epiphanies, decisions, and updates in future posts.
In closing, I just want to remind you to never forget you. Even in the midst of writing for clients, remember to make special time to write from your heart. Don’t lay aside who you are, or what you want to become, just because you are doing what it takes to pay the bills for now. Write for you.
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Hi Hope,
You post mirrors the foundation of my writing life. Like you I haven’t always succeeded in staying true to it.
However, I have always found my way back by the light of God’s gentle reminders that I am to honor the purpose He has outlined for my life and my writing.
The world has a lot to offer a writer and the possibilities are tempting. Yet, I cannot bring myself to stray too far, for too long or allow myself to get mired in the surging sea of writing what is popular, what sells and the financial gains that follow.
What is true, good, encouraging, inspiring, helping and healing remains at the center of my purpose. I can’t escape from the call to write it with heart, in my voice, in my own unique style and with prayer that God will take my words and deliver them to the hearts that need to hear them most. If I garner financial or any other success from this, I accept it, I welcome it, satisfied that I have done what I believe I am called to do.
Feedback from readers of my column, feature articles and blogs is one of the ways, I believe, that God uses to affirm that I am doing His will for me at this point in my life.
Writing for myself, journaling in particular, has been a lifeline to understanding who I am. I have discovered more about myself in the last ten years through journaling than the earlier forty-three years of my life.
Moreover, through this liberating medium my eyes and heart are continually being opened to see, understand and learn from the circumstances that punctuate my life. I believe that without the the regular practice of journaling, I would still be living in the fog of low self-confidence, being manipulated by people, losing myself in the world of mediocrity and the demand for conformity to society’s norms.
You post was a refreshing reminder of the importance to stay true to myself, listening to and writing from my heart and trusting God to lead and sustain me as I live my life with passion and purpose.
This is the longest comment I’ve ever written. Take it to mean that your post touch me deeply, very deeply.
Thank you and may God blest you.
Cheryl Wright
June 28th, 2008
Thank you for your moving comment, Cheryl. I appreciate you taking the time to express your thoughts. I am especially happy that this post touched you.
Hope
June 28th, 2008
Yes, it’s easy to “sell out,” so to speak, when you’re operating in survival mode, and you feel you have to take any opportunity that comes along, whether it’s something you believe in or not.
I’m fortunate to be able to make a living writing for my own sites and blogs today, but there were definitely times when I was tempted to chase the money (and to some extent did) rather than writing about things that mattered to me and that I enjoyed researching.
But if you stick with your passions and work toward the goal of being your own boss (in all senses of the term), eventually you’ll be able to call your own shots.
Lindsays last blog post..Get Paid Once for Your Writing or Get Paid Again and Again?
Lindsay
July 7th, 2008
So very true, Lindsay! Thanks for your insight!
Hope
July 8th, 2008