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Upon returning to work after my son was born, I took great delight in sending my coworkers humorous emails about the trials and tribulations of motherhood. “Put this stuff in a book!” they often said. Fast forward seven years, add another kid, and I think I’m on my way. I haven’t signed the book deal…yet. But thoughts I shared via email are now parenting humor columns in the Mooresville Tribune . They became clips that led to other gigs, including an article in Lake Norman Magazine, an essay published in A Cup of Comfort for Dog Lovers II, and regular contributions to the Lake Norman Navigator.

I’ve been involved in a relationship with freelance writing for just over two years. Like any relationship, it has its ups and downs. Freelance writing is so much fun, but some days it makes me want to rip my hair out! Even though our relationship has progressed, it’s still very new to me. But I’m learning as I go. Here are 10 things I’d like to share.

1. Writers are the most supportive group of people.
Freelance writing is very competitive. There are only so many magazines and websites with a finite number of editors willing to give our queries a shot. Writers could easily look the other way when it comes to giving advice to fledglings. But they don’t. Almost every writer I’ve reached out to with a question or concern has responded. From writer’s groups to writer’s websites (with their handy “contact” link), there are so many ways for writers to connect with each other. Don’t be afraid to ask a question. Nine times out of ten you’ll get an answer.

2. Networking is crucial.
If you don’t interact with other writers, virtually or in person, you limit your opportunities. When I began freelancing, I googled “freelance writers in Charlotte” and found the website of a writer who lives twenty minutes away. One week later we met for coffee and I picked her brain dry! She gave me very practical advice about everything from helpful how-to books to publications in the area. Our conversation gave me courage as well as job leads. Two years later we’re Facebook friends and still keep in touch.

3. Freelancers can’t be shy.
For me the toughest part of freelancing is interviewing sources for articles. It’s why I prefer writing essays and columns: They’re stories in my head, no interviewing required. But most freelance work is found in magazines, websites, and newspapers that look for anecdotal and expert quotes to enhance a story. You can huddle over your laptop later, but first you need to talk to people.

4. Don’t overlook local publications.
Neighborhood magazines and newspapers employ small staffs and very often welcome freelance articles. Pitch an idea to the local editor. You never know where it could lead. Erma Bombeck’s first column appeared in the “Kettering-Oakwood Times.” Need I say more?

5. Don’t write for free.
Okay, maybe one or two articles just to get your feet wet and experience the thrill of seeing your work in print. There are many websites and publications that don’t pay. Conversely there are many that do. Look to local publications or ezines that pay. Earning even $10 is better than nothing. You get your byline, clip, and can treat yourself to lunch!

6. Freelance writing is constant ebb and flow.
One week I’m ready to throw in the towel. None of my queries are getting responses and I have next to no works in progress. The next week my inbox has emails with new projects, and the creative juices start flowing again. For someone like me who worked a nine to five job and collected a paycheck that never varied month to month, this new schedule (or lack thereof) takes some getting used to.

7. Are you a writer or in the freelance writing business?
Do you keep track of expenses? Are you keeping track of your income? Have you asked a tax advisor how to handle taxes and your freelance writing career? I’m trying to do a better job with the business aspect of freelance writing. Writing is more fun than creating spreadsheets; but, the latter task is just as important if you want to transition writing from a hobby to a career.

8. You can always edit.
Rereading and rewriting your work is essential. Don’t fall prey to the belief that the first words you write on the screen are the best. Take a look again and ask if that sentence could be shorter, funnier, clearer, etc. But avoid overkill. At some point take a deep breath, trust your instincts, and get the article into the editor’s hands.

9. Carry a notebook everywhere.
You never know when a story idea will hit you, so be prepared. And don’t rely on your memory. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve lost an article idea because I told myself “remember to write that one down,” and I didn’t! I carry a notebook in my purse at all times, and the wall above my computer is a white board littered with scribble that I plan to turn into articles.

10. Once you start writing, you never look at the world in the same way again.
Something funny my kids say or do. A story I saw on tv or read about in the paper. All are fair game for column or article material. Since I began freelance writing two years ago, the world looks so different. I’m absorbing it all through a writer’s eye. It’s a curious, inquisitive, thought-provoking eye. And I love every minute of it!


More About Kelli Robinson
Kelli Robinson is a freelance writer in Mooresville, North Carolina. She is a contributing writer of family focused and parenting articles to the “Lake Norman Navigator.” Her bi-weekly parenting humor columns also appear in the “Lake Norman Navigator,” as well as the “Mooresville Tribune,” and the “Statesville Record and Landmark.”

Robinson has written articles for “Charlotte Parent” and “Lake Norman Magazine,” and enjoyed writing an essay that was published in the 2009 edition of “A Cup of Comfort for Dog Lovers II” (Adams Media). Online articles can be found at Modern Mom, DexKnows, and JobWeb.

When she’s not writing, or thinking about writing, Kelli is hanging out with her family that includes one husband, two kids, and four pets. Life is quite chaotic and she loves it that way.