When I initially, made the decision to branch out into freelance writing after a couple of paid gigs, I had no idea how it would affect my writing style. Obviously, it was interesting, but also gave it me another avenue to learn my writing skill.
When I write creatively, I am in control of what happens, where the story leads when I write and ultimately when I finish. However, with freelance projects I quickly learned to accommodate another person’s viewpoint, requirements and adhere to a deadline. Fulfilling another person’s vision for their project is about asking questions – lots of questions and then reiterating them to ensure you are both on the same wavelength. Among my past projects, I have written new bio’s, edited manuscripts, created blog and social media posts, written articles and information leaflets, mentoring and ghost written a hybrid marketing book to name a few.
Through this business I have gain experience and knowledge from each project, which allows me to hone my skill. I have also gained valuable insights into other styles of writing, which in turn have assisted me in my creative writing. You may think that cannot be the case, but all writing teaches us something. It can be as simple as writing to a deadline or writing to a specific style or tone to align with current literature or media. It also gives me great backstories for future characters, who work in environments I am writing and learning about so a win-win situation.
Have you broaden your writing into freelance? What has your experience been like?
You can find my freelance website, testimonials etc. here:
Jejune – definition: 1. naive and simplistic 2. lacking interest or liveliness; dull
I attended this event yesterday and from the start it was a struggle. Firstly, my friend, Linda’s car would not start so I drove to her rescue with jump leads at hand. Normally, this would be a quick and easy task but the temperature yesterday morning was -22 with the wind chill so standing around ankle deep in snow while the car’s battery charged was not fun to say the least. Once it did start we headed to the Dream Write Publishing office to collect books and promotional items for the event. En route coffee and sandwiches were purchased to restore our bodies somewhat. We were lucky enough to find a heated underground parkade – extremely welcome in the circumstances. After trudging over icy paths with our heavy supplies to the venue, we were able to set up and at last relax.
Fourteen authors were present for the book sale and we happily networked with each other. Some were familiar faces while others were new. Book summaries were told and purchases made and silent auction items bid upon. Although the ‘traffic’ was not as anticipated, I don’t think it was a lack of interest but rather a reluctance to venture out in severe weather. This was the first Authors for Altruism event. One the organizers will learn from and improve for next year.
Yes, we authors, are an intrepid breed. Even one book sale is worth the effort. Our story will please the reader and hopefully they will relay that fact to others. Here are some photographs of my table set up. Rumble, as always, was in attendance along with his print book Rumble’s First Scare, bookmarks and coloring pages. I made the ‘glob’ table covering by the way.
My fantasy, The Rython Kingdom was displayed in print form as well as postcards for the e-book version, as well as bookmarks I made with beads attached and a glowing orb (shiny things attract customers, I find).
I displayed a pre-order form for my children’s chapter book, Ockleberries to the Rescue and displayed proof copies for people to see. Again I had two animal ornaments that glittered and changed color. http://www.dreamwritepublishing.ca/
The other books shared on the adjoining table with Linda, another member of the Writers Foundation of Strathcona County, were :
We were lucky to have two news station reporters arrive (luckily not at the same time!) who took photographs, footage and interviewed the organizers. All in all it was a good day and I will certainly participate next year. I even brought home supper – a silent auction item of an Italian meal with a bottle of wine and napkins included.
What promotional items do you use for your events?
Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers 