Planning Equals Money

Form provided by artofactualization.com

This last week I was away from my day job. Furlough days as they are called. It was nice to get away from the classroom and write more. I used the time wisely and had a little epiphany that led to this post.

My job as a teacher is regimented with daily bells, progress reports, and grading terms. I lie out my curriculum at the beginning of the year and systematically reach certain checkpoints. This is not the case with my freelance writing job, and this is a detriment to my success. The freedom feels great, but I soon find myself not getting much done day to day. In order to have a steady income I must keep track of my work schedule. I have never been one to plan. I prefer to receive life as it happens, but as I delve into this freelance writing career I’m finding planning a necessity. The pay reduction hurts, but something good did come from my forced vacation. It allowed me to focus on my writing business and implement the use of a day planner.

Sometime ago I came across a very interesting form on artofactualization.com. It seems the rest of their site is not operational, but their day planner form is put together well. The best part of the form is the “I promise that I will get this done today” section. It was very powerful to write a task in that section. I’m happy to say that everyday last week I met my promise. I also appreciate the reminders that are built into the form. It is easy to get bogged down with tasks and forget to take care of yourself. My exercise routine actually became a routine, and I took a moment to appreciate my time with my family and friends. I believe when freelance writing becomes a full-time gig using this daily planner will be essential.

Another aspect that appeals to me is the structure of business practice built into the form. Keeping track of income and expenses on a daily basis makes good business sense. Unconsciously I treat my writing business as a hobby. I believe that stems from having a steady paycheck from teaching, and allowing myself to put tasks off because it doesn’t effect putting food on the table. My mentors have stressed to me that I must treat writing as a business. Successful business people have set goals, with daily routines and systems in place. As I learn and grow I’m implementing more of these best practices. Using a day planner will lead to better productivity and a bigger bottom-line.

How do you schedule your freelance workday? What systems do you have in place that is most helpful? Leave a comment and share. 

Internet Reveals Mentors

Photo by Tim Luk

With Easter on the near horizon, many a youngster will take to the grass searching high and low for that elusive egg. Often, overlooking what is in plain sight in order to exclaim, “I found it!” with a beaming smile illuminating their faces as they grasp their treasure.

In order to be successful, I discovered I needed someone to lean on and show me the ways of a freelance writer. For the longest time, I was looking for someone close to me in proximity, believing that a face-to-face conversation and occasional drop-in was necessary. I was wrong. Much like those eager Easter egg hunters, I failed to see what was sitting in plain sight. I had already found two outstanding people to emulate. Two people that would give me all I need. And all that time, I did not need to lift one branch or crawl through one bush; my treasure came via the Internet.

Even though I have never sat down and had a cup of coffee with them, or visited their homes, I feel like I have known them for years. I consider them friends and take their words to heart. I know they will be honest, caring, and have my best interest in mind. They are mentors in the true sense of the word. The give guidance and provide leadership. They answer questions and provide support and never ask for anything in return. My mentors are Lori Widmer and Sean Platt.

Lori was one of the first writers I contacted when I began this endeavor last year. Her response was immediate, and she was so forthcoming with information I became a bit skeptical. Obviously, she was sincere and even agreed to let me interview her for one of my first blog posts. That willingness to help other writers is truly inspirational and why I consider her a mentor. Lori shares her insight and wisdom on her blog Words on the Page. Along with partner Anne Wayman, she also founded a writer forum titled: About Writing Squared. Both sites are information packed for the beginner and seasoned writer.

Sean Platt is quick with a thank you and encouragement. His trademark, “I did it. So can you,” illustrates where Sean is coming from. His sincerity in wanting other writers to be successful is remarkable. Sean has seen tremendous growth in his brand and his fiction endeavors. Often, when writers see that kind of growth their ego expands two-fold. This is not the case with Sean. He answers questions and gives advice freely, and always makes you feel like an equal colleague. He recently launched a new blog called The Digital Writer. And I know he will continue to help me and others be successful.

Both Lori and Sean have inspired me to pursue my writer dreams. Neither did it with selling a book or class. They just wanted to help, and help me they have. It has been said, “the world is getting smaller.” And the Internet is contributing to that shrinkage. For all of its negatives, it provided me the avenue to find great mentors. Mentors are where you find them and I found mind via the Internet.

Where did you find your mentors? Share your experiences and who has inspired you.