Does Freelance Writing Feel Right For You?

April 23, 2009

This is the second article in the series exploring careers that you can take with you throughout military life. (and stay tuned…next we will explore a career in Human Resources).

I have often wondered what it takes to become a professional writer because it seems that each writer’s career path differs. For example, military spouse Sara Smiley, author of Going Overboard has an undergraduate degree in Education; Meredith Leyva, author of Married to the Military had years of experience in public relations; Tanya Biank, author of Army Wives, had an extensive background in journalism. But one commonality these women all seem to share is a passion for military life and an ability to express it.

I still wanted to learn more so I interviewed military spouse, Sara Horn, a freelance spouse and entrepreneur. She manages several websites such as AGreaterFreedom.com, Wivesoffaith.org, and SaraHorn.com. Sara shared her path toward becoming a published author and several great tips for new writers.

Sara began her bachelor’s degree in music and then, after working for the college’s radio station, transitioned into communications and her first writing job. She was fortunate that when her boss left and she took on more and more responsibly, she was able to fulfill that position even without her degree; and now when she did go back to school it was free because she was employed by the university. Sara was again blessed with several writing opportunities such as working overseas and covering the war for the Baptist Press. She explained what life was like being aboard the USS Harry S. Truman during the first week of the Iraq war on her 26th birthday. Totally inspired, she wrote more than 20 stories in 10 days. This feat led to a relationship with a Christian publisher which published her first book, A Greater Freedom, in 2004.

Sara then made the leap from her corporate writing job to her freelance work and managed to earn the same salary her first year. While she enjoyed the flexibility and additional time with her young son, she admits struggling with self-discipline when tackling the multiple writing projects she had on her plate. She had to juggle updating her website content, her freelance magazine work, ghostwriting for several high profile authors, and making time for her own book. Self-Discipline is something many freelance writers struggle with, but Sara’s passion allowed her to persevere and she enthusiastically ended our interview excited about her work.

“I’ve got two books coming out that align with my faith and are part of my larger vision for empowering military spouses!” explains Sara.

Tips on Becoming a Professional Writer

There Is No Cookie Cutter Recipe. While there is no set formula on becoming a writer there are benefits to seeking as many experiences as you can. Try writing for websites, blogging, or writing articles on topics close to your heart.

“If you love decorating, write design tips; If you like to cook, write about food; if you think you’re a pretty good parent, write about that!” suggests Sara. “The bad news is—there is no set formula. The good news—you can pave your own way!”

Don’t Get Caught Up In The Paycheck. I love Todd Ruthman’s quote in Seven Steps On the Writer’s Path: The Journey from Frustration to Fulfillment: “Sometimes you earn more doing the jobs that pay nothing.” Sara agreed, “Don’t get caught up on pay; go for what builds your experience.”
Where There Is a Will, There is a Way. While you should familiarize yourself with the “how to” of publishing your work, don’t let all these details derail you. There are lots of writer’s guides, books on how to write proposals, professional organizations for writers, professional writing groups, and writing conferences that can make the process of getting your work in front of editors and agents much easier.
Learning the Craft. They say it takes reading 8–10 books to be considered an expert on any subject, so simply read all about it.
Just Do It! Sara enthusiastically ended our interview with a reminder to not get caught up on “how” to get an “in” with a big magazine or publishing company; instead, start small and hold a strong vision.

Professional Organizations:
Writer’s Net
National Writers
Children’s Writers
American Society of Journalists and Authors

Posted in: Career Coach, Syndication

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