Monday, May 31, 2010

Business Cards for Writers

Hope you had a wonderful, long, relaxing weekend!

I certainly did. While I had originally intended to finish up some writing projects over the long weekend, I ended up just enjoying the time with my family. Taking the weekend off actually proved beneficial in more ways than one: I was able to have some real quality time with hubby and the kids AND came up with numerous ideas for query letters and fillers. Not to mention the fact that I caught up on some much-needed sleep and now feel ten times more refreshed.

Writing projects have been pretty steady for me lately, which is great. The only downside of it is that I am never able to get everything on my "To Do" list done because new projects pop up before I finish the old ones - but I guess that's really nothing to complain about. In fact, I am really grateful to have reached this point in my writing career.

Which brings me to my question: do you think it's important/necessary for writers to have business cards?

I have been in several situations recently where it would have been quite beneficial to have had some business cards for my freelance writing business on hand, but instead had to scribble out my website address on a piece of paper because I had put off designing and purchasing some cards for myself. After giving this some thought, I figured that it would be much more professional to have a business card on hand next time someone asked for information regarding my writing services. So I finally took the plunge and ordered my business cards tonight. And if I do say so myself, they look pretty darn good! I will try to post a pic when they arrive so that you can see firsthand.

But I guess that I just got side-tracked from my question. So, I will ask again: do you have business cards for your freelance writing business? If so, have they proved helpful in marketing your business?

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Creating a Writing Career

Every week I look forward to receiving The Prosperous Writer in my inbox. I read it faithfully, and always finish with the intention to respond to the thought-provoking topics -- but obviously fail in that pursuit.

As I sit here on this beautiful, sunny, Saturday morning, I decided that I will finally blog about this week's topic: being or becoming self-producing.

In pursuing a writing career, I believe it is essential to assume full responsibility for that career -- because no one is going to hand it to you on a platter. This career, like any other, requires an investment -- an investment of time, money (if you should choose to take writing classses, which I highly recommend), dedication, and good old-fashioned hard work.

For most of us, a writing career does not happen overnight. It takes many steps, repeated, over time. We have to work hard, and slowly reap the fruits of our hard work. Of course, depending on one's determination and the amount of time spent writing and marketing, the process can definitely be quicker. It really depends on each individual -- what their goals are, how much time they are willing to spend working towards them, and how dedicated they are to writing as a career.

In my case, I have wholeheartedly embraced writing as my chosen path. I love it! It is thoroughly enjoyable, very fulfilling, and I am able to do it while caring for my two toddlers at home. In saying this, though, I must mention the many hours that I have put in to get to this point (where I am finally seeing my name in print more and more and receiving payment for those articles.) Doing some freelance writing for local businesses is also helping me to achieve my income goals with my pen.

So, yes, I do think that writers must be self-producing. In fact, I think that it is absolutely essential. After all, if you are not your biggest cheerleader, who will be?

After saying all this (my apologies for being so long-winded!), it is only right to tell you that I attribute my writing success, in large part, to Christina Katz. I picked up her book, Writer Mama, from a local Borders about a year and a half ago -- and before I finished the first chapter, I knew that I had found my calling. Since then, I have taken her classes, followed her advice, and put into practice what she recommends. And now, I am proud to say that I am a writer.