"So, what do you do?"
It's possibly the most often asked question when meeting someone new. A friend once told me her favorite response to that question is to ask, "About what?" My answer, though actually addressing the question, often draws just as many confused stares. My current profession: freelance writer.
Freelance writing? That's a real job?
Before switching to writing, I was a Sys Admin--primarily Unix. That answer also brought mixed reactions at cocktail parties. Those who got it would nod and maybe bring up a recent Slashdot article. For those that looked confused, I would add "computer geek" and they would nod. Enough said.
Freelance writing is a profession that many people have never considered. When people hear I'm a writer, they want to know if I write novels (maybe someday) or short stories (rarely), or if I'm a reporter/journalist (no).
Like many freelance writers, I write magazine-style articles and sell them to many different publishers. Some of my articles carry my byline, others are ghostwritten. Some are in print, but most are published online. There is a lot of content on the Internet and somebody has to write it. I'm one of those people.
How does it work?
Most of the time, I sell specific articles to various publishers. These articles appear either online or in print distributions (newsletters, etc.). Occasionally, I also write at a peer-rated site called Helium.com where I earn small upfront payments and a share of the ad-revenue (based on how often my articles are read).
I also keep this blog, but that's largely for my own amusement.
What's there to write about?
I write on a variety of topics, mainly lifestyle and relationship articles. I am open to writing about many subjects and will often submit articles to any publisher request that catches my eye. I have always been a fan of researching and exploring new ideas, and my interests cover a wide spectrum.
Inside Joss' Dollhouse: From Alpha to Rossum
As a long-time Joss Whedon* fan, I was thrilled to have one of my essays included in Smart Pop Book's recent anthology entitled Inside Joss' Dollhouse: From Alpha to Rossum. This collection includes 18 essays that were written by fans of the show and chosen through an open essay contest. The anthology is available through bookstores everywhere, including Amazon.com.
*writer/creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly, Dollhouse, etc.
55 Places: A Regular Gig
Though I generally sell one-time articles to various publishers, occasionally I have an opportunity to work steadily with the same publisher. For example, I have enjoyed writing articles for 55Places.com for some time. 55Places.com is a great resource for those researching active adult communities.
Just a few of the articles I've written at 55 Places include:
South Florida Real Estate Showing Signs of Life
Fabulous Fall Foliage From Coast to Coast
Romantic American Retreats for Retirees
Consider the Cost of Living When Relocating During Retirement
Singles Find Fun Ways to Mingle in 55+ Communities
Various Articles from Around the Web
Most often I sell articles to be used in a variety of publications. You may come across them while skimming through a newsletter or surfing the Internet. Here are just a few of my articles that are currently available online:
Myths and Facts about Charitable Giving at WebMD
How to Use an Exercise Ball During Ab Workouts at Gaiam Life
How to Trim Your Waistline at What's Up? Magazine
Myths About Saving for College at The Denver Post online
What to Expect When You Donate Blood at Click2Houston.com
Kids Bedrooms at Kidica.com
Hannaford Fresh Magazine Nov-Dec 2010 at Hannaford.com and in stores
(Two articles: "Holiday Farm Breakfasts" and "Desserts With a Difference")
