It’s A Bit Like Acting I Suspect
This is a guest post by George aka Tumblemoose. Tumblemoose is a Freelance Writer in Palmer, Alaska. You can visit the moose at Tumblemoose.
In addition to the blogging on my own website, I’m contracted to write articles for a few other places on the web. None of these pay particularly well. They certainly do take up some of my time and these sites demand quality, frequent work.
So why on earth would I strap myself with work that requires my time and expertise for little to no money? It’s because I’m independently wealthy and have no other use for my time. Ok, that’s not the real reason. I do these things because I think freelance writing is a lot like acting.
Think about the struggling actor cliche we’ve all seen in so many movies. The Hollywood dream is ethereal and not quite tangible. Yet they take whatever bit parts that may come their way. Maybe they join a troupe for a pittance. Given the odds of success, why would an actor or actress subject themselves to such a life? Two reasons: First and most important, they are doing something they truly love, something for which they are impassioned and inspired (which would be a good enough reason in and of itself). Second, if they don’t put their face out into the field, they will never have the chance to realize their dream. They won’t ever get discovered if they sit in their apartment, reading lines to their goldfish.
In many ways, a freelance writer is no different. I take on assignments because I love to write and I know that each piece makes me a little better writer. The other reason I take on some writing obligations is to get my name out there. The more of a presence I have, the more likely I will eventually land that dream client. I blog on my website and engage other bloggers in part to try and bring traffic to my site. Not for purposes of the ego, but because each visitor may be the link to the writing project that may lead to the next one and the one after that and so on.
Some would consider these near-freebie assignments to be just paying my dues. I don’t have an issue with that. I know that I will pay a little more than some, less than others and that’s ok. I don’t take these dues paying assignments grudgingly. I see them as an opportunity to grow – always, always, always with my Hollywood dream in mind.
George
PS: If you like to guest post here on Freelance Writing, please get in touch with me.
About the Author: I'm a passionate freelance writer and problogger. To further build my business I'm also in the process of building my own niche empire which pays me residual income.
Davina | Sep 30, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika. I hear you! Yes, money buys clothing, shelter and food. But following our passion and expressing our creativity feeds us in ways that money can’t.
Davina | Sep 30, 2008 | Reply
Oops, I meant George! (blush)
Monika | Sep 30, 2008 | Reply
@ George: Great analogy. I guess that is one reason why I love writing because I can slip into all these different roles. I think I would have made for a fine actor.
Your example about building presence is spot on. I did the very same when I first started out and it was responsible for getting me noticed. It was hard work too because I trailed blogs to comment for hours a day, involved myself in many social networks and generally build connections.
In the end it was worth it though and that is all that matters. Good luck to you on your endeavors and thank you for guest posting here on my humble blog.
Monika
Tumblemoose | Sep 30, 2008 | Reply
Monika, thanks for giving me the space – ’tis I who is humbled.
Thanks for the kind words, Davina. I’m glad it spoke to you.
George
Writer Dad | Sep 30, 2008 | Reply
Sounds a lot like acting. We do get better with every thing we write, so writing for cheap is still better than not writing.
Evelyn Lim | Oct 2, 2008 | Reply
What a great perspective to getting your name out there, even if means having to write for cheap! Well, I wish you every success in getting to your Hollywood dream! No more a struggling actor but a BIG Writing STAR!
Jenny | Oct 4, 2008 | Reply
It is a lot like acting! Being in a community theater group I know how it is to always take the smaller roles and jobs in hope that one day you can make your debut as the leading actress in a play or as the director. Unfortunately it’s usually a slow process!! But you are right, you never know when doing a small job will pay off with a HUGE reward! The lead actress could get hit by a bus and you are the only one who knows the lines & blocking…
Could happen!!