Disgruntled Ex-novelist.

You mention the “romantic” element of being freelance. Yes, I think that’s a huge draw for many, and a delusion that quickly fades. While I do indeed tend to swan around my parlour in my silk dressing gown, musing on ethereal matters with quill in hand, most of the day, my cursed bank manager insists I put money in my account every so often which ruins things terribly for me.

I have no idea who Penelope Trunk is. Is that bad? I will look her up.

Well, I do hope I manage to pen something else soon that spurs more of your comments. Quite delightful. Gracias.

Mark

I can wax rather in the realm of overdo, being from Texas and all, when faced with trying to quickly and properly convey my thoughts on an issue that moves me — if I comment at all, it probably moved me enough to make me take a breath, realize that I can slow down and have a little commenting fun like those who are in the midst of their breathing, gratefulness, and shufflin’ spells.

I know what you were getting at and I totally agree. I probably just ranted on about my own views on the topic and in true blonde form expected you to glean my thoughts ala Sookie Stackhouse (although I believe my intelligence eclipses her tv version). What I takeaway from your post is this: everyone, nowadays, thinks they’re a freelancer — unemployed (sounds better to your haters than mooch), those who see this persona as romantic in a strange sort of intangible way, and those who try to imitate the object of their stalking to the point where flattery no longer applies (ok, I’m experiencing this one in ways that only Hollywood has captured thus far).

These poseurs, dilute the true and original meaning of the word. On my “resume”, client bait site, I’ll use the words “freelance journalist”, so that news outlets that happen to fall prey and romanced by my swagger will know that I don’t (officially/legally) belong to another rival outfit.

But, you’re right, entrepreneur or something else like Big Texas Aims to Make Big Money while helping all those in her path regardless of their status in the field of writing. OK, I won’t write that description, but I’ll think it while professionally branding myself as the next Penelope Trunk (only not as cool, but just as rich). Perhaps you will then write a blurb for publication somewhere like here that uses all the snark and un-debutante-like language that is dying to escape from my snark-infested brain. It would serve as a charitable act– a catharsis if you will.

Mark

No, absolutely, I wouldn’t think it’s a good idea to drop “freelance” from any writer’s website. I was just musing on why we need to add the word to our job description, as though “writer” doesn’t really say enough. If we want to specify, it would probably be more useful to differentiate between “professional” and “clueless”. That would help to weed out the opposition a little. Yep, in my main job I am also a “consultant”, which makes me sound vaguely medical, especially with my surname. Cheers for now.

Mark

I know this economy is trying and downright hopeless sometimes (hey, what happened to the hope, we took the change, but someone dropped the ball), but I like to do what everyone else says can’t be done. If I were a blogger, and one smart enough to know that I’m not likely to pay my mortgage or even my iPhone bill with the ads on my site, I would hustle, stalk successful (or on the verge) bloggers/writers and get me some of that cashola. Freelancing rarely provides an income you can count on. One month I made thousands, another I’ll make $500 (that’s scary, sort of) — but like other things in life, if you hustle, it will all come around. Help other newbie wanna-bes in your downtime to discover how to make it work or realize they don’t really wanna-be. Help out at the soup kitchen. It will make you grateful that you can put a sentence together that somebody considers paying you for.

Find a mentor that will listen to and address your whining and legit questions, according to the needs of your personality.

Yada, yada, yada –> if you really want to freelance, don’t slink back to the office job. Office jobs are for those folks who make what is thankless for the born freelancer, meaningful and satisfying. Although, Miss CathyinaCubicle efficient office leader may make the office appear appealing and may make the born freelancer feel a twinge of longing, it’s a LIE — ignore it and enjoy your freelance freedom while you’re shufflin’ for work and enjoy those times when you’re so busy, you can’t breathe too! It’s all amazing.

Thankful for writers who say what this Texas belle can’t, but has in her potty mouth, snarky mind (at times) and for my freelancing lifestyle.

Samantha