Writing From the Trenches Surviving the Writing Journey even when you’re in the trenches.

As writers we are naturally passionate about life and the things in it. But sometimes we lose our focus of what is the most important to us. We become concerned with making the money we need for our bills and necessities. We lose ourselves in the process and forget who we are as writers and individuals. We lose our passion.

I just recently re-evaluated my writing career and goals and found that I had lost my passion for my job. It was becoming obvious in my work that I was turning in to clients and my approach to completing my work. It was time to re-evaluate my career choice and determine why I was writing. Was I now writing just for the sake of writing and getting a paycheck? Or was I writing because I loved it and needed to express my ideas on paper?

After a long introspection, I determined that it was time to refocus my efforts to what as important to me. I needed to write for myself once again and not just what my clients wanted me to write about. I needed to find the joy of writing once again. Without some major changes, I was headed for writer burnout and that is just not an acceptable option for me.

It took me too long to discover what I was truly passionate about for my work to burnout and sacrifice myself in the process. I have had the habit throughout my work career to always do what I am naturally good at doing and not necessarily what I am passionate about doing. I spent too many years working in the banking industry in a job I actually despised, but was very good at completing. Many probably didn’t even realize how much I hated my job, I was that good at it.

I was following similar patterns in my freelance career. I was accepting work that I was very good at doing, but not necessarily passionate about. Some of it I actually didn’t enjoy at all. But I felt compelled to do it because I was good at it and a client or friend asked me to do it. I felt trapped. I was like a deer in the headlights much of the time. My physical and emotional health began to take a toll on me because of what I was doing.

So I made some changes. I am now being choosy about what work I will accept. I am putting myself first. My work is beginning to reflect my passion once again. I am no longer sabotaging my career and myself. I am not afraid to say no. I am rediscovering my passion.

When you focus on what you are truly passionate about, the work will come to you. The ideas will flow freely. You will create that which is truly great and your talents and abilities will flourish. Find your passion and greatness will follow.

What kind of writing are you most passionate about and why? Leave me a comment and share.

Posted under Freelance Writing

This is a previously published piece from my original blog on blogger.

I was recently hired by a group that wanted me to ghostwrite short 250 word articles for their client. I originally thought that this would be a good and reliable writing gig. The contract was to be for a one year period, but could go on for about three years.

I went through the process of joining the team and then things quickly changed. They decided that everyone on the team would need to sign new contracts that included a non-compete clause. This clause stated that you could not work for any of their direct or indirect clients for a period of one year after leaving their writing team. I could not work directly or indirectly for any of these clients. That really bothered me. I have been burned in two other careers by signing a non-compete contract. I didn’t start freelance writing to have my efforts controlled and dictated by someone other than myself.

My question is this: If I leave this team and get work from someone else, what kind of a nightmare am I going to have to make sure that I do not work for anyone that the original team sees as a client? They are currently working on gaining more clients everyday. If I am already working for one of their “new” clients, then what happens? Will I be sued?

I sent off an email that detailed my hesitation to sign such a contract. I received a very professional response in return, that explained why they are taking this stance. While I appreciate the reasoning that they have for such a decision and their professionalism, I cannot in good conscience sign a contract that limits my future work.

Some of their writers were taking their topics and directly approaching the client with the work before the group would submit it. That is not ethical and I would never do that. It is also highly unprofessional. However, while I would never directly go after their current clients, I cannot guarantee that any of their future clients will not be ones that I would choose to work with on my own either now or in the future. What if I contracted work with the client on my own in a different forum before they were a client for this group? That is an entirely different situation that they refuse to see.

A non-compete clause or contract only serves to protect the interests of the employer or first party. They are limiting their future competition in the market. The person who signs such a contract is giving up their freedom to work.

Doesn’t freelance imply the right to work where I choose? Doesn’t freelance imply freedom?

Posted under Freelance Writing, Warnings for Writers