I have often been asked where I find ideas of what to write about, and I find this question difficult to answer. It is difficult because I discover things to write about from my surroundings, news stories, family and even waiting in line to get my coffee at Starbucks. In fact, I find inspiration for writing every place I go, which reminds me of Dr. Seuss.
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…” ~ Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!
If you grew up with Dr. Seuss books as a teaching guide, like I did, you will appreciate this sentiment. Dr. Seuss found inspiration in the alphabet, numbers, hats, food and animals, ordinary household items. His vivid imagination took “regular stuff” and turned it into puzzles, games and rhymes.
As a freelance writer, you have the freedom to pick and choose what you write. Even with the constraints of writing within customer parameters, it is your voice that is speaking. Freelancers writers can soak up their own impressions from their experiences and share them with others through their writing. We have the creative ability to write about what we know, an ability that a majority of people do not have. If you are struggling to generate ideas to write, then I suggest doing walking away from your writing desk for a day. Sign up for an art class, go to a museum or visit a sick friend. Experiences outside of writing fuel our imagination.
If you have the creativity and skills required to be a writer, then career opportunities abound. Writing is required for an array of careers including law, speech writing services, teaching, screenwriting, advertising, video game writing and technical writing.
“And when you’re alone there’s a very good chance you’ll meet things that scare you right out of your pants There are some, down the road between hither and yon, that can scare you so much you won’t want to go on.” ~ Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!
Being a freelance writer is a scary endeavor because you are selling your own skills. It is up to you to find clients and enough work to provide a living income. However, the ability to write is an open door to a fascinating range of careers that you can attempt. Writing allows you to dip a toe into the water and see if you like the temperature. You can branch out into new areas of interest by researching new topics and writing about them. You can work for new clients to learn about their companies. If you don’t like a particular field, then about face and try another. You can go anywhere as long as you are willing to put in the effort and time to learn.
Developing a career as a freelance writer takes guts. You have to put yourself on the front line and bravely offer your services. However, in my opinion, it is a career well worth any growing pains along the way.
Paula A is a freelance writer who has been writing on the Internet since 2008. When she is not writing, Paula creates and maintains websites, searches for handmade art treasures and nibbles on chocolate to keep herself motivated.
