Making Rain

Two weeks ago I was frazzled. I was overwhelmed precisely because my work life was underwhelmed. I was starting to feel the pinch from my second month without a real, steady paycheck. I wasn’t getting responses to my freelance job applications and LOIs. In other words, I was starting to question the sanity of leaping into the freelance life. I was starting to question myself and my abilities. Maybe my resume wasn’t impressive enough. Maybe I didn’t say the right things in those emails.

Maybe, maybe, maybe.

And then, just like that, last week I was busy. Really busy. I was writing like a maniac on a cover story for one of my go-to publications. I was proofreading an entire issue of an annual baking magazine. (Let’s not even talk about how desperately it had me craving sweets all week.) I was finally getting some media coverage for the online travel magazine I created (it’s called Illinois Adventures, and you can check it out here if you’re so inclined), which meant I was feeling the pressure to add more event listings and write more articles to post online.

At the same time, I managed to engage some fellow freelance writers in a conversation—online, in the comments section of this Renegade Writer post, as well as through email with some writers who stumbled upon my blog. The general consensus was: Wow, it’s a tough time to be a freelancer. We’re in drought. We’re scared. When is it going to pass?

During a week when I actually felt pretty good about where things were, it humbled me and brought me back down to earth. It reminded me that the freelance life is fickle—one week it pours, the next you’re desperate for one little raindrop.

Being incredibly busy often makes you wish you weren’t quite so much, makes you wish you had time to breathe. But last week, I tried not to think like that, knowing full well this week I could end up desperately seeking any writing gig or proofreading assignment I could find and not land a single one.

Last Friday, once I wrapped up the feature and sent off the last of the proofread layouts, I breathed a tentative sigh of relief that I was done, then looked to the sky. I wondered if it was time for another drought, if my momentary good luck would fail me.

And then another giant raindrop fell squarely on top of my head, in the form of an email asking if I’d be interested in serving as an editor for an annual publication produced by a company I have a connection with. And then—through Twitter!—I landed a blogging gig with one of my favorite magazines. And yesterday? I scored an assignment writing an article for the print edition of that same magazine. I wish I could say it’s just happy coincidence, luck. Perhaps it is, a bit.

But you want to know what I’m beginning to think the real secret is to avoiding a drought?

Putting yourself out there. The reason I scored that editing gig? I read about it in a newsletter I received, had an “in,” and jumped at the opportunity to let that connection know I was just the sort of person they were looking for. The reason I got that blogging gig is because I responded immediately, enthusiastically, to the Tweet that mentioned it. And the reason I got that article assignment? Because I followed up—multiple times—after sending a detailed query. See? When it comes down to it, sometimes it’s not luck at all. Sometimes you can make your own rain.

As a freelancer, you determine your own success. You make your own luck. Sure, there are plenty of things beyond your control: shrinking magazine budgets, publications folding or keeping work in-house, writers who take on painfully low compensation that drives down rates for the entire industry. But there’s a lot you do control: how many freelance jobs you apply for, how often you send out queries and follow up, the steps you take to market yourself online.

My challenge to you: focus on the positive, focus on what you can do. And then, when you have that “up” week soon, share your success. I’ll gladly help you celebrate.

Photo: konomike