But since I have bills to pay, I figure, why not make money doing what I love?
Humble Beginnings
I started writing long before I could spell. Excelled in every English class without trying. But a successful freelance career is a far cry from high school. I wrote my first professional online samples in 2011 and 2012. Earned my first pennies writing for a content mill in 2015. Worked on short stories and novels and dreamed of becoming a famous author. All the while, I tried to figure out how to really get started in freelance writing. Because who doesn’t want to quit their day job to focus on what they love?
My Big Break
COVID, 2020. A crazy time. For me, it was a blessing. I was off work for several months thanks to the shutdowns. Began scouring the internet for work-from-home writing jobs, applying for everything I thought I might remotely qualify for. It took more time, effort, and persistence than I had ever put into writing. But by the end of summer, I had my first real, paying jobs as a freelance writer. I had also scored my first opportunity to edit a nonfiction book for an indie author. Right there, in the midst of so much uncertainty, my dreams were beginning to take shape.
Then and Now
Let’s be honest: writing is hard work. Making it as a self-employed freelancer is even harder. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Since 2020, I’ve written hundreds of blog posts, articles, listicles, product reviews, and in-depth guides. I’ve edited and proofread books and articles. I’ve learned more about topics like wildlife, tech, boating and fishing, education, and entertainment than I ever thought possible. Now, I’m getting my feet wet in travel writing and returning to story ideas I had previously left behind. Because even though making it as a writer is hard, it’s also addictive. And having gotten a taste of it, I can’t imagine ever stopping.