Tell Me a Little About Your Career Before Freelancing
Boy, Long journey! I have no educational background whatsoever when it comes to freelance writing. But I had this nudge—and it kept growing stronger and more obvious with each passing year. Professionally, I was a software engineer for five years. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in I.T. and a Master’s Degree in Marketing.
What Led You to Freelance Writing?
I had a stable day-job in I.T. I was also studying Marketing on weekends. But in my heart, I was never satisfied! Something was amiss, and now when I look in hindsight, it all becomes so obvious. I had a craving to indulge myself in some form of creativity—I had to put to use the bubbling creative energy in me! I delved into writing six months back. And I can’t be happier.
What Were Some of Your First Steps in Becoming a Freelance Writer?
I started out fresh in a new country. I migrated to Australia six months back and I had a choice to make. Either go back to my original profession, or skinny-dip into the wild rivers of writing. Guess what I chose? Of course the wilds. I began looking at freelance websites like Elance and oDesk. I got my first assignment on Elance for $100. Today, I know better about the value of my writing—it is an asset—and I charge competitive rates. But six months prior, I was happy enough to get a paid writing job.
What Reasons Did You Look at Freelance Writing as a Career Option?
I had this drive for breaking out of the shell, to do something that appeals to my whole-being. That I found in writing. I do paint at times—but that’s a different story. To channel my creative energies, I cannot ask for more than what writing offers.
About How Long Have You Been Freelance Writing Now?
I am new, only six months old, in this field. But I’ve learned so much from helpful websites like this one. I’ve indeed come a long way with a variety of assignments under my belt.
What Were Some of Your Reservations or Worries When You Began Freelance Writing?
I was lucky enough to have support from my partner. Nothing really worried me to be honest. In fact, I was pretty expectant and positive.
How Did You Address Your Fears About Freelance Writing?
Whatever minor worries I had, I decided to dissolve them by starting my blog in April ’10 (see below for Pooja's link). It gave me a chance to “meet” co-writers. Finding myself as a part of such talented clique gave me extra boost to keep going.
What is Your Greatest Freelance Writing Accomplishment to Date?
In this short period, I have bagged a project close to my heart. I am ghost-writing a book for a client in the US. The book is part-memoir, part-self-help of around 200 pages. It is a metaphysical help guide with stories from my client’s life peppered to exemplify each concept. It is an on-going project I bagged a month back—and one of my best works.
What Direction Has Your Freelance Writing Career Taken? Do You Have a Specialty or Niche?
I have worked in varied areas that have absolutely no relation with each other. So I am easily approachable for new niches. It is like different colours of the rainbow! But if I have to choose one, I think it will be spirituality and self-development in non-fiction. I have written hundreds of articles for SEO purposes, pieces in area of dating and break-ups, relationships, web-content for an website that teaches English language to ESL students, loads of material in niche of religion and spirituality, how-to’s, a non-fiction e-book for children under five, e-books on business topics, auto-responders for a company etc.
What is One Thing You Wish You Knew Before You Began Freelance Writing?
That it is going to be this fun? Seriously, it is a ride. You may/may not enjoy certain parts but overall, it is a great experience.
Best Piece of Advice for New Freelance Writers?
You may have heard this before, but yet I repeat it: do not quit your full-time job right-away; rather make a smooth transition. I had financial support when I started off. But if you don’t, dive in but with the support-gear! That said, keep a positive attitude—when you enjoy what you do, your clients will sense that and will love coming back to you.
If you’d like to work with Pooja you can find her at her blog or email browneyed.critique AT gmail DOT com.
