Part of the enjoyment of being a freelance writer is the choice of being able to plan your day around projects you want to do rather than being told what to do.
Unfortunately there are instances where you might find yourself taking on more assignments and writing jobs than you can handle. Then of course is the constant need to take time out from your writing to get the daily household tasks done. Add to these pressures a few interruptions from family and friends and suddenly your working day is finished without much being accomplished.
From Hobby to Professional Writer
If you plan on turning your freelance writing hobby into a rewarding full time career, then it’s vital you learn to manage your time properly by prioritizing your daily tasks in order of importance.
As a freelance writer your principal daily task should be either setting aside adequate time to complete the writing jobs you already have or finding time to research into possible new markets.
It’s up to you to work your own writing schedule around whatever daily activities you need to get through. You might have offspring to get off to school or there may be meals to cook. You may even have a day job to attend.
No matter what your other responsibilities might be, planning your freelance business schedule to give yourself the most possible time for writing and researching during a day becomes a primary concern.
You Must Prioritize Your Schedule
One of the biggest decisions you’ll face when you’re scheduling your time is learning to categorize specific tasks into order of importance. You need to understand that your time is worth money into your freelance business.
For example: imagine that you’re spending more than an hour each day checking emails and a further hour catching up with friends on Facebook or Myspace. Just as you’re about to sit down to some serious writing, a friend calls and chats away for an hour. You’ve reduced your valuable writing time by three hours for being so friendly!
While correspondence and socializing play an essential part in everyone’s life, you need to prioritize their level of importance during your working day, particularly when they begin to affect your output.
Working from Home Has Pros and Cons
Of course working from home has some great advantages and a wonderful sense of freedom. But you need to consider the cost of that freedom when it affects and reduces your prime earning time.
Learning to say no to distractions and put them to one side until after your work is done for the day can be one of your greatest challenges. Organize your time so that your most crucial activities are tackled early so that you’ll have much more free time when that unforeseen interruption does arise next time.
Cheryl Wright - Cheryl Wright is an award-winning Australian author, freelance journalist, and editor. She is the owner of www.Writer2Writer.com ...
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