Hello Class of 2013

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This weekend I went to a Northwestern alumni event and had a great conversation with one of the Medill School of Journalism’s incoming freshman. I had fun talking with the student and her mom, and it made me realize how much has changed since I graduated with my Master’s Degree in 2001.

My only tools of the trade were a tape recorder (yes—with actual tapes), a notebook and a pen. Apparently incoming freshman are now expected to arrive with a digital audio recorder, digital camera, video camera and a lavalier mic. Obviously changing technology is driving the cost down and making those items affordable, but it also says a lot about the changing roles of journalism and how a story is reported.

When I got home I told my husband about the new freshmen and the fact that they are the class of 2013. If I could put numbers in all caps, I would. Seriously, 2013? When did that happen? These “kids” were born in the 90s–a decade I remember well. While I was talking to them, I found myself saying things like, “I’m sure a lot has changed since I was at Medill,” and “When I was there…” At least I didn’t tell them about how I had to walk to class in the snow uphill both ways. 

When I went to bed, I felt a lot older than I had earlier in the day. But I also had a renewed level of excitement for the industry, for the new Medillians, the reporting they will do and the way they will help shape the future of journalism. Newspapers, magazines and online news are changing rapidly right now, but I can’t imagine the need for good reporting will go away. It will be interesting to see how it changes shape. 

Buy One Anyway

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Even if you don’t read the newspaper, why not buy one anyway? Journalists depend on your support. For just pennies a day, you can ensure a copy editor in Nebraska has something warm to eat tonight… This video had me laughing so hard I was crying. I know I’m a bit of a journalism geek, but I think even non-writers will find it funny. Take a look. Just because you don’t read the paper, doesn’t mean it isn’t useful.

Freelance by Choice

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A fellow freelancer recently sent out an e-mail with the line at the bottom, “Freelancer by choice, not because of a layoff.” Most of my current clients know that I chose to leave my office job to pursue freelancing for the flexibility it provides, but the e-mail made me question if potential clients care why someone entered the world of freelance.

The Small Business Administration estimates that the number of one-person operations increases during tough times. An article on being your own boss in this month’s issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine states the number of people starting their own businesses increased 4.5 percent in 2007—just as the economic slowdown began.

I tend to think that an entrepreneur is an entrepreneur whether someone makes the move out of choice or necessity, but now I’m wondering if there a stigma associated with becoming a sole proprietor during a recession. I’m eager to hear what others think. 

When One Door Closes, Another Opens

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 I had the nicest surprise today. First, I should say that I am nearing the end of a yearlong contract with a client. It has been great to have a stable line of work in addition to the articles I pitch or write on assignment. I’ve been telling myself that once this contract ends I’ll have time to take on new projects, but I haven’t had a set plan on what those projects will be. Then today I received a call from an editor looking for a transportation writer for a long-term project. Voila! The editor is sending me more information about the job, so I have some reading to do, but so far it sounds like it might be a good fit. Of course, it is early in the process and we need to make sure it is right for both of us, but it is a great reminder that when one door closes, another opens. 

Getting Started as a Freelancer

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In 2005 I wrote an article on freelancing for my alumni magazine at Northwestern. My purpose was twofold—I picked up an assignment and I got to do some personal research in hopes of launching my own freelance business one day. I thought I would post the piece here for anyone who is thinking of hanging his or her own shingle.

One of the most important things I took away from the story is that successful freelancers have a base of reliable, steady clients and still maintain a list of publications they would like to write for at some point. Finding that initial base can be the tricky part. In my case, I was able to pick up my previous employer as a client. Plus, I had been freelancing on the side for years. Both of which helped as I was getting started.
 
When I wrote my story in 2005, one of my sources told me that freelancers are usually working constantly. Now that I’ve joined the ranks, I couldn’t agree more. Freelancers (and writers in general, I’m sure) are either researching or writing a story, generating story ideas, pitching the next project or mulling over the business side that comes with being your own boss.
 
The up side, and all of my sources agreed, is that the flexibility freelancing gives you is unbelievable. This week, in addition to meeting two deadlines, seeing one story published and conducting research for some upcoming projects, I was able to take my son to his first ice skating lesson and have a picnic at the park. You can’t beat that!

Thanks for Stopping By

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Hello and welcome to my new blog! I am a full-time freelancer and more often than not when I tell people what I do, they ask me how I got started and how I make a living. So, I decided to start this blog to share what I know and what I learn along the way. Stay tuned for posts about freelancing and the writing life.