What every writer needs

If you've been visiting this blog for a while, you'll remember that I became an insurance agent in the hopes it would bankroll my writing life. For a number of reasons, it wasn't entirely successful though it did keep us afloat in not-grand-style. At least I was heeding the advice of sager heads than mine who recommend having some money stashed away before embarking on the writing life full-time.

But what happens if that cache of cash steadily dwindles, and the income isn't keeping up? Do you abandon the life you know you're best suited for and instead head back to your old job? It's an option...but there are others. Get creative! Consider one of these ideas, or let them lead you to something that works best for your circumstances:

• Sign up with a temp agency. Many of them have clients who need coverage for maternity or medical leaves, and those jobs typically aren't temp-to-hire.
• Contact area newspapers and ask to become a stringer. Newspapers need content just like any other publication; why not you?
• Check the masthead in regional or local publications. Craft a brief e-mail or snail mail letter that directed to the publisher/editor. You're a professional wordsmith in every communication you write; be sure to let that shine through.

Recently, my daughter and I sat in the waiting room of the local hospital while a friend underwent surgery. I picked up a high-quality newsletter sitting on an end table, and scanned the masthead where I found the appropriate contact. Later that day (after we knew the friend breezed through surgery), I e-mailed him. Did he use freelance writers, I asked? I included two sentences about my experience, and closed by offering to send samples of my writing. He responded the next day, asking for samples, which I sent along with a brief cover letter that provided a little more detail about my experience. Five days letter, I sent another e-mail, this time asking if he'd received the information I mailed to him. Again, he responded positively.

Keeping the wolves away while at the same time building solid reputations and steady assignments is an important aspect of the writing life that can't be ignored. It calls for a little creativity---but we're writers and definitely up to the task.