Lessons from freelance writing by Aaron Tanner

For those who keep up with my blog, I have a side job as a freelance writer. My main client is Alabama Living magazine. I have also had one time gigs with other publications. Ever since I started freelance writing in 2017, the experience has been fun. I feel that I had improved from when I first started.

This side business has taught me several concepts, which I will highlight in this blog. The biggest takeaway I learned is to be flexible. Although flexibility can be a difficult concept for someone with Aspergers, it is necessary for someone in the writing business as assignments often change. For example, an article about a restaurant I planned to highlight fell through. As a result, I had to find another restaurant to highlight to replace the one that parted ways with me.

At a typical job, one usually has a set time to clock in and a boss telling someone to keep on task. With a freelance career, there is no one motivating you to get back to work. The motivation must come from within oneself. Although I may not like being micromanaged, if I do not turn in my work on time, it is my fault. My executive functioning skills have improved since taking on this freelance writing gig as being a self-motivator is needed to be an entrepreneur.

Another concept I have learned from this freelance writing gig is that things do not always go my way when it comes to story ideas. Sometimes my idea is accepted by the magazine, and sometimes the editor rejects a story I thought would be great. Instead of throwing a fit, I go back to the drawing board and brainstorm a new story idea for the editor.

Despite my social skills not being the best, interviewing my subjects is usually not a problem as I am the one controlling the conversation and the questions. Going back to the lesson on being flexible, I learned to alter the flow of the interview based on the answers given by the subject.

Being a freelance writer has allowed me to use my talents. However, the gig has also taught me that the freedom I have with the position also comes with responsibility. Although being a writer is sometimes not easy, I would encourage anyone wanting to make extra money writing that it is possible. I recommend buying The Writer's Market to see which magazines accept freelance submissions or do an internet search of blogging for money.

I may not make millions of dollars writing, but it has been an enriching journey. If you have had a rewarding experience with freelance jobs, comment in the section below.