Learning Curve

As a part-time freelance writer, officially as of this morning, I've spent most of the morning researching how to get started on this endeavor. Here are a few of the most helpful links I've found:


50 Things a Beginning Freelance Writer Should Know - From Master Dayton, 50 helpful tips. I'm managing number 2 by completing my MFA and utilizing Grad Plus loans plus some dog walking and medical transcription. It's a busy life, but fulfilling. I get to be creative and not be homeless. Most of the other points are on my list of important things to learn.

How to capitalize on opportunities - This is from Travel Writers Exchange, but I think it's helpful for all freelancers. I have my own pet sitter and photographer business cards, but not a writer business card. The pet sitter business cards have been very, very handy. So why don't I have a writer business card? I'll be fixing this soon.

5 ways freelancers can channel their inner entrepreneur The lesson here? It's time to get serious.

The Accidental Freelancer's Survival Kit My new hero.

And, finally, from what I've learned, a bit of self-promotion. Check out my most recent article at Examiner.com: 6 reasons to minimize coffee consumption

Neglect and a fresh start

I’ve just moved into a new apartment in Pittsburgh’s Shadyside neighborhood. The lock on the front door doesn’t work and my apartment still smells like nasty wax put over the hardwood floors on Friday. But I’m excited about my new cubbyhole. It’s a studio apartment with a view of a busy street, I can hear the 500 bus drive by every 20 minutes when I have my windows open. It seems an idyllic writing nest and the perfect place to finally get serious about my writing.

I’m a second year MFA in Creative Writing student, an amateur chef, Medical Transcriptionist, and Pet Care Professional. I write about coffee for examiner.com (and I drink a lot of coffee, too). Now that I’m back to it this will be my catch-all blog for my writing career – where I’ve been published, where I’m working, what the frustrations of writing are and tips on how to deal with all of that. Also, look for my cooking blog, Green Palate.

What does a writing student do on Spring Break?

Write!

Start a blog. Drink coffee. Write. Read. More coffee. Dinner with the family. Read. Write. Talk to boyfriend. Write. Sleep. Breakfast with family. Write. Read. Lunch… you get the idea.

Free time = writing. Even though, I write constantly at school and this is supposed to be my break! I have a problem. Which is one of the reasons I’m starting this blog. To chronicle my writing addiction.

But more specifically (and more seriously), this space will chronicle my experiences as an MFA student at Chatham University in Pittsburgh. Class, new projects, frustrations, fun things, writing jobs, other jobs so that I can afford to stay in Pittsburgh, relationships, moves, reviews of Pittsburgh stuff (because I’m new here and that’s how I unwind), and, well, whatever else…Welcome.