by Laurie Childree

Created on: February 21, 2009   Last Updated: March 17, 2009

There are endless hours spent staring at blank pages just trying to get the words onto the page. Then when the words are finally there hours are spent editing and throwing out even the final drafts you could have sworn were perfect. Editors send work back to you for corrections you don't think are actually needed because you swear you did a perfect edit and people point out typos as spelling and grammar errors because some things are so close they could be either. Then there is the pay of the freelance writer.

The pay isn't any where near what you hoped it would be in your dreams of the day you began to do what you loved for a living. In fact the pay is not even by the word when you begin but by the piece and you often don't even get your own bi-line just the satisfaction of knowing you made a small fortune for someone else that didn't have the time to do all the work that you did to complete the article. Congratulations you're a freelance writer. So why would anyone want to be a freelance writer with all the negativity and the low paying publications?

Writers write because it's the only thing that makes them truly happy; no amount of money can replace the rush they feel when they are in front of thier word processors writing away. Freelancing gives the writer the freedom to work from the comfort of their own living room without someone looking over their shoulder. They're their own boss and not even the pressure of a looming deadline while staring at a blank page without the first thought could make them give up the dream they're living. A desire for monetary compensation is the least of the reasons that a freelance writer wants to be a freelance writer.

Freelance writers are determined to make a living no matter how meager doing what they love to do. Starting out the rates seem as if they are meant only to tease the writer into giving away their hard work to improve on someone else's writing platform but the benefits are far more than any dollar amount could ever measure. Nothing else matches up to the thrill they get from having an article accepted by a publisher or publishing the first book. Even finishing the first book is an amazing accomplishment for the freelance writer. Writers find something to write about in every aspect of their day when they get into the writing mode.

Anyone that sees a story in every person, place and thing around them just waiting to be told would want to be a freelance writer. The thrill as the story develops before their eyes or they share the knowlege they've acquired over the years. The thrill of the possibility that once they finally "make it" they can be the center of a rags to riches story or a riches to more riches story makes them type away to get their foot in the door and establish themselves in the world of freelance writing.

Those with a love of the written word and the freedom that writing gives to express feelings would want to be a freelance writer. With the thrill of competition and victory in sight just beyond every defeat there is nothing more stimulating and joyous than the world of freelance writing. Those that wish to become freelance writers aren't in it for money alone or no one would ever write; make no mistake the hours are long and the pay is low when you begin as a freelance writer.

Learn more about this author, Laurie Childree.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.