During that time, I’ve written blogs, website copy, e-books, real estate listings, email campaigns, social media content, and even helped businesses create content marketing strategies from the ground up.

Being a freelance writer is great for freedom and flexibility. But most of the time I don’t make much money. While some people can become a self-employed copywriter full time, for most people such as myself, this is a come-and-go gig.

So let me tell you more about my freelancing journey and if it has been worth it.

Where I Started

My freelance writing journey began in January of 2023.

At the time, I was trying to figure out how to make money doing something I genuinely enjoyed. I started building a portfolio, creating profiles on platforms like Upwork, and applying for every writing opportunity I could find.

Those first few jobs were just whatever I could find. But nonetheless within a month, I landed my first few clients. And just a few months after that I had gained enough experience under my belt to help me secure my first full-time copywriting position.

At the time, it felt like freelancing had done exactly what I needed it to do: made me a full time writer. As I settled into my full-time role, freelancing slowly faded out.

The Copywriting Job That Led Me Back

About a year later, in 2024, I started a different opportunity with a marketing agency where I was head of the copy department. At the time it felt like the biggest blessing, an opportunity I couldn’t believe I had in front of me.

But within just a couple months of this job, I knew it wasn’t for me. I felt like I had made a grave mistake leaving my first copy job and even tried to go back.

When I Went All-In on My Dreams

In October of 2024, just six months after starting that lead copywriting job, I was so unhappy there I quit and walked out. Something I had never done before.

At the time I told myself this would be the start of my dreams coming true. The dreams of being an author and founding my own literary magazine. But of course I had to make money, so I went back to my beginnings: freelance writing.

What Happened Next

Not long after returning to freelancing, I started finding clients again. Specifically consistent and repeating clients. This would keep me financially afloat along with another part time job I had at the time.

But I was really happy with freelancing, with my projects and clients. I found myself wondering why I had stopped it in the first place. (Other than the obvious full time copywriting jobs that made me sign non-competes).

But coming back to it felt like the right thing to do. I’ve always loved the flexibility and freedom, and now I can say I have liked all the clients I’ve worked with.

So, Is Freelance Writing Worth It?

My answer is: it depends on what you’re looking for.

If you have the drive and time, YES! But, if you are in a job that gives you the benefits and learning experience you are looking for I would say no.

If you are a writer just starting out, wanting to make a little bit of cash on your craft, do your research and start your freelance writing journey today.

For me that dream is becoming a writer and full time author. Along with other things.

Maybe for you that dream is starting a business, traveling the world, opening a bakery, or becoming a musician. Whatever it is, if you’re chasing something that feels impossibly big, this letter is for you.

We hear stories about people who made it. We hear stories about people who gave up. But I have a hard time hearing from and meeting people who are in the beginning stages—the difficult parts—of chasing a dream.

People like us are waking up early or staying up late to plot and plan. Working through lunch breaks at our day jobs, and sometimes even missing out on social events to focus on those big dreams.

If that’s you, I want you to know something.

Things will get difficult. There will be days when you wonder why you ever started. There will be days where you can’t see the progress and the dream still feels very far away.

You will question whether it’s worth your time. You will wonder if the universe is trying to tell you to stop. You’ll start looking for signs. There will be moments where everything feels like some sort of sign you don’t understand.

There will be setbacks and changes. Your vision of what things look like will change. And that’s okay. Sometimes it’s part of the bigger story.

You will feel alone. Even if you’re surrounded by people who love you. Not everyone will understand why you’re working so hard for something that isn’t guaranteed. Sometimes people won’t understand why you’re sacrificing so much.

You will feel behind. You will scroll social media and compare your beginning to someone else’s chapter twenty. You’ll see people getting book deals, promotions, opportunities, and milestones you haven’t reached yet.

Comparison is inevitable. But you can’t let it slow you down. No matter how successful other people may seem it doesn’t mean you are a failure.

There will be breakdowns and tears. Frustration and exhaustion. Moments when you want to give up.

But something I have learned is that more people are admiring what you are doing than you know. Some of them will be wishing they had the courage to do what you’re doing. They will be secretly cheering you on.

Opportunities may appear that you never planned for while others may slip through your fingers. Changing directions doesn’t mean you failed or that you’re abandoning a part of this greater dream.

And finally, don’t be afraid to say these dreams out loud. Don’t be embarrassed. I still have hope that the universe is listening and taking it into account.

Throughout the journey make sure to stay open minded. Make sure to keep learning and staying updated on your niche. The more you grow, the more your work will grow.

And finally, don’t give up. If you quit you may spend the rest of your life wondering how close you got to great success.

I have written books, self-published poetry collections, started my literary magazine and am beginning the process of diving into the query trenches of traditional publishing.

And my only regret is I wish I had started earlier.

I wish I would have dedicated more time to writing earlier.

I wish I would have self-published earlier.

I wish I would have started my literary magazine earlier.

I wish these things would have happened to me earlier.

But over the years I’ve been scared, I’ve told myself I have all the time in the world, and it’s taken me years to learn how to be resourceful and motivated to do more.

And now I’m nearly starting the third draft of my fiction novel, and preparing to go to my first ever writer’s conference where I will be able to pitch this project directly to literary agents. I’m scared and excited for this but also fear I am wildly underprepared.

No matter what. We are going to step into the query trenches very soon.

There’s nothing I can do to take back the last six years or do them differently, all I can do is try harder and continue learning moving forward. And as an aspiring author this feels like a lesson I have had to learn over and over again.

From leaving my substitute teaching job to joining a writing group to nearly finishing the second draft of my novel, I finally feel proud of the time I’m giving to the things I care most about, writing and creating.

So here’s a little update on where I’m currently at in my author journey.

Where I’m At With My Writing Projects

Freelance Writing

The last couple of months have been a bit slower when it comes to freelancing. While that can definitely feel discouraging at times, I’ve been trying to use this season as an opportunity to rethink my outreach strategy and the kinds of clients/projects I want to pursue moving forward.

Fiction Novel

After two years I finally finished the first draft of this novel, also the biggest and most important project I’ve ever worked on. And now with the second draft I feel invigorated!

I’ve been dedicating time almost every single day to adding to this draft and making the story feel more intentional. I’m nearly done with this second draft already, which is honestly shocking considering how long the first one took me.

Joining a local writing group has helped tremendously too. It’s pushed me to take my work more seriously and dedicate consistent time to improving the manuscript.

Romance Novel & Self-Publishing Projects

For now, I’ve decided to temporarily shelf my romance novel and some of my self-publishing plans while I focus on preparing my fiction novel for querying.

As difficult as it can be to pause projects, I’ve realized I work best when I give one major creative endeavor the majority of my attention.

Poetry

Even though I have been in a poetry slump, I’ve been able to work consistently on it.

I’m currently querying my third poetry collection while simultaneously working on my fourth collection.

Lovestruck Inkwell Updates

My literary magazine, Lovestruck Inkwell, has also been growing behind the scenes.

Right now I’m continuing to plan future content, prepare for the fall submission period, and brainstorm ways to expand the magazine into something even more community-focused. One idea I’ve become especially excited about is potentially creating a monthly mini zine/snail mail subscription in the future.

I love the idea of creating something tangible and cozy for readers and writers alike.

We’re still very much in the planning stages, but it’s been exciting to dream bigger for the magazine lately.

But what about poetry? How should poets be inspired by summer? As a poet that is in a poetry rut herself, I’m going to brainstorm some poetry prompts to write at the beach and under the sun over the next few months to get us inspired to write some poems.

Poem Ideas

Summer Weather:

• The feeling on sun on your skin

• Sun showers in the afternoon

• Dewy, humid mornings

• Rubbing sand and sunscreen in your sweat-covered skin

• Salt-scented wind rolling in from the ocean

Summer Activities:

• The perfect beach day

• Playing in the rain as a child

• Campfire with your friends

• Catching lightning bugs in mason jars

• Riding your bike with no destination in mind, headphones on

Summer Nights:

• The freedom of no curfew, no plans

• Night swims in moonlit pools

• Fireworks on the Fourth of July, staring in amazement

• Sitting out on the back porch to the sound of the crickets

• Sleepovers and horror movies

Summer Romance:

• Time limits on summer love, summer vacation

• Ice cream and movie dates, cutoffs and converse

• No matter how long we’re in love, love feels young in June

End of Summer:

• Needing a sweater for the first time

• The first sight of Halloween decorations in stores

• Drinking a pumpkin spice latte in 100 degree heat

• The first day of school, the first time seeing the school bus on roads in months

There are hundreds of content ideas you use to create your book, and in this blog I will be providing you with 15 of them.

1. If you like this book, you should read my book

   1. Using popular comp titles to draw readers in

2. Showing the tropes in your book

   1. Is it friends to lovers? Found family?

3. Revealing the first line of your book

   1. Without giving too much away, of course

4. Sharing a favorite line you’ve written

   1. A line of scene that either challenged you as a writer or came easier to you

5. Sharing art of your characters

   1. If you have some, of course

6. Talking to the camera about the plot of your book as if it happened to you

   1. This is of course if you are not a faceless author

7. Sharing the vibe of your book

   1. create/use pictures from a Pinterest board for this

8. Random scene roulette

   1. This works well for my poetry collection, but basically in these videos i randomly flip to a page

9. Transition from paper rough draft to final book

   1. Use a trendy sound or other popular writertok video transition idea

10. Sharing the timeline of writing your book

    1. Could be a b-roll video or talking one

11. Unboxing author copies

    1. Make it aesthetic and show off the cover!

12. Wrapping copies to send or giveaway

    1. Wrap it in fun paper & show yourself signing the book

13. Sharing the dedication and/or playlist of your book!

14. Authors & books that inspired your writing

    1. could also be either a b-roll style video or a talking video

15. Memes that fit your story or characters

There’s just something about summer that makes reading feel even more immersive. Maybe it’s the slower days, the longer nights, or the fact that everything feels a little more romantic this time of year.

And luckily, there are thousands of books that capture that exact feeling. You could walk into any bookstore right now and find entire tables dedicated to summer reads—honestly, probably a dozen with “summer” in the title alone.

So here’s a list of books to add to your Summer TBR—some I’ve read and loved, and some I’m hoping to dive into soon.

Books I’ve Read & Recommend

Anything by Emily Henry
If you’re looking for peak summer romance vibes, she’s got many options. My personal favorite is People We Meet on Vacation.

The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther
This one has all the northeast summer feels with a bit of romance, chaos, and even grief.

Cross the Line by Simone Soltani
If you like a little adrenaline with your romance, this Formula 1 romance is the perfect read for you this summer to watch between race days.

Wildfire by Hannah Grace
Messy summer romance in the best way with characters that grow with the season.

The Wedding People by Alison Espach
My personal favorite read of the 2025. While not strictly a “summer” book on the surface, the setting and introspective tone make it perfect for a long, thoughtful beach day.

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
A classic summer read with adolescent nostalgia and romance.

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
A fun, flirty romance set in a small yet rainy dock town in the Pacific Northwest.

Books On My Summer TBR

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
I’ve heard nothing but good things about this one.

What Happens After Midnight by K.L Walther
After loving The Summer of Broken Rules, I’m excited to pick this one up.

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
After spending my honeymoon in Italy I am very excited for this romance read.

Drive Me Home by Carly Robyn
Very excited to read this last f1 romance from this up and coming author.

Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone
Just the title alone feels like summer and I have heard great things about this book.

One Fortnight in September
Even though this story takes place over Labor Day weekend I’m looking forward to ending the summer with this family vacation story.

This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page
A book about a bunch of books? Hell yeah.

Kin by Tayari Jones
This tropical cover drew me in. And I’m very excited to get to know these two friends who have been separated for years and what is bringing them back together.

What’s on your Summer TBR?

Let me know down below 👇

And so today I will be sharing a handful of poems that are personal favorites of mine. Whether that be because of the person they were written for, because of the writing skill I unlocked while writing that poem, or simply because I think it’s a great piece that could help someone else.

Poem 1

One of the first poems I ever wrote while experiencing the greatest, most confusing, and whirlwind romantic heartbreak I have known.

He didn’t taste like you.

He tasted like art, like literature.

Like the words he hears he fully understands.

His body didn’t feel like yours,

it danced in the rain with me.

And even though he stared at my lips

all he wanted to know was if they sang to the moon.

Poem 2

Another early poem—one where I unknowingly gave myself love advice I would take with me for years to come. Also, this is a piece that many people have told me they loved.

The Apple Orchard

I was told that in order to find the perfect apple,

you have to pick all the bad ones first.

Why is that?

Is it because the best one is most likely

towards the top?

That it just so happens to be the last one you pick?

Or possibly is it because you have to learn

what your definition of the perfect apple is?

What size and color do you like?

Do you like it a little sour or a little sweet?

I feel I’ve been picking apples for a decade now.

A part of me wonders if I’ve already picked it;

maybe it had a brown spot

so I threw it away before I got to the core.

Did I pass the perfect apple?

Must I keep picking?

Poem 3

This poem from my collection, Visions of Deja Reve, is a really special one to me because it shows the power of manifestation and the humor of the universe all in one. I wrote about my desperate search for love just hours before meeting my now husband.

I’ve accepted that he’s not coming along anytime soon,

that I may not have met him yet.

I have daydreams of who he’ll be when we meet

but I’d love to see who he is now.

Who are his friends?

What are his hobbies?

What events are cultivating the person

I’ll spend my life with?

Can I watch from the sidelines?

Can I fall in love with him before we’ve even met?

The two most important questions,

where is he?

Will he love me back?

Poem 4

Another poem written for my husband and another poem that people have pointed out as special to them.

Tracing fingertips on a bare back,

open books

and dimmed down phone screens.

Snuggled like penguins for warmth,

throwing the blanket off when it gets too hot.

The dog barking by the bed.

When the alarm goes off,

I’ll snooze

and snooze

and snooze.

No 9-5 will ever pay more

than the comfort of being here with you.

Safe Space

Poem 5

A poem from my next collection, one that I think really encapsulates the vibe & meaning of it.

In my head I dissociate,

and take a walk down daydream street.

I’m led to a multi-lane intersection,

off all the ‘would’ve could’ve’ things.

Career paths I could have taken,

places I could have lived,

and lovers that could have been.

For once I’ve chosen the right path,

picked the right fig off the tree,

None of those roads lead to you loving me.

Daydream street is a fun place to visit,

but never where I’d want to be.

Daydream Street

Poetry is such a powerful form of writing and can be a really cathartic writing experience. If you like poetry collections, I suggest checking out my collection Visions of Deja Reve. If you are an avid poet, I also suggest taking some time to reflect on your previous work.

Happy reading & writing 💜

Since then I have added freelance writing, substitute teaching, content creation, and more to my routine.

Every week is jam packed with things to get me closer to my dreams so here is a glimpse as to what each day’s to-do list looks like on average.

Daily to do’s:

• Freelancing activity and outreach

• posting on social media

• organic social activity on my lit mag’s social media pages

Monday:

• Work from home day started off with a morning workout

• Morning duties once I shower, get ready, and make my breakfast & coffee

  • Freelance work

    • This includes weekly projects and communication with clients

  • Socials

    • Writing Substack blog for the week

    • editing or filming YouTube video for the week

  • My literary magazine, Lovestruck inkwell

    • This can vary depending on the time of year, but as of late I have been working on putting together and promoting the spring edition, as well as summer content

Tuesday-Thursday:

• Substituting at the school

• In my free time:

  • Freelancing

    • Working on freelancing projects for the week

  • Socials

    • Editing & scheduling Substack blog & YouTube video

    • Planning out the following week ahead

    • Writing captions for the upcoming week

    • Creating & scheduling Pinterest content

  • House chores:

    • Cleaning surfaces, washing throw blankets & clothes, making a meal plan & grocery list for the upcoming week

  • Literary magazine

    • Working on edition promotion, content creation, etc.

Friday:

• Work from home day starting with a morning workout

  • Freelancing

    • Sending out projects & invoice for the week

  • Socials

    • Creating content for the upcoming week

  • Literary magazine, Lovestruck Inkwell

    • Creating & scheduling content for the upcoming week

  • House chores

    • Cleaning the bathrooms & going grocery shopping

Weekends:

• as of late weekends have been spent mostly at home doing some spring cleaning or working on writing my novel, but over the weekend my husband and I will also get a workout in or see some friends/family and get a good meal at one of our favorite local restaurants.

Managing many projects at one time can be difficult but with the right time management it can be done. And this is the routine that has been working for me.

Ten years of poems, stories, late-night ideas, unfinished drafts, and moments where I questioned if I’m even a good writer.

In that time, I’ve written three poetry collections, two romantic novellas, and two novels. I’ve written blogs for clients, Substack posts for you, and even outlined books for other writers.

And while I’m proud of how far I’ve come, I can’t help but look back and think: what would I have done differently knowing what I know now?

So here’s a reflection on my work over the past 10 years.

Little Black Book — My First Poetry Collection

When I was 18, I started writing poems for fun and quickly became addicted..

Honestly, I don’t think I would change the writing process at all. It captured exactly who I was at that time in my life, and there’s something really special and vulnerable about this poetry collection.

But what I would change was things I did during the self-publication process. If I could go back, I would take more time with formatting, cover design, and my publishing plan. I rushed the process because I was excited and now I look back and wish I would have taken my time, and thought things through more.

Tindertales — A Romantic Novella

This project taught me a lot about the publishing world.

At the time, I tried to pursue traditional publishing with it. Looking back, I wish I had trusted my instincts and gone straight into self-publishing instead of wasting the year I did on querying.

Tindertales was niche and personal despite its fiction genre label, but it didn’t need traditional publishing, just some more care and prep before self-publishing.

Visions of Deja Reve — My Second Poetry Collection

This is a project I’m really proud of. But, if I could go back, I would spend more time curating the collection. I would have added stronger, more developed poems and possibly cut some of the longer pieces that didn’t serve the overall flow or maybe don’t grab reader’s attention.

My Second Romantic Novella (Unpublished)

This project started out as a weird sequel to Tindertales but ended up being something different. Now, after 3 drafts this project is a series of stories where I interviewed young men about their online dating experiences.

I love this collection a lot, and I hope to self-publish/publish one day soon. But, looking back I wish I would have added more interviews and also more direct quotes from these interviews.

My Third Poetry Collection (Unpublished)

This third collection has obvious growth from the previous ones. And it has some of (what I think to be) the best poems I’ve ever written. The only thing I wish I would have done is started formatting & querying earlier.

I spent a lot of time sitting on it, second-guessing whether it was ready. I wish I wouldn’t have let this one sit in the docs for as long as it has.

My Current WIPs

Tragic Romance Novel

When writing this project, my first romance novel, I learned the importance of letting a first draft come naturally and come messy.

When I wrote it, I was simply telling myself the story. But now, in the editing phase, I’m realizing how much more depth it needs (particularly in the beginning and middle). And that’s totally okay when writing a novel.

Literary Fiction Novel

It’s sad to say this is the most important project I’ve ever worked on. And with that, I’m learning not to rush this out of impatience. I am learning to slow down and enjoy the process of writing a long, deep, novel. Giving it the attention it deserves.

Looking back at 10 years of writing, I can see how much I’ve learned. And if I could go back, there’s only small things I would change. Mostly, I would tell myself to slow down a bit and be a little more intentional.

And I guess that’s the thing about growth and reflection. I have only become a better writer over time and with mistakes I’ve made.

Here’s to another decade of writing!

But recently, I came across a blog with a similar concept to this one, and it made me wonder what a younger version of me would actually think about my life now. It made me take a moment to reflect and be positive about how far I have actually come.

Here are 11 things 11-year-old me would be proud of.

1. I Graduated High School

At 17, I was the only person in my immediate family to receive a high school diploma and walk across the stage.

Just two days later, I packed up my life and moved from Pennsylvania to Orlando to start college.

2. I Went to College

A few months after graduating high school, I started my college experience. This was also something no one in my immediate family had done before.

Admittedly, I didn’t finish, and for a long time I felt embarrassed about that. But college gave me friendships, life lessons, and eventually led me to my passion for writing and creating stories.

3. I Built a Relationship With My Dad

Growing up, my dad was around, but not really around. We lived in different states, and our relationship was distant. That started to change when I was 13 and began spending summers with him. By the time I graduated and moved in with him, things were starting to change with us.

He taught me how to drive, gave me my first job, helped me plan my wedding, and has supported me through my writing journey.

4. I Wrote My First Book at 21

During college, I started writing poems, little stories, and thoughts I didn’t want to forget as time went on. That turned into my first book, a collection of romantic stories I would later self-publish as Tindertales.

5. I Broke the Cycle

Addiction runs deep in parts of my family. It’s something I grew up around, something I witnessed closely, and something that could have easily become part of my story too.

6. I Have a Loving Marriage

Growing up I always dreamed of finding love and getting married. And last year I married the love of my life, and my marriage is even better than I could have imagined. My marriage is easily the thing I’m most grateful for in my life.

7. I’ve Traveled the World

Italy. Ireland. The Netherlands. The Bahamas. Soon, the Dominican Republic. And so many places across the U.S. Growing up, travel wasn’t really an option. Vacations were very rare, and the idea of seeing the world felt far away.

But now I have traveled with my husband seeing beautiful places and going on exciting excursions which is something I know 11-year-old me would find really cool.

8. I Have Real, Reliable Friendships

One of the hardest lessons in life is that not every friendship is meant to last forever. But as I’ve grown up, I’ve been lucky enough to find friends who are supportive, kind, and genuinely enjoyable to be around, even if the friendship doesn’t last forever.

9. I Can Take Care of Myself

Growing up, money was tight. Shopping trips and vacations were seldom, and sometimes even basic necessities felt uncertain.

Now, I can buy myself books, clothes, and food often (and within reason). This is something I try not to take for granted while also trying to not lose control with my spending.

10. I Bake (A Lot)

Growing up I always had a sweet tooth. I’d reach for the pre-packaged treats in the pantry nightly. In my adulthood, I’ve learned how to bake, and now it’s something I do almost every weekend and even use as a way to say thank you to people in my life. Baking is part of how I create a home for myself and my husband.

11. I’m Chasing My Dreams

I didn’t start seriously pursuing my writing dreams until I was 26. Part of me wishes I had started sooner.

But what matters is that I’m trying now. I’m writing books, self-publishing, building a literary magazine, and slowly chasing and creating a dream life for myself.

And I think 11-year-old me would be really proud.

Over the past few years I’ve written everything from book outlines and ebooks to blog posts, website copy, real estate listings, and marketing content.

The first step in freelancing can feel intimidating. The work itself isn’t complicated but the preparation and putting yourself out there is.

So if you’re curious about starting your own freelance writing journey, here are the basic things you need to get started.

Proof of Writership

Before you start applying for jobs or pitching clients, you need something that proves you can actually write.

Think of this as your freelancer toolkit.

An Updated Resume

Even though freelancing is more flexible than traditional employment, many clients still want to see a professional resume. Your resume should highlight writing experience, marketing experience, communication skills, and any industries you’ve worked in.

If you’ve written blogs, done copywriting, worked in social media, or helped with marketing projects, include it. Even academic writing, school publications, or personal blog work can count when you’re just starting out.

A Portfolio Document

One of the most important things you can have as a freelance writer is a portfolio.

This is simply a document that contains samples of your best writing. It might include:

• Blog posts

• Articles

• Marketing copy

• Email newsletters

• Social media captions

• Website copy

• Academic or essay-style writing

If you don’t have professional samples yet, that’s okay. You can create your own. Write a mock blog post, rewrite a product description, or create a sample article about a topic you know well.

An Online Portfolio

While a document portfolio is useful, having an online portfolio makes things even easier. A simple writing page on platforms like Contently, Clippings.me, or Journo Portfolio.

A Cover Letter Template

Freelance work often requires pitching yourself repeatedly, so having a cover letter template ready will save you a lot of time.

Your cover letter should briefly explain:

• Who you are

• What kind of writing you specialize in

• Why you’re interested in the project

• A link to your portfolio

A Rate Card

Many new freelancers skip this step, but having a rate card is incredibly helpful. A rate card outlines your pricing for different types of work. Your rates will likely evolve as you gain experience.

Accounts to Set Up

Once your writing materials are ready, it’s time to create places where clients can actually find you.

• LinkedIn

• Upwork

• Fiverr

• Other Platforms

  • Including:

    • ProBlogger job board

    • Freelancer.com

    • Contra

    • Even writing-focused Discord communities or newsletters

A lot of work can also come from simple networking and referrals once you start building relationships.

Things to Know When Getting Started

Freelancing isn’t just about writing—it’s also about building connections and staying consistent.

Here are some things to keep in mind.

Interact with Other Freelancers

Comment on posts, join discussions, congratulate people on their projects, and share your own experiences. Freelancers are often incredibly supportive of each other, and many opportunities come from simple visibility within the community.

Apply, Apply, Apply

When you’re first starting out, you will likely send a lot of applications.

Freelancing is often a numbers game in the beginning. The more proposals and pitches you send, the more chances you have to land your first clients.

Follow Up with Potential Clients

If you don’t hear back from a potential client after a week or two, it’s perfectly acceptable to send a polite follow-up message.

Ask for Reviews

Once you complete a project, kindly ask your client for a review or testimonial.

Positive reviews are incredibly valuable when you’re building credibility as a freelancer.

Freelance writing can feel overwhelming at first, but the barrier to entry is actually lower than many people think. Like most things in the writing world, it gets easier the more you do it.

And if you enjoy writing, freelancing can become a really fulfilling way to practice your craft, build new skills, and connect with people across all kinds of industries.

What if, instead of a traditional funeral, we went on a trip to celebrate our loved one’s life instead?

What started as a conversation eventually turned into a full-length fiction novel—one that has now taken me more than two years to write.

And as of last week I can say that I have finished the first draft!

Today I want to share a little more about the project and what the past two years of writing it have looked like.

A Little More About the Story (Just for my Substackers!)

Emma is dying from a terminal illness. After years of treatments, hospital visits, and the slow erosion of the life she once imagined, she makes a deeply personal decision. She chooses to pursue “Death with Dignity,” also known as physician-assisted dying.

But before her time runs out, she sets out to vicariously do things she didn’t think she could.

Emma sends her five best friends from college on trips around the world—individual journeys meant to reconnect them with the parts of themselves they’ve lost. She hopes these trips will help repair fractured relationships and give them stories to return with when they visit her one last time.

This story explores the idea of what you would do if you knew the clock was running out. This story explores themes of grief, heartbreak, friendship, and self-discovery. Structurally, it moves through several locations across the globe. Each section is separated by the day of the trip, and chapters are marked by location and perspective.

Why It Took Two Years to Write the First Draft

Two years, at least to me, has felt like a very long time to write the first draft.

First, there was the outlining phase. I spent several months mapping out the structure of the story—what the timeline would look like, and what each character would get into on their individual trips.

Then came research. Because the story touches on terminal illness and physician-assisted dying, I wanted to approach the topic with care and respect. I spent time learning about cancer experiences, reading about the experiences of patients who have chosen Death with Dignity, and researching the locations my characters would travel to.

After that, I spent about a month building their personalities, histories, and relationships with each other. A quarter of the way through the first draft, I even paused to go back and deepen their shared memories.

And of course, life is f*cking busy. I work, I try to spend time with loved ones, and I’ve had other writing projects happening alongside this one. For most of the process, I was only able to write once or twice a week.

Now that the first draft exists, I’ve found myself returning to the manuscript every day, even if it’s only for 15 minutes at a time.

What I’m Hoping Happens Next

My goal now is to complete the second draft,, and possibly a third, before the end of this year. I think with my new schedule and dedication to the story this will be possible.

After that, I would love to begin seeking representation and exploring the possibility of traditional publication.

For now, though, I’m reminding myself of something important: the hardest part is already done.

It’s not fully winter, not fully spring. It’s muddy boots and longer evenings. It’s hope for something ane.

If you’ve been feeling stuck—or simply want to begin again—here are some poetry prompts to guide you into the new season.

Poetry Prompts for March

• The thaw started in places I couldn’t see.

• Describe the month of March as a person entering a room.

• Write about something in your life that is slowly melting.

• Use wind as a metaphor for change.

• Write a poem set at golden hour now that the days are getting longer.

• Describe the first sign of spring you noticed this year.

If You’re Feeling Stuck in Life

• Write about the last time you felt certain about something.

• Describe your current season of life as weather.

• Finish this sentence: “I didn’t think I would be here by now, but…”

• Write a poem to your younger self about learning patience.

• Write about roots growing underground.

• If waiting was a person.

If You’re Feeling Stuck in Writing

• Write a “bad poem” on purpose and then go back a day later and edit.

• Describe your writing block as a physical object. What does it look like?

• Rewrite an old poem of yours from a completely different emotional perspective.

• Write about an experience that made you start writing in the first place.

• Write a poem made entirely of questions.

Sometimes the act of writing anything at all lightens the weight of writer’s block.

For the Start of a New Season (Or a New Chapter)

• Write about a door opening.

• Describe yourself six months from now and all the little changes you hope to see.

• Write about a habit you’re trying to grow.

• Use flowers as a metaphor.

• Write about light returning to a room.

With the arrival of spring, let’s lock in and renew with a positive attitude.

This past month, I found my way back to the gym, settled into a new, steady routine, and reconnected with friends I hadn’t seen since before Christmas. I also made real progress on my writing projects and carved out space to grow my literary magazine Lovestruck Inkwell.

So let’s get into it.

Where I’m At With My Writing Projects

Fiction Novel
As I’m writing this newsletter, I’m officially at the ending of my fiction novel’s first draft. This story has taken me two years to write. I feel genuinely good about where the story landed, and for the first time in a while, I’m actually excited to move into the editing phase.

Romance Novel
This one didn’t get as much love this month as I hoped. Editing has been slow, and that’s something I really want (and need) to change this spring.

Poetry
I’ve been sorting, organizing, and shaping my third poetry collection, and I’ve officially started prepping for the query process! Fingers crossed this next step goes smoothly.

Lovestruck Inkwell Updates

Spring submissions are officially open! I’m already seeing a steady stream of submissions coming in, but I’m really hoping to see even more before the deadline closes on March 16th, 2026.

The Substack page has also been such a bright spot this month. We’ve reached 115 subscribers in our very first month, which I feel very proud of. Watching this magazine slowly grow into the community I envisioned has been one of the most rewarding parts of this season.

What I’ve Learned This Month

After getting back into the gym regularly—for the first time in years—I’ve learned something very important about myself: if I want to feel motivated, focused, and creatively energized at my desk, I need to keep my butt in the gym.

Movement has a direct impact on my mental health, my writing, and my overall sense of momentum. When I prioritize taking care of my body, everything else feels just a little more manageable.

And the only real way to build an audience online is to show up.

That said, posting on social media can very quickly start to feel like a second job. It’s creative, it’s time-consuming, and if you’re not careful, it can lead to creative and/or physical burnout.

Over the last two and a half years, I’ve managed to post on social media almost every single day. I’ve done this while working a job, maintaining relationships, having a social life, and have managed to do this without abandoning my writing projects or magazine.

Here’s how I post consistently without burning out.

I Brainstorm in Waves (Not Constantly)

Every few months, I sit down and brainstorm content ideas in bulk.

I scroll, search, and research content within my niches—writing, reading, and cozy life—and I write every idea that inspires me. From talking videos, b-roll ideas, prompts I could expand on. The goal is to create an overwhelming list so that I never have to scramble for ideas later.

I Plan One Month at a Time

Every month, I create a content plan.

Using Canva and Notion, I map out the month ahead with the goal of having at least one content idea per day. In Canva, I create a visual calendar and start filling in the basics: recurring series, talking videos, cozy b-roll, and evergreen content. Then I fill in the gaps with ideas pulled from my brainstorm list.

Once the calendar feels balanced, I transfer everything into my Notion social media calendar so it’s all organized in one place.

I Write Captions & Batch Content Weekly, Not Daily

Every Thursday or Friday, I plan captions and batch content for the upcoming week.

Inside Notion, I list out each day’s video and write a caption that includes keywords, emojis, and hashtags that align with the audience I want to reach. This way, when it’s time to post, I’m not staring at a blank screen wondering what to say.

I Post at the Same Time Every Day

Most days, I post around lunchtime.

I start with TikTok, then Instagram, then YouTube Shorts. After posting, I spend a little time doing organic engagement—replying to comments, interacting with mutuals, and sharing the post to my stories.

For Lovestruck Inkwell, I pre-schedule content for the week. That way, even on busy days, the magazine still shows up consistently without demanding daily attention.

What About Substack, Pinterest, & Slower Platforms?

Substack

For Substack, I keep things simple. I write one blog a week:

• Monday: outline + rough draft

• Tuesday: edit

• Wednesday: schedule for a Friday post

It’s a manageable rhythm that allows me to stay consistent without turning Substack into a pressure-filled obligation.

For organic engagement, I spend about 10–15 minutes a day reading blogs, interacting, and posting a note or two.

Pinterest

On Mondays, I batch and schedule Pinterest content for the week. I usually spend one to two hours total, which allows me to consistently reach an audience of roughly 100k monthly viewers without thinking about Pinterest again until the following week.

Posting consistently—like any recurring responsibility—requires forethought, organization, and realistic expectations.

If consistency feels impossible right now, it’s might be helpful to find/create a structure and routine of your own.

I started a poetry page on Instagram when I was eighteen. I began writing my first book at twenty and finished it at twenty-one. I self-published my first book at twenty-five. In between all of that were random sticky notes, abandoned drafts, and long stretches of doubt.

I’ve learned a lot of things on my writing journey. Sometimes new lessons, sometimes lessons I have to re-learn time and time again. Such as, allowing yourself to fail is allowing yourself to grow.

Here are some of the lessons I’m constantly learning as a writer.

Someone Else’s Success Is Not My Failure

When I see another writer land a book deal, go viral, or publish something that becomes successful, it can be tempting to internalize it as proof that I’m behind. But someone else’s success doesn’t take anything away from me. There is space for all of us.

Other Writers Are Not My Competition — They’re My Community

Writing can be lonely, especially when you’re doing it largely on your own, without any fellow writers in your inner circle. For a long time, I thought I had to protect myself from other writers instead of learning alongside them. But the truth is, other writers are often the ones who understand you best. A writing community can be your source of inspiration and positivity.

Writing a Book Can Take Years (And That’s Okay)

I used to think if I didn’t finish a book quickly, it meant I was failing.

Books take time. Life happens. Projects evolve. Some stories need to sit for a while before they’re ready to be told properly. A slow process often means you care deeply about getting it right.

Putting Yourself Out There Is Courageous, Not Cringe

Talking about your writing, sharing your work, posting about your projects—it can feel awkward at first. But it’s not cringe to care about what you create or the dreams you’re chasing. It’s not embarrassing to want your work to be seen.

Sometimes You Have to Re-Teach Yourself the Basics

No matter how long you’ve been writing, you’re never above the fundamentals. Such as point of view, structure, character development, pacing. Each new project asks something different of you, and sometimes that means going back to square one.

Reading Makes You a Better Writer

I’ve noticed over the years that when I’m not reading much, my writing suffers. Reading reminds me what’s possible. It sharpens my instincts, expands my vocabulary, and reminds me how stories work, even giving me inspiration from time to time.

Traditional Publishing Is Hard — But Not Impossible

Traditional publishing is extremely difficult to break into. That’s just the reality. It requires patience, persistence, resilience, and a willingness to face rejection. But it’s not impossible.

With the right project, the right query, and time, it can happen. And if it doesn’t, that doesn’t make you any less of a writer. Publishing paths are not a measure of worth.

There Are a Hundred Ways to Be a Writer

There is no single blueprint. You can self-publish. You can traditionally publish. You can write poetry, novels, essays, newsletters, scripts, or all of the above. You can be a beta-reader (giving detailed reviews and thoughts on other author’s work), editor, or freelance writer. You can do this full-time, part-time, or in seasons.

You Can Make Money as a Writer

Writing can be art and a livelihood. It might take time, creativity, and multiple income streams.. but it’s possible. Books, freelance work, newsletters, teaching, speaking, content creation—there are more opportunities than we’re often led to believe.

A Final Thought

After nearly ten years of writing, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that learning never ends.

I constantly remind myself to keep working, keep learning, and allow myself to grow and try new things.

But what I’ve learned is that you don’t have to wait for permission to speak about your work.

You’re allowed to talk about your writing while it’s happening. You’re allowed to share the journey, the drafts, the ideas scribbled in notes apps at midnight, the doubts, the half-formed dreams. In many cases, that’s exactly how writers are discovered in the first place.

Some of the most well-known books of our time didn’t begin behind closed doors:

Andy Weir originally serialized The Martian on his blog before it became a bestseller.
Rupi Kaur shared her poetry on Instagram long before traditional publishing entered the picture.
Fifty Shades of Grey began as Twilight fanfiction posted online.
Simone Soltani planned to self-publish her Formula 1 romance Cross the Line—until it gained enough traction to land a traditional deal.

These stories started with writers showing up.

Your Online Presence Represents You

Your online presence should represent you as a writer and creative.

Make content that genuinely interests you. Write captions the way you actually talk. Share what you’re working on (without giving everything away). Talk about the books that inspire you, the scenes you’re stuck on, and life as someone chasing their dream.

Consistency is what will lead you to creating and building your “brand”. One with your own look and tone, presenting yourself in the stage that you are at. Honesty and vulnerability will take you further than pretending you have it all figured out.

Write like you already have readers—because you do.

Sharing Your Work (Without Giving It All Away)

There’s a balance to representing yourself online as a writer. You want to invite readers in—but you also want to protect your work.

Post what you’re comfortable sharing. Talk about themes, moods, characters, inspiration. Share snippets if you want—but never feel obligated to put entire pieces online.

One important practical note: most literary journals and magazines will not publish work that has already been posted publicly. That means your poems, essays, and short stories are often best saved for private documents and submissions—not your feed.

Why This Matters (Even Before You’re “Done”)

Posting online as a writer, even before your book(s) are done, has some real benefits.

• You build consistency and routine around self-promotion, which makes it less scary over time.

• You start growing readers before your work is complete.

• You establish yourself as someone who takes writing seriously.

• You find inspiration in your peers and can build relationships with them.

• And someday, you’ll have an archive of your journey to look back on.

You don’t need to wait until your dreams come true to talk about them.

I started the year with a trip right after New Year’s, immediately jumped back into work after two weeks off, shortly followed by the worst flu I’ve had in years. Somewhere between recovering and trying to re-enter my routine, I found myself feeling emotionally heavy, foggy, and quite overwhelmed.

This has been one of those months where I keep asking myself the same looping questions: Am I on the right track? Am I doing enough? Am I making the right choices to get where I want to go?

And when you’re already physically and emotionally tired, those questions can feel louder than they should.

I didn’t get as much done this month as I hoped I would—and that’s been hard to sit with.

Where I’m At With My Writing Projects

Fiction Novel
I was hoping to finish the first draft this month, but I didn’t get there yet. I’m close—I just have the final chapter and epilogue. I’ve accepted that this milestone will move into February, and I’m trying to remind myself that finishing later is still finishing.

Third Poetry Collection
My goal was to fully arrange the collection and write a query letter. What I managed instead was choosing a title and outlining chapter names. Hoping I can get caught back up on that within the first week or so of February.

Romance Novel
Still deep in the editing process. Editing always takes me a very long time.

Lovestruck Inkwell
One bright spot: I officially started the Substack for my literary magazine. Even on low-energy days, this project continues to feel exciting and full of possibility. Feeling very impatient to see some success, though.

What I’m Hoping for in February

I’m not setting aggressive goals right now. What I want most is to find steadiness again.

• To get back into a routine that feels motivating instead of draining

• To continue growing Lovestruck Inkwell and nurturing that community

• To finish the damn first draft of my Fiction novel!

Although I also hope February will be a little kinder to me.

If you’re also starting the year feeling behind, uncertain, or quietly discouraged, you’re not alone. Sometimes measuring success isn’t easy, and you can’t always depend on a crossed-off to-do list to measure.

Now I’m somewhere new. I have projects that feel ready for self-publishing, and others I would like to query and hopefully take down the long path toward traditional publishing.

It’s not that self-publishing hasn’t been a fulfilling journey—it has been. But I also don’t want to abandon the lifelong dream I’ve carried around since childhood: finding an agent who believes in my work and seeing my work on big store bookshelves.

So here’s what I’m finishing, and what decisions I’m circling:

The Fiction Novel

This story has taken up a lot of my creative life the last two years. An adventure-travel, end-of-life story wrapped in found family and the kind of self-discovery that happens in your late twenties when you think you’ve figured it out already. I really believe in this story.

My goal: finish edits and begin querying toward the end of this year. If any project is going to be my introduction to the traditional world, it’s this one.

The Tragic Romance Novel

This story began as a typical contemporary romance, then quickly declared itself a tragic romance—opposites attract, tested through circumstances they never asked for. I’m in the second round of edits now and expect to finish by late summer.

Part of me sees this project as a self-published project. The other part wonders if it needs to sit on the shelf for a little while.

The Third Poetry Collection

This collection feels like the most honest work I’ve written. It’s already edited, divided into chapters, and has a working title. I am considering seeking representation for it, but self-publishing seems like the faster, easier direction to go into.

The Holiday Poetry Collection

A brand-new project started this year. I’m not even finished with the first draft. I imagine this book won’t be ready until 2027, which gives me plenty of time to decide what publishing route suits it.

So Why the Crossroads?

The real question sitting under everything is:

Do I keep self-publishing? And if I do, in what order? Do I pause and focus on querying?

I know how to self-publish. I know how to format, upload, market, and promote. Querying is something that I have familiarity with, but not success. And so, it’s a road I don’t know how to correctly navigate.

What My Gut Is Telling Me

To keep working. To stay patient. To not rush a release just to have something out.

If I publish anything this year, it will likely be a small online-only chapbook I wrote a couple of years ago—something light for Kindle Unlimited readers while the bigger projects slow-cook.

In the meantime, I’ll be:

• drafting query letters

• looking into beta readers

• editing the fiction novel with intention rather than urgency

• learning the agenting landscape one step at a time

And Here’s Where I Ask For Advice

I know a lot of writers, editors, and publishing-curious people read this newsletter, so I’m asking you directly:

If you’ve queried before, what do you wish you knew sooner?

If you’re hybrid publishing, how did you choose which projects to self-publish vs query?

If you’re an agent or editor lurking in the shadows…what would you tell emerging authors at this stage?

What should I do?