Categories

Lynda Forman has been a full-time freelance writer for the past four years. She writes mostly for the web (incl. blogs), but has also written fictional stories for print. She has written non-fiction pieces, articles, poetry, and is currently working on her own blog. She's also taking on editing jobs and has ghost written over 1000 articles and more than 150 e-books.

1. Hello Lynda, thank you for taking the time to answer some questions for us! You've been freelancing for over 10 years -  what do you like most about it?

Thank you.  After 10 years, I can honestly say that the thing I like most about freelancing is the variety of work.  I am continuously challenged as it seems there is always something new to learn and to explore.  Each day is different and that not only inspires me, but also keeps my writing sharp and engaging.

2. Your work includes many different types of writing, for print and the web. What type of work is the most rewarding for you?

I would have to say that any writing that allows me to educate or to inspire something to take action is the most rewarding.  For example, writing about health issues can help someone decide to take that first step toward a new and better life.  Writing about how to start your own business provides a reader with the information they need to finally live their dreams.  If I can help anyone with the information I provide, that is the greatest reward.

3. How do you make sure you have a steady stream of work? Do you work with agents, rely on referrals, or have accounts with freelance websites?

What writers need to keep in mind is that writing is hard work.  And while no one wants to hear this: not everyone can do it.  You need to not only be ready to work hard, writing a lot of things you might not enjoy writing at first, but you also need to be savvy when it comes to marketing.  Personally, what's worked for me is that I try to put my name out into the Internet as much as possible.  I have profiles on Guru and Elance as well as Facebook, mySpace, Twitter, etc.  Right now, I'm building my own website - www.lyndaforman.com - but I have to admit, I've been so busy writing, I haven't had the time to finish the site yet.  Soon, very soon.  I also work on referrals from clients I've had over the years, plus I have a 'just say yes' sort of attitude.  After all, you don't get work if you say no.

4. What advice can you give to others who would like to get started with freelance writing? Where should they start?

My best advice for those who want to be freelance writers is to know that their writing needs to be able to communicate with readers.  Writers need to study up on how to write, but they also need to be willing to take on projects which they might not enjoy at first.  Getting your name out there is the key to your success.  Good places to start include freelance writing market sites - i.e. Elance.com, Guru.com, iFreelance.com, etc.  But Craigslist has also been helpful to me in addition to Writer's Market's books for individual markets - poetry, fiction, nonfiction, etc. Sometimes just saying you're a writer has helped me connect with those who need my help, so don't be afraid to admit your talents to others.

5. How has your college education helped you in your career?

It's funny because my first instinct is to say that my writing when I was in college is completely different from how I write now, but I don't think that's true.  What I learned in college was how to ask questions of my writing in order to add what the reader needs to know in order to be affected.  For example, when writing my poetry thesis, my adviser helped me understand that you need to be specific with each and every word you write.  If a word doesn't contribute to the power of a poem, then it needs to be removed. Also, college taught me to be disciplined with my work.  After all, I'm the only person who can motivate myself when I'm sitting in my office day after day.

6. Have you ever had a mentor, or someone who sparked your passion for writing?

The passion I have for writing has been around since I was very young, so I suppose my first mentor was the library.  I used to read dozens of books a week and my mother made sure I came home with Newberry Award winners - not just R.L. Stine and the Babysitter's Club series.  But I realized I wanted to write professionally when I was a sophomore in high school.  Mrs. Carole Laasch was the hardest critic of my work, but also someone who taught me how to construct a strong paper, time and time again.  My poetry thesis adviser in college - Tim Geiger - influenced my creative writing, helping me to write poems that a reader could experience, not just enjoy.  And my professional writing has been nurtured with the help of Julie-Ann Amos.  She's a superstar in the ghostwriting world, and I can't thank her enough for how she's helped me become as successful as I am now.

7. Do you have a favorite quote or words that ring home to you?

I have several quotes which ring true for me as a writer and as a person:

Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage - Anais Nin

Whatever you can do or imagine; begin it. Boldness has beauty, magic, and power in it - Goethe

To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself - Søren Kierkegaard

Poets announce their truth or lose their muse - Michael Meade.

The Anais Nin quote and the Goethe quote are both on small sticky notes on my computer right now - and they were written on these pieces of paper when I was just starting out four years ago.  They're a bit faded, but they still inspire me daily.

8. Who is your favorite writer?

This is a tricky question to answer as my tastes are varied, depending on my mood.  Poetry-wise, I have to say that Sharon Olds is one of my favorites.  Her work rings as true today as it did when I was a budding poet in college.  Joan Didion continues to amaze me and to inspire me - I can only hope to craft one sentence with the grace and honesty she does.

9. Lastly, what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself?  :)

I really love this question.  The last song I sang was "Shadow on the Wall" by Brandi Carlile from her album "The Story."  Her writing shines light on all sorts of dark places - in a good way.

Thanks Lynda for your insights - we wish you great success with your future projects!

Thanks so much - and good luck to all the writers reading this right now.  Writing isn't a silly dream, so don't let anyone tell you to stop.  Keep writing.