Freelance Writing: A Man's Perspective

Derek Odom is a freelance writer. He writes for Associated Content as well as other online publications, and has been featured in a traditional print magazine. He recently made the momentous decision to become a full time freelance writer and give up all other occupational avenues.

I wanted to do this interview with Derek to get a man's perspective on freelance writing. It's also nice to find out what makes other's tic. Hopefully you will find the interview as interesting as I did.

Let's get the personal stuff out of the way first.

Angel: How old are you and where are you from?

Derek: I'm 33 years old, and I am originally from Colorado Springs, CO. I moved to California with my family when I was twelve because my dad said the construction industry was booming here. We arrived just in time for the recession in 1987. I now live in Yucaipa, California, and I like it here because it is very close to the mountains.

Angel: What is your relationship status?

Derek: I live with my girlfriend, Eliza, and we have been together for about six years. She fully supports me in most of the things I do, and I am very appreciative of that, because I try a lot of stuff!

Angel: You not only got into freelance writing a little late, but also started college at an older age. What kept you from doing these things sooner?

Derek: I actually started college earlier than most, at seventeen. However, I was far from ready for the responsibilities involved with schooling, and found that it was much more fun to drink beer and have a social life than to study boring books or do homework. When I was twenty-two I actually bumbled my way into law school, but after the interesting stuff was over I found I wanted little to do with that field. So I worked menial jobs for ten years before finally deciding to go back and get my degree (which I'll have in December!). As for the writing, I never considered it because English has always been so enjoyable and easy for me that, like many others, I never really believed I could actually get paid for doing it!

Now let's talk about your views on freelance writing and your decision to take it up full time.

Angel: What made you decide to pursue freelance writing as more than a part-time resource?

Derek: To be honest, I have a real problem with working for other people. I do not like to be in a position where I have to ask someone else for time off or for more money. I do not like wearing company uniforms or a nametag, either. It has always seemed to me that there was more to life than that, and I have spent many years searching for something that would allow me to be me, and still pay the bills. Like freelance writing. In my view, it is almost the perfect occupation, second only to becoming a published novelist.

Angel: Do you see any differences between men and women who chose freelance writing as a career?

Derek: Well, I do recognize that a lot of women get into this career because of the limitations they experience while being a parent at home, and find freelancing an enjoyable and convenient way to bring extra cash into the house. However, the main difference is probably the content and subjects actually written about. For instance, I will go out on a limb and assume that very few women are writing about off-road Jeep trails or hot rods, whereas men are probably not inclined to write articles on sewing or childcare, although I'm sure both exist.

Angel: Do you think it's possible for a man with a wife and children to make a living with freelance writing?

Derek: Absolutely. As long as they write for the correct venues, I don't see why even a large family couldn't be supported by a freelancing income. If the man in question were to score a gig writing for a major magazine or other publication, for instance, the pay could be quite substantial. Even lower paying gigs, but more of them, can successfully make ends meet. That is the beauty of freelancing; you actually get what you put in! More work means more pay, which is often not the case with a regular job.

Angel: Do you worry that you won't be able to support you and your significant other on a freelancer's income?

Derek: It crosses my mind, but I'm so determined to make this work that I refuse to think of the bottom dropping out. If I fail at this, I will feel I have actually failed at being who I want to be, which is completely unacceptable to me. My dream is to be a published novelist, and I am finding that freelancing has been a wonderful place to start!

To help people get to know you better, let's talk about your actual writing.

Angel: What is your favorite subject to write on?

Derek: Well, I am an off-road vehicle and chess fanatic, so those would probably be my two favorite subjects to write on. That I have the opportunity to help people who I have never even met but have similar interests as me, is staggering! I'm just getting started in this field, but I think I would enjoy writing about relationships and dating, as well. The psychology of interacting with someone you love, or want to love, has always been interesting to me.

Angel: Where do you find inspiration for your writing?

Derek: Everywhere. Every person walking down the street, every car that drives by, and every single item in my house contains the magic ingredient to spark a story. Writing is the most wide-open field I can imagine getting into. Writing is simply verbal painting, and one is never sure when or where inspiration will strike! I absolutely love it.

Angel: Do you have a particular article that's your favorite?

Derek: I had never thought about this, but now that I have, I recently wrote an article that compared chess grandmasters of the past to the grandmasters and high-end play of today. It highlighted the fact that more people are losing their fighting spirit and agreeing to draws in situations that, if played out, would in fact produce a winner and a loser. The fact that some people are satisfied with mediocrity or have a profound fear of losing is of great interest to me. The same thing goes for writers, whether they publish books or articles. When you sit down to write something, write from the heart, from the soul. If you come lightly to the pen, the greatness that lies within you will not find its way to the paper. You really do get out what you put in.

I really enjoyed doing this interview with Derek. He is a great writer and all around good guy. What about that line at the end:

If you come lightly to the pen, the greatness that lies within you will not find its way to the paper. How cool is that?

I believe Derek has a long and exciting writing career ahead of him.