Top 10 New Year's Resolutions for Freelance Writers

As 2009 is nearing, more and more people are looking into freelance writing as a source of extra income, or an outlet for their creativity. These are are 10 New Year's resolutions for those who are in the freelance writing business. This article, I think, goes hand-in-hand with my articles, Freelance Writing Marketing Tips, as well as My #1 New Year's Resolution and Five Ways to Keep It.

1. Believe in yourself. It's easy to get down and out on youself, when you can't easily think of anything to write about. I know, because I've been there. If it helps, have a positive mantra, motto, or pep talk to give yourself everyday. Something like, "God gave me the gift and ability to write, and I will trust Him to give me the ability to do it daily, so I won't put my artistic ability to waste." Sure, talking to yourself might sound silly, but a little reminder will boost your confidence, and give you the will to go on writing. Besides, resolving to have a better view of yourself in 2009, is definitely a good idea.

2. Expand your vocabulary. It's okay to write using words you know and use everyday. However, learning a new word, or an alternative words to a word you already know, a day, isn't so hard. I think the best way to build your vocabulary this way, is to invest in a Thesaurus. If you don't feel like buying and toting one around all the time, you can easily access a Thesaurus online. If you just want to plain out learn new words, a dictionary is the way to go. Just think-- a word a day will increase your vocabular by 365 words in 2009.

3. Write everyday. Don't ever get lazy and miss a day, unless it's just one of those days. The more you get out of practice, the more likely you are to slip out of the craft. Writing everyday, keeps your writing sharp, as well. In all honesty, also, I've seen that the more you write, the better writer you tend to become. It doesn't matter what you write-- blog entries, Associated Content articles, letters to friends, etc. Any or all will suffice-- JUST WRITE! By the end of 2009, you'll see how this resolution paid off. You'll have written a myriad of things!

4. Market yourself. If you're serious about freelancing, then in 2009, you should make it a resolution to get the word out about your work. In my marketing tips article, I mention four ways to market yourself: business cards, website, advertising, and asking around. Visit my article to learn more. These four marketing tips are amazing ways to get your name out there, and in the long run, pick up gigs.

5. Take a writing class. You may think you're a pretty good writer, but there's always room for improvement, as well as brushing up, if you haven't had any education in a while. A lot of local community colleges offer writing classes, and many are at night, to fit your schedule if you have a day job. Usually, if the class is during a regular semester, spring classes start in January, and fall classes start in September. Along the lines of classes, attend workshops and seminars to improve your writing skills. These public events are also a breeding ground for networking. If you don't have time to go to a class or seminar, there are some online classes and seminars. I personally enjoy Associated Content's Town Hall Meetings. Last meeting, the administrator told us that the next meeting would be in January... perfect for kicking off a new resolution.

6. Don't use acronymns. I know that sounds silly at first, but please heed this advice. Acronyms like "LOL" and "IDK" are sometimes useful in instant messaging and texting, but if you use them too much, they can show up in your writing, especially when you're feeling particularly lazy. Just don't do it. Your non-writer friends may think you're weird for typing out everything, but it will be an asset of a resolution for you in 2009.

7. Make a resolution to take a notebook and pen with you everywhere. This will be particularly useful for jotting down ideas for articles, blog entries, etc. that pop up randomly. I think this is a goal I am going to take on, because there have been so many times when I have had an idea, then forget it later, when I need it. Also, even though it's less likely, you can use it to take down notes if you find anyone interesting you want to interview.

8. Create a distraction-free work area. This is one of my ultimate resolutions for 2009. My husband and I are currently living with my parents, so quiet time is less than frequent. There's almost always someone home, so a quiet work space is hard to come by. However, if you're like me, you can pick times during the day when the house is most quiet, and set yourself up at a table, away from the television, with your cell phone off, and just write. The solitude may drive you nuts at first (since we are, by nature, communicators,) but in the long run, you will learn to appreciate the sound of silence, and you'll work better, and be more productive.

9. Keep a journal. I really want to make this resolution and stick to it. Back when I took creative writing in high school, our year-long assignment was to write in a journal everyday. By the time the class ended, I had filled three or four notebooks with my thoughts and activities from the day. I hang onto those journals for years, and I always loved looking back on them. Not only do these provide memories at your fingertips, but writing a journal entry everday, can really get your creative juices flowing, and you come up with ideas to write other things. This has happened with me and my Facebook notes.

10. My big resolution challenge for freelancers, for 2009, is keep a checklist. If it wasn't for checklists, my life would be chaos. For the kind of checklist freelance writers need, I am talking about ideas you have for writings. Whether it's in a notebook, a list on your desktop of your computer, or a database, keeping a tab of ideas you have, can be a godsend. It helps you keep track of what you want to write, and what you have written. Also, it will help you not to run out of ideas easily.

These are just ten resolutions that freelance writers can adopt for 2009, to help them foster their creativity in writing. I know I will be taking all these into consideration, as we ring in the new year.