Busy

One of the problems with being a freelance writer is that many people equate the term "freelance" with "free as a bird."



It often comes as a shock to people when I turn down offers to spend a random weekday at the beach because I've got a deadline, or when I explain that I simply can't spend the fourth Wednesday of the month protesting global warming because I've got work to do.

"Work?" people ask. "But you're a writer. Can't you just write stuff another time?"

Sure, often times, my schedule is flexible, but "flexible" doesn't mean "work never."

Maybe it's a terminology comprehension thing, or in the case of several people I know, a glaring lack thereof.

To avoid future confusion, here's a little guide to some of the more commonly-used terms in my little writing world:

Writer - one who writes in exchange for monetary compensation, minimal as it may be

Freelance - one who works independently, on an "as needed" basis, often times without a set schedule but with deadlines nonetheless

Deadline - a point in time by which, in my case, freelance writings are due, the neglect of which could easily result in lack of compensation and future employment

I hope this clears up some of the misconceptions about my day to day schedule - not that I truly expect it to make a difference. I will still have people calling me at all hours of the day expecting my undivided attention on a variety of matters, but at least, in my mind, I am now a lot more justified in telling them to piss off.