Balls in the air

Pay attention to juggling different aspects of the freelance life, says

We’re still living in untypical times. There is a lot to cope with and much to catch up on. Holidays are just one example (if you survive the airport experience); many people are catching up. My next holiday, assuming it happens, was postponed three times. One result for those intent on selling their writing is that you get busy.

I thought of this the other day. I am writing a series of 15,000-word monographs for an online publisher.

One day I found myself counting three that needed proof reading, one new one to be written (and further topics to be suggested) and, separately, a book to be finished. Then, of course, columns to write like this. For many writers, writing is not a full-time activity and whatever mix of activities you have on the go it must be fitted in with the hurly burly of everyday life.

Considering this sort of mix it is selfevident that you need to be, and remain, organised. I am sure I have mentioned the need to hit deadlines numbers of times here, but that is just one implication. The greatest danger is the classic conundrum of feast and famine. When you have many things to do, and I would include speculative writing in that list (some of us have many unfinished pieces that so easily get sidelined and remain unfinished), most often what gets delayed or not done is activity to secure new commissions. Suggestions to make, query messages to write, people and ideas to follow up, all need attention in parallel. Whenever you are busy it pays to take stock and balance the seeking of work with the doing of work. Neglect that and, in due, course, famine will become the right word.