Friday Speak Out!: How to Handle “Writing Snags” Without Coming Unraveled!

by Jennifer Brown Banks

Shift happens.

It’s the one certainty of the writing life. I recently got word that a major project with one of my biggest clients required a “change of directions,” derailing my cash flow, my summer vacation, and the allocation of my time for the next four months.

Earlier this year, in another detour on the path to my well-laid-out plans, a client violated our contractual agreement by establishing his OWN payment schedule for services rendered; leaving me to be "creative" in how to meet my mortgage.

And did I mention that I’m still awaiting funds for an article, (a month later) from a publisher that previously promised “payment upon acceptance?”

As a veteran freelance writer who has worked with a variety of clients worldwide, for over a decade, I’ve seen it all. And if you’re in this industry long enough, it’s very likely you will too.

Clients flake out on you. Your favorite editor changes magazines. Your book’s big “debut” gets pushed back. Your computer gets infected with a virus and destroys important files for your next novel.
The plot thickens…

Word to the wise: you’ll encounter many “snags” in your writing business. But, that doesn’t mean you should become unraveled in the process. You can write a “happy ending” for your efforts, maintain your sanity, and go the distance.

Accordingly, I offer the following practices and principles to help you succeed.

1. Don’t be bitter, be better.

When the client mentioned above failed to pay on time, I took matters into my own hands. Instead of begrudgingly accepting it, I built in a late charge for future payments.

You should too. Without an incentive to pay on time, some clients opt to pay the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker before they pay their writers. In the sage words of Dr. Phil, “We teach people how to treat us by the things we accept.”

2. Diversify.

The feast or famine cycle is a reality for most of us. Here’s some food for thought: we shouldn’t have to starve for the sake of our art. If for instance, you’re a copywriter, moonlight. Consider blogging, or editing, or speaking, or teaching creative writing. The more income streams, the better. I earn extra cash by consulting and providing editorial calendars for busy bloggers and small businesses.

3. Adopt the Serenity Prayer.

A creative career can sometimes produce as much internal conflict as the characters we create. We’re often plagued by uncertainty, doubt, moral dilemmas, and indecision. Shakespeare wasn’t the only one to question… “To be or not to be?”

Stay centered. Learn to accept the things you can’t control, and have courage to change what you can. Feeling stressed and out of control can cause writer’s block. And writer‘s block can block cash flow. Get my drift here?

Consider these timely tips for greater longevity in your writing career. Most of all, “Never let em’ see you sweat!”

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Jennifer Brown Banks is a veteran freelance writer, relationship columnist, and award-winning blogger. In her spare time, she enjoys karaoke, cooking, and connecting with other creatives.
Visit her "Top 25" writing blog at Pen & Pro$per.

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Would you like to participate in Friday "Speak Out!"? Email your short posts (under 500 words) about women and writing to: marcia[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you!

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