Overcoming Writers Isolation - Copywriting Help

One of the greatest problems writers face is isolation. Writing, especially freelance writing, is a solitary task. There are
many advantages to this, such as the lack of distractions and the ability to work in (or out of) your rattiest clothes, but
there are disadvantages as well. Isolation can cause loneliness, lack of structure, and can deprive [...]

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Written on November 4th, 2012
Read more articles on Become a writer.

One of the greatest problems writers face is isolation. Writing, especially freelance writing, is a solitary task. There are

many advantages to this, such as the lack of distractions and the ability to work in (or out of) your rattiest clothes, but

there are disadvantages as well. Isolation can cause loneliness, lack of structure, and can deprive you of valuable feedback.

Here are some methods for dealing with these problems.

Eat Lunch Out Dont be afraid to go out every once in a while, especially for lunch meetings. Most friends and associates

who have a nine-to-five job will be free for lunch, and your lack of a boss makes it easier to meet them on their schedule

and still have time to eat. Dont cry over the lost time of an hour and a half lunch. Instead, schedule your errands around

lunch so that you can get your days trips out of the way. Just remember that you still need to spend the same amount of time

writing and researching. Your advantage is flexible time, not more time.

Join Professional Groups
There are many groups that cater to writers, and many that cater to just about any professional. Such groups as the Public

Relations Society of America, The National Writers Union, and the Toastmasters are worth looking into. Look for groups that

meet at least once a month. Dont be afraid to bring business cards. This is all about making connections, on both a personal

and professional level.

Maintain Structure The advantage of working at home is NOT working without a schedule, its being able to create your own

schedule. Put what you plan to do that day down on paper and check it frequently. Develop a workable schedule. For some

people it is just a list of the days activities, while others need a fixed hourly timetable. Find what works for you and

stick to it.

Consider a Part-Time Job Even for people who can afford to just write, having a part-time job is worth considering. If

isolation is your problem, then look for a job that will keep you in contact with many people. It is an especially good idea

to find a job that will help you meet people with similar career goals, but it is also refreshing to have a job that has

nothing to do with writing. Its a judgment call for you to make. Just be sure that you dont spend too many hours at your

job, and that the job doesnt drain you. Ten hours a week is a good amount anything over twenty will become a distraction.

If money isnt a problem, consider volunteer work. It will make you feel good.

Join a Health Club Sitting in front of a computer eight to twelve hours a day isnt exactly good for the body or mind. You

need to balance your work with exercise, and joining a health club is a good way to both stay fit and be around other people.

Schedule it as part of your routine. Exercising at the same time every day will not only add structure and regularity, but it

will help you make friends because youll be seeing the same people every day.

Make Friends On-Line The wonderful thing about having e-mail friends is that you can take a break and write them whenever

you are feeling lonely or isolated, and they can do the same. Also, if you make friends in the industry, you can often get

feedback on your work. Just dont spend all your time writing letters instead of working. Walk Outside I often forget the outside world exists. Sometimes, just stretching your legs and breathing a little fresh air

will keep you going when you need to get a project done.

Dont Forget That You Have a Radio Television is too much of a diversion while working, but silence can be just as

problematic. Turn on the radio, preferably to a type of music that wont be distracting for you. Some people like to turn to

a news station, but I found myself listening to news rather than working so I stick to music now.

Break The Routine Schedules are important, but every once in a while you need to go out and do something that your

nine-to-five friends dont get to do: going to a matinee, hiking, visiting a museum, having a picnic or whatever suits you.

Again, remember that you still need to spend the same amount of time writing. That means either starting earlier or working

later.

Written on November 4th, 2012
Read more articles on Become a writer.

Source: http://www.copywritinghelp.net/become-a-writer/overcoming-writers-isolation-5/

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