Freelance, Freewriting, Free-Blogging--Writing for Free?
One of my readers commented today about my note on"free-blogging": "Free writing is something I hate. I prefer to be paid for my work."
I know this reader intended to take a humorous stab at the financial struggles freelance writers face. But I also see a lot of truth in his statement. A lot of Christian "freelance"writers wrestle with this issue—writing for free. We write a lot for "free"—church newsletters, blogs, e-zines, websites, Bible studies...the list goes on.
Most of us—Christian "freelance"writers—need some sort of income to pay for our personal and household necessities. In fact, the scriptures encourage us to work for pay (or food): "If a man will not work, he shall not eat" (2 Thessalonians 3:10b).
But when I'm tempted to get discouraged and give up on writing when I'm asked to donate my services, I must remember what my husband often asks me when I start complaining about writing for free, "Are you doing this for the money?"
"No, I'm NOT doing this for the money!" If I only wrote for the money, I would have thrown in the towel a long time ago. My journey began out of my own "need" to share my faith through writing. I guess I write because "I have to." So, when I'm tempted to quit because I'm not bringing in a steady income, I try to remember my primary motivation for writing.
I also try to remember my Provider—Jehovah Jireh (Genesis 22:1). For me, it's not healthy to depend upon any other source for my provision at this point in my writing career. And even though I'm tempted to focus on money as my motivation, I know that mindset would get me totally off-track right now.
Would any other freelance writer like to comment here?
Blessings,
kj
I know this reader intended to take a humorous stab at the financial struggles freelance writers face. But I also see a lot of truth in his statement. A lot of Christian "freelance"writers wrestle with this issue—writing for free. We write a lot for "free"—church newsletters, blogs, e-zines, websites, Bible studies...the list goes on.
Most of us—Christian "freelance"writers—need some sort of income to pay for our personal and household necessities. In fact, the scriptures encourage us to work for pay (or food): "If a man will not work, he shall not eat" (2 Thessalonians 3:10b).
But when I'm tempted to get discouraged and give up on writing when I'm asked to donate my services, I must remember what my husband often asks me when I start complaining about writing for free, "Are you doing this for the money?"
"No, I'm NOT doing this for the money!" If I only wrote for the money, I would have thrown in the towel a long time ago. My journey began out of my own "need" to share my faith through writing. I guess I write because "I have to." So, when I'm tempted to quit because I'm not bringing in a steady income, I try to remember my primary motivation for writing.
I also try to remember my Provider—Jehovah Jireh (Genesis 22:1). For me, it's not healthy to depend upon any other source for my provision at this point in my writing career. And even though I'm tempted to focus on money as my motivation, I know that mindset would get me totally off-track right now.
Would any other freelance writer like to comment here?
Blessings,
kj
Hi, Karen,
When I do free writing, I write without editing myself--just let the words flow. I liked your idea of free-blogging--same idea but on a blog instead of paper.
Buck said in his comment that he preferred to be paid. And, Luke 10:7 says that "the laborer is worthy of his wages."
As you and I both know, there are many times for writers when God's put something is in our heart that we just have to share--whether or not we get paid. There are other times when we contribute our writing to help an organization or person. And then there are times when we actually get paid. Bringing me back to Luke 10:7, [my paraphrase] -- a writer is worthy of payment.
Well ... that's my freeblogging for tonight.
He is able,
Mary
www.marymaywrites.com
http://grandconnection.blogspot.com
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Hi Mary,
Thanks for your comment. I'm especially grateful for your scripture reference. And I know you understand this issue well--the writing for pay--since that's what you do for a living, too.
By the way, I love your grandparenting blog--The Grand Connection--http://grandconnection.blogspot.com.
Blessings to you!
kj
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Hi, Karen,
I'm glad that you're enjoying the grandparenting blog! It's fun to write.
I like your new homepage!
-- Mary
Mary May Larmoyeux
www.marymaywrites.com
http://grandconnection.blogspot.com
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What "new homepage"? On my website? It's in desperate need of revision! But that's what we do best, right?
Looking forward to your workshop at the Glorieta Christian Writers Conference in a few weeks.
Blessings,
kj
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When interviewing prospective employees or coaching individuals who feel "stuck," I like to ask, "If you could do anything in the world without regard to pay or position, what would it be?" In other words, what brings you such satisfaction and fulfillment that you would do it for free? Hmmm...
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Well, hey there, Ms. Robin! I guess you've noticed by now how I would answer that question--since I've quit my "day job" as a writing instructor to freelance write. Aaugh! And, yes, my husband reminds me regularly (usually when I start whining about money) that I'm obviously not in this "career" for the money. Thanks for your comment--I'm honored you're even reading my blog! It's probably worth about what you paid for it!
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