Survive The  “Tough” Economy
As a Freelance Writer   

©Roy A. Barnes – All Rights Reserved

Don't let the media or the negative talk of others keep you from being on purpose in life.

I’m surviving the so-called tough economy as a freelance writer first and foremost by approaching my job with a positive attitude and broadening my horizons.

Despite the scare tactics of the media, I'm keeping my head above water by finding new ideas to write about. Let me illustrate how.

Condition Your Mind To Attract Money

Years ago, I was listening to one of motivational speaker Anthony Robbins' cassette tapes fromPersonal Power II: The Driving Force!. He said something that I've never forgotten and think about a lot: "Condition your mind to attract money."

This is one of the greatest quotes I’ve ever heard, especially for surviving the current economic situation.

It doesn’t matter what I'm doing, whether it's freelance writing or running six or more miles a day, I see money in those opportunities.

When I run, I often find aluminum cans which I can cash in later for money, and I find spare change and even paper bills on the ground. Yes, not only do I stay fit running, but in essence, I get paid to run! Every little bit helps, for theThe Good Book says that if we are faithful over little things, we'll be made ruler over many things (Matthew 25:23 personalized).

It's all about attitude no matter your financial situation.  Whether you are single or married, have kids or no kids, there are always people with your same challenges who’d rather sit on a bar stool and complain about how bad things are.

As a writer, I've receive emails from editors telling me they are laying off staff and not accepting freelance submissions because of the economy. But guess what? Many online and print publications are still accepting and paying for freelance work, if you, the writer, will take the time to look for these markets and subscribe to free market newsletters like this one, WritersWeekly.com and FundsforWriters.com.

At the beginning of this year, I was a bit down listening to all the "loser-talk" about how bad it was going to be for the common man surviving the tough economy, but I dug in my heels and realized that I needed to think of more things I could write about, things that I have an interest in but still required me to get out of my "box".

For example, I've been striving to find more local events to write about as another way of making more money as a freelance writer.

Even though I've covered many places as a travel writer via press trips, I've heard the same talk from people who arrange these events about cutbacks in their budgets, etc. But I keep on approaching these folks for potential trip opportunities because press trips are still announced at such websites like Media Kitty  and the International Travel Writers Alliance. And I simply "cold call" via email the Convention and Visitors Bureaus of cities and regions that I have an interest in visiting.

Expand Your Field

My travel-writing clips have helped me to write about the subject of travel in other ways. What am I talking about: Reviews of travel products and services for the consumer.   When I see a gadget or service that piques my interest, I contact that business and show them my travel clips, which often results in the opportunity to review their product/service for free.   You see, as writers, we need to use our gift to be able to find cash-generating opportunities from the events and things found in everyday life.

I also don't let the talking heads on television shows keep me from trying to find more publications who'll buy my travel articles and other works that I've written which I have the rights to re-sell.  These income sources exist, but again, it takes the initiative on your part to find them rather than giving in to self-pity.

The Unexpected Happens By Being On Purpose

I've also learned from experience over the years that when we are fulfilling our life's purpose and heart's convictions, the right people and opportunities show up when they need to. Follow your heart - see the income potential in doing what interests you, and stay the course. Good things happen to those who persist!

You get nothing whining and crying over surviving the tough economy as a freelance writer, so use your energy in more proactive ways. This may sound like an overused platitude, but it's true: "When the going gets tough, the tough get going!"

About the Author: Roy A. Barnes is a past contributor to Writer2Writer and other writing-themed publications like The   Willamette Writer, The Busy Freelancer, FellowScript, Writers Weekly, Writing for DOLLARS, and The Christian Communicator.  He lives in southeastern Wyoming, USA.