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Freelance Writing Cafe - Community & Resources for High Income Remote Writing Success 4

Freelance Writing Cafe

Launch & grow your freelance writing career... even if you don't have experience!

Drinking Coffee With Writers - Kim Spivey, Motherhood & Parenting Writer (2)-2

Drinking Coffee With Writers: Kim Spivey, Motherhood & Parenting Writer

June 22, 2020 · In: Drinking Coffee With Writers

Welcome to another installment of the Drinking Coffee With Writers series! We’re featuring writers from our community who have insight to share on their unique freelance journeys.

This week we’re chatting with Kim Spivey, a motherhood & parenting writer who mastered her niche and branched out into weddings, home decor, beauty, skincare and more. Kim is the founder of Girl, You Write, where she offers a range of writing and editing services.

Kim’s vibrant energy caught my attention on Instagram, where she shares powerful positive messages. A scroll through her feed reveals encouragement to own one’s expertise and practice self-love. Here’s what she has to say about getting her first byline, approaching freelance writing with grace, and which mantras she keeps on hand for tough days.

Freelance Writing Cafe: What was the main reason you wanted to start freelance writing?
Kim Spivey: To see my byline in print.

How did your freelance journey begin?
This question is very special to me, and I share this in my debut book, Bloom: How to Get from Good Enough to a Life You Love. For years, I had written for my eyes only because I was operating from a place of fear. I was afraid to expose my craft to the world. My worst nightmare was rejection and ridicule.

But after much prayer and seeking counsel from God, He told me it was time for me to step outside of my comfort zone. So, that’s what I did. There is one particular publication in my city that is established and well-known, and I was eager to see my byline in their print publication. For years, I pitched to them—and nothing. No response.

One day after work, I was on my way to my daughter’s Christmas recital. I had an hour or so to spare before it started, so I decided I would do a little shopping. As I’m leaving work on my way to go shopping, God spoke to me at the red light. He told me to get off the freeway, go home, and call that publication. I thought it was ludicrous, but I did it anyway.

As I stepped into my house and placed my handbag on the counter, I walked into my office and called. After the 7th ring, the publisher picked up the phone. We chatted for a while, and that’s how I got my first freelance gig.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned so far?
I’ve learned that the more you practice your craft of writing, the better you will become.

What is something you still struggle with as a freelance writer?
Rejection.

What advice would you give to freelancers who are just starting out?
Give yourself grace. Freelance writing is a learning process, and the more that you practice writing, the more you’ll see your byline in print. I have ten simple rules of writing: Just stat writing, declare you’re a writer, make time to write, practice and practice again, be consistent, give yourself grace, create a writing space, trust and believe in yourself, find the best time to write, and have fun writing.

Drinking Coffee With Writers - Kim Spivey, Motherhood & Parenting Writer (8)

What is your favorite thing about freelancing?
For me, writing is my therapy and my refuge. It’s the best part of everything that I do—my love language to the world. And it’s my love language to myself.

What is your favorite app, tool, or tip for productivity?
My favorite app is Grammarly.

Do you have a go-to mantra or quote that keeps you inspired?
I have so many that I adore. But one of my favorites is, “Everyone doesn’t have to believe in your dreams—only you.”

What’s your favorite hot beverage to sip while working?
Hot chocolate.

How do you find the motivation to work when you’re distracted or having a bad day?
I give myself self-talk. I tell myself that dreams don’t work unless you do. Also, I wrote a letter to myself that I keep tucked away. And when life gets a little crazy, I read it to myself as a reminder of why I need to keep persevering.

What’s one interesting thing about you that people might not know?
I love horror movies.

Drinking Coffee With Writers - Kim Spivey, Motherhood & Parenting Writer (6)

Anything else you’d like to share with your fellow freelance writers?
First, I’d like to share a quote: “When you’ve worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you. You reach back, and you give other folks the same chances that helped you succeed.” – Michelle Obama

Finally, here are my five mantras of life:

1. Never allow your inner critic to derail you from that thing.

2. If someone doesn’t like your great idea, someone else will.

3. Don’t compare yourself to others because the world will embrace the authentic you.

4. Everyone doesn’t have to believe in your dreams—only you.

5. Failures are stepping stones towards success—embrace them.

 

Be sure to check out Girl, You Write and follow Kim on Instagram for writing advice!

 

☕️ Drinking Coffee With Writers is here to give you a dose of inspiration and actionable tips for the week ahead. We’re showcasing freelance writers who are designing their careers and living life on their own terms.  Want to be our next featured writer? Drop us a line at info@freelancewritingcafe.com

 

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Drinking Coffee With Writers - Kim Spivey - Motherhood & Parenting Writer - Girl You Write - Freelance Writing Cafe - Pinterest

 

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IMAGES VIA KIM SPIVEY

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By: Michelle Christina · In: Drinking Coffee With Writers · Tagged: drinking coffee with writers, How to get your first byline, Interview with a freelance writer, Kim Spivey freelance writer, Kim Spivey Motherhood & Parenting Writer, Kim Spivey Writer

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Get tips for launching and growing a high-income freelance writing career (sans-stress). Plus, interviews with freelance writers like you.

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@freelancewritingcafe

Worth a re-post considering the wild volume of the Worth a re-post considering the wild volume of these requests coming in lately: 

We get a lot of DMs from writers asking if we can hire them. 🤔 We're not hiring writers -- we create our content in-house -- but we CAN help you find work the effective way. 👍✨⠀
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(Random DMs begging for work aren't helping you. 👀)⠀
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Our entire method is based on launching and growing your career LONG-TERM instead of using these little flash in the pan, scatter DMs everywhere "strategies". 
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SO! If you're ready to learn how to do this stuff the right way, check out any of our free resources! ✨
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☕️ How To Get Your Very First Freelance Writing Client⠀
https://freelancewritingcafe.com/get-first-freelance-writing-client
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☕️ Freelance Writing 101: The Beginner's Checklist⠀
https://freelancewritingcafe.com/freelance-writing-101-beginners-checklist
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☕️ How to Make Consistent Freelance Writing Income on Upwork⠀
https://freelancewritingcafe.com/consistent-freelance-writing-income-upwork

You can also sign up for our newsletter:⠀
http://freelancewritingnewsletter.com⠀
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And join our FB group:⠀
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You'll be amazed how QUICKLY you can get results when you stop using lazy techniques and start applying smart, long-term-oriented strategies.
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🍁 NOVEMBER FREELANCE WRITER CHECK-IN 🍁 A fe 🍁 NOVEMBER FREELANCE WRITER CHECK-IN 🍁

A few questions to ask yourself as we transition into a new month:

☕️ How are you feeling about your goals so far this year? If you're feeling behind or overwhelmed, remember that while we're nearing the end of 2022, it's not over yet!

☕️ On a scale of 1-10, how strongly do you feel that you'll hit your goals this year? What needs to happen in order for you to hit those goals?

☕️ Write down 1 thing you'll take action on for each remaining month of 2022 to finish the year strong.

☕️ Write down 1 thing you'll do each week to ensure you stay on track. This might mean: booking a weekly discovery call, writing a niche-specific blog post, reaching out to past clients, etc.

☕️ It's not all about hustling! How can you take better care of yourself through the end of 2022 so you FEEL good and can show up as your best self in your freelancing career?

Wishing you a productive, healthy November!

#freelancewritingcafe #freelancewriter #freelancewriting #freelancewriters #freelanceinspiration #freelancewritertips #freelancewritingtips #freelancewritingsuccess #freelancewritingbusiness #freelancingfemales #womenwhowrite #writersofinstagram #freelancesuccesstips #freelancesuccess #upworkfreelancer #freelancelifestyle #freelancelife #writerslife #remoteworker #remotefreelancer #remotewriter #workfromanywhere #workhardanywhere #mobileoffice
Are we getting desperate? ⚠️ There's a hint o Are we getting desperate? ⚠️

There's a hint of panic in the freelance community re: decreased workloads, low-paying clients, inflation... These fears are valid, but is this energy we can rise up and ✨prosper✨ in?

I won't say it's impossible to build a career out of desperation. That "oh sh*t" moment can lead to extraordinary results. But if you stay in desperate energy, you'll operate from there (which clients see as a red flag).

Like it or not, being an energy match for a client is a big deal. They want focused problem-solvers who can get results. When your stress seeps into your interactions, you could be scaring those high-quality gigs away.

It goes like this...
📌 Freelancer: *Panics about money*
📌 Client: *Senses desperation, doesn't hire them*
📌 Freelancer: *Confirms fears, continues to panic*
(The cycle perpetuates!)

A subtle mindset shift can help:

☕️ Be aware of inner dialogue and how it leads to self-sabotage. Are you sending sob stories with pitches? Alluding to needing money immediately in ANY way? Cutting corners to get paid faster?

☕️ Flip the script. Yesterday's failure doesn't mean today will be the same. Society's panic doesn't mean you need to spiral. This is a new day full of new opportunities, new clients, and new ways to collaborate. 

☕️ A recession means clients are more eager than EVER for ways to reach their own customers... and that's your specialty! This is your time.

☕️ Give yourself a break. If nothing's been going your way, remember: nothing is permanent. Take a day off and ease up on yourself. You can't pour from an empty glass.

Chin up, writers. You won't only "get through this", you'll thrive! ✨

#freelancewritingcafe #freelancewriter #freelancewriting #freelancewriters #freelanceinspiration #freelancewritertips #freelancewritingtips #freelancewritingsuccess #freelancewritingbusiness #freelancingfemales #womenwhowrite #writersofinstagram #freelancesuccesstips #freelancesuccess #upworkfreelancer #freelancelifestyle #freelancelife #writerslife #remoteworker #remotefreelancer #remotewriter #workfromanywhere #workhardanywhere #mobileoffice
Why become a freelance writer in 2022? 🤔 ☀️ Why become a freelance writer in 2022? 🤔
☀️ YOU DECIDE THE SCHEDULE. Rather avoid the "Sunday scaries" by taking Mondays off? No prob! Wanna schedule client calls on Wednesdays only? Do it. Prefer to get your work done before 11am? Why not? Craving midday naps? Go for it! 

☀️ YOU DECIDE WHO YOUR CLIENTS ARE. Learning who you work well with is a process—and it usually comes with a few blips along the way—but it's one of the most liberating aspects of freelancing. You have the power to turn down anyone who doesn't fit your ideal (or close to ideal) client avatar.

☀️ YOU DECIDE YOUR RATES. How much are your services worth? You make that decision based on your niche, value, and income goals. That means you decide how much money you're making this week/month/year. That also means you get to tweak your rates until they're working for you.

☀️ YOU DECIDE YOUR RULES. Your policies will shape the way you work. You get to create/change them as your career evolves. Examples? Don't text with clients or accept unplanned calls. Don't do endless revisions. Don't do rush jobs without a rush fee... etc. Your choice.

☀️ YOU DECIDE YOUR LOCATION. I decided to freelance because being in an office was killing my creativity, productivity and nervous system. The freedom to work from a home office or anywhere in the world means I can deliver work I'm proud of and build a career that works FOR my life, not against it.

Can you think of any other reasons being a freelance writer is awesome? Let's hear them! 👇👇

#freelancewritingcafe #freelancewriter #freelancewriting #freelancewriters #freelanceinspiration #freelancewritertips #freelancewritingtips #freelancewritingsuccess #freelancewritingbusiness #freelancingfemales #womenwhowrite #writersofinstagram #freelancesuccesstips #freelancesuccess #upworkfreelancer #freelancelifestyle #freelancelife #writerslife #remoteworker #remotefreelancer #remotewriter #workfromanywhere #workhardanywhere #mobileoffice
What keeps you going when freelancing gets tough? What keeps you going when freelancing gets tough? 🪫

So many of us are struggling right now because of the economy's steep fluctuation and clients cutting back on budgets (on top of summer being a dry season for many). 

But we both know you're NOT just going to throw in the towel when faced with a challenge, right? 🤔 You're a problem solver, after all. That's one of the reasons you're such an awesome freelancer. ✌️

The truth is, in any economic situation, regardless of the season or circumstances, there are ALWAYS ways to thrive. 

There are clients who need writers. There are opportunities to uncover. The sheer number of businesses and organizations who need recurring marketing copy and content on a weekly basis is wild (with new ones popping up all the time). Just one example. There's 💵 to be made! 

So while you seek those opportunities out, grow your network, and polish your optimism, here's one more thing you can do to battle the "woe is me" energy that's bringing down your vibe:

✨✨ Remember WHY you started freelancing in the first place!

Remember why it's so important to you. Remember why you're made for this. Remember previous challenges you've overcome because you weren't about to give up on your ultimate goal. 

✈️ For some that's location freedom. 
📋 For some it's schedule freedom. 
💰 For some it's uncapped income. 
💓 For some it's "I'm the boss" energy.

Maybe all of these! Whatever it is for you, call it forth. When you're clear on your goal, your creative problem solving and resourceful nature will shine as a natural result.

And, as always, we are here to help! 🤓 What's one challenge you're facing in your freelance career right now? Any tips for fellow freelancers? 👇👇

#freelancewritingcafe #freelancewriter #freelancewriting #freelancewriters #freelanceinspiration #freelancewritertips #freelancewritingtips #freelancewritingsuccess #freelancewritingbusiness #freelancingfemales #womenwhowrite #writersofinstagram #freelancesuccesstips #freelancesuccess #upworkfreelancer #freelancelifestyle #freelancelife #writerslife #remoteworker #remotefreelancer #remotewriter #workfromanywhere #workhardanywhere #mobileoffice

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