They say confession is good for the soul. Maybe that’s why I started the 15 Confessions feature here on the blog.

Here are 15 confessions about my life as a freelance writer.

  1. When I was a kid, I wrote the word “PRESS” on an index card, stuck it to the side of one of my dad’s hats, grabbed a notebook and pen, and started walking around the house interviewing family members. I guess I always wanted to be a journalist.

2. Despite that story about little journalist Javacia, for years I lamented choosing journalism as a career path. I felt that to be a real writer I had to write novels.

3. I have never fit into any writing or blogging group. I didn’t fit in with novelists because I write non-fiction. I didn’t fit in with journalists because I don’t like reporting hard news. I didn’t fit in with bloggers because I cared more about words than wardrobes. So, I started a writing/blogging group of my own!

4. I desperately need to update my portfolio site. But every time I sit down to do so I make up an excuse as to why I don’t need to and watch an episode of Criminal Minds instead.

5. As a real-life journalist, I know The Bold Type is complete fantasy, but I love it anyway.

6. I think I would be a better writer if I watched less TV – but I still don’t plan to cut back.

7. Most of the time I do my best not to compare and despair. But sometimes I do struggle with byline envy.

8. I created the @seejavaciawrite Instagram account to network with editors and other writers – not to get into influencer marketing. But I recently started doing content collaborations with brands and I think I’m hooked!

9. I’ve been thinking of hosting a #PitchLikeCrazy challenge in 2021, but I’m afraid I’ll fail the first week.

10. One of my biggest regrets in my journalism life is not pitching a story to JANE magazine before it folded.

11. I am THE WORST at keeping track of my pitches, invoices and payments.

12. Being a full-time freelance writer has spoiled me. I love working for myself and I don’t think I can have another boss ever again.

13. Next to writing, interviewing people is my favorite thing about being a freelance journalist.

14. Transcribing those interviews, however, is my least favorite thing about being a freelance journalist.

15. As much as I love being a freelance journalist I think I love teaching you about freelance journalism even more. (You can take the teacher out of the classroom, but…) So, join me on Sunday, November 15 at 6 p.m. CT for my free webinar So You Think You Can Freelance!