I want to tell you why I know you could succeed as a freelance writer.

But first, I want to tell you a story.

I should be broke right now.

In May of 2019, I quit my teaching job to be a full-time freelance writer and focus on growing See Jane Write. At first, everything was going well. I was getting writing gigs and speaking gigs and even landing opportunities to get paid to travel.

Then 2020 happened. Cancer happened. The COVID-19 pandemic happened.

I felt as if everything was falling apart.

But it wasn’t.

Things didn’t fall apart. They fell into place.

Even though the pandemic rocked our economy, even though cancer treatment is expensive AF – I’m not broke! In fact, I’m doing better financially than I was before I quit my job.

So, let’s review – I’m a Black woman in the South with cancer freelancing in the middle of a global pandemic and I’m still successful.

If I can succeed in this freelance life in spite of sexism, racism, elitism, cancer and Coronavirus – then so can you!

But notice I said I wanted to tell you why I’m sure you could succeed at freelancing. I didn’t say I’m sure that you will succeed. That part is up to you.

Do you want to succeed in freelance writing? Do you want it enough to do the work?

Freelancing Is an Act of Faith

How have I managed to be a successful freelancer in spite of all that’s happened in 2020?

Freelancing is an act of faith, and I’m not just talking about religion.

Yes, I’m a woman who prays and I believe God has helped me every step of the way on this freelancing journey. But freelancing also requires that you have faith in yourself. You must trust that you have what it takes to get stuff done.

Freelancing also requires faith in your tribe. Relationships I’ve built over the years with other writers and entrepreneurs have paid off – literally. When many of the local publications I write for had to cut their freelance budgets at the height of the pandemic, I still made enough money to pay my bills because I got gigs writing for local businesses and non-profit organizations. I landed lucrative opportunities to write for national media outlets, too.

Because of my faith in my God, myself, and my tribe – I’m freelancing and doing just fine.

Do you have faith that you could be a successful freelance writer, too? On November 15 at 6 p.m. CT, I’m hosting a FREE webinar, So You Think You Can Freelance, to get you started. Don’t miss it!