Some revealing info about the life of one online freelance writer

This is a first for me. I've never made a lens about, well... me before. But if it's okay for Kimberly Dawn Wells to do it, then it's okay for me!

First up, I'm a writer. And as of January 2008 I'm a full time writer - achieving an ambition I've held for years. And it's the best paying job I've ever had. What's more, I love it!

But however much I have or haven't earned from my writing in the past, I've always thought of myself as a writer. It's not just what I do, it's who I am.

NOTE: this is a lens in progress. Mark it in your favourites and check back often for plenty of links to more of my work - I'll even share some of the places I've found good work at.

For now, you can visit http://www.squidoo.com/smoo_publishing to discover more.

By the way, if you click on the link to the left of this column (the one that says 'lenses by Allison Whitehead') you can also see some of my other writing related lenses - and much more besides.

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Why do I feel lucky?

I get paid to do what I love to do. Writing is a much loved hobby that has turned into a part time source of income.
I write for clients all around the world. Thanks to the internet, I can be writing for someone in the UK in the morning, then whizz over to Australia in the afternoon and finish up in the USA by dinner time!
I help others to do the same with my Squidoo lenses. I love to be in the position where I can share my writing knowledge with others who want to write.
I am now able to write full time. It got to the stage where I had very little free time. I worked full time four days a week (long days) and wrote for the other three. My income for writing in my spare time eventually matched my full time income, so I finally took the plunge and now I've been full time for three months. And it feels great!
I am fulfilling a childhood dream. I remember asking mum for a story idea when I was around five years old, so I guess I had it in me even then...

5 of the best things that writing has given me

I didn't have to think for too long before thinking of the five things to put on this list. Writing has given me a lot more, but these are the main points worth remembering and being thankful for.

Freedom. I can now do it full time and set my own hours. What could be better than that?
Knowledge. I can write about all kinds of things and become more knowledgeable as a result.
The ability to research. This isn't something that everyone thinks about, but researching skills are vital if you want to be a good writer.
Money! I wouldn't be honest if I didn't put this one down. It beats every other job I've ever had.
Enjoyment. Probably the best thing that writing could ever give me, to be honest. I love what I do, and that's a great thing to be able to say about your job.

My favorite writing products on Amazon

The Elements of Style (Coyote Canyon Press Classics)

by William Strunk

This is a classic. It sits on my shelf and hopefully inspires me to better things. As far as short volumes go it is very short, but it is all you need when it comes to writing style. Highly recommended.

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Amazon Price: $3.90 (as of 07/04/2008)
List Price: $3.90
Used Price: $3.39

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On Writing

by Stephen King

Not only a must for Stephen's many fans, but also a unique insight into what it's like to write novels. Don't be put off if you don't like horror - he's written far more than that and this is a superb book.

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Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 07/04/2008)
List Price: $7.99
Used Price: $3.83

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How to Write Fast (While Writing Well)

by David Fryxell

Does just what it says. It really lives up to its title and gives away a lot of useful advice that you'll keep referring back to, just as I do.

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Amazon Price: (as of 07/04/2008)
List Price: $15.99
Used Price: $2.09

Web Copy That Sells: The Revolutionary Formula for Creating Killer Copy Every Time

by Maria Veloso

This has proved extremely useful in my career as a web writer. It covers a multitude of skills, techniques and tips for getting peoples' attention in just the right way. It constantly comes on and off the bookshelf! I really recommend it; it's one of the best in its field.

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Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 07/04/2008)
List Price: $21.95
Used Price: $13.85

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Where you can find me

Here are just some of the places you can find me online. I will be adding more!

My profile at Constant Content: I sell a lot of work on this website. It's been a good and steady earner for me. I'd love to get more time to load more new work on but at the moment I'm just too busy...
My profile at Helium: I've got a few hundred articles on here now, steadily earning me some cash even when I'm not actively writing for the site.
As you can see, I've turned my hand to quite a few subjects. Hey, it's all grist to the mill!
Some of my writing related articles: Writing Hood contains a lot of articles related to writing, and here are the ones I have contributed so far...