An Unexpected Benefit of Freelance Writing

Photo by Nina Strehl on Unsplash

By Elaine Klonicki, www.TheAuthenticLane.com

Happy Freelance Writers Appreciation Week!

Recently we had an interesting thread going on in our TAF Google group about some of the benefits of freelancing. In particular, the ways in which it allows us to do meaningful work, often by highlighting the good others are doing in our communities. Whether it’s a straight nonfiction article or blog, or a profile of a person or organization, we are writing about topics we care about. By and large, writers are a sensitive bunch, and it makes us feel good to know we’re contributing by shining a light on the positive news stories that might otherwise get missed. We thought you’d enjoy being a fly on the wall for some of our discussion.

Many thanks to Elizabeth Brignac for starting this fascinating and insightful thread:

“I write for Midtown and Cary Living magazines, which focus on culture in Wake County. This standard-seeming writing work has turned into an amazing opportunity to profile the powerful work people are doing in our community. During the pandemic and the elections, all we have heard about is misery and negative interactions between people. It has meant a lot to me to be able to write about some of the incredible work people are doing — work you never hear much about, somehow. I have gotten chances to write about how farmers and organizations help get fresh produce to hungry people, about how Oak City Cares has created a whole network of people who help the homeless, about how different organizations are networking to do things like prevent child abuse and help teenagers at risk. This is just by writing about what people are doing in Raleigh and Cary. 

I found a gig writing online classes for an Episcopal online education company. This, again, seems like pretty standard stuff (writing education materials for online courses). But it’s given me a chance to work on courses that do some powerful work that (I hope) really helps people. For example, we did an extensive course on resisting systemic racism from an Episcopal viewpoint (I didn’t teach it, but I produced it down to the last slide, image, and comma) that has reached a lot of people in ways that might actually help on this issue. A little, at least.  

The right kinds of jobs offer flexibility that allow me to pursue topics I care about. I thought y’all might relate. :)”

–Elizabeth Brignac

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“My freelancing career gives me time and flexibility to write for NAMI, National Alliance for Mental Illness. I write about what I have learned through surviving my previous mental health challenges. I volunteer these posts, where my goal is that others know there is hope and some type of information and guidance out there on how to move forward after severe, acute mental illness. Writing these blog posts is so therapeutic and cathartic for me, where I feel that everything I went through can have meaning if it can be used for the benefit of other people. After all the support I received from friends and family during my time of need, writing is how I feel that I am truly giving back to others and expressing myself.”

–Sarah Ryan

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“I write a positive psychology and personal growth blog to encourage healthy communication and peaceful relationships. I remind my readers to treat others with respect and kindness and to set appropriate personal boundaries in order to protect themselves. My readers tell me my posts are their biweekly dose of calm, which makes me feel so happy. I’ve also written an article for Wake Living magazine on postpartum depression, and one for Military Officer magazine on a non-profit organization that helps veterans with PTSD heal through the creation of art.”

–Elaine Klonicki
www.TheAuthenticLane.com

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“For the last three years, I’ve written a blog for a psychiatric practice. I love writing for this audience. Site visitors grappling with difficult mental health issues need information and hope, and I try to provide a soft landing for individuals and families. 

During the pandemic, I wrote resource guides for school-age kids and their educators to accompany a YouTube series on traditional music from around the world. I’ve had teachers tell me they love the guides and use them with their students. Nice to feel like I facilitate understanding of other cultures — plus, the gig was a blast! (Who wouldn’t want to write about the nyckelharpa — the national instrument of Sweden — or Mongolian throat singing?)

I’ve also edited some wonderful books for authors trying to make a difference in the world. And I’ve gotten back into grant writing for nonprofits doing great work in communities — I love supporting them. Mission is a great motivator and reward, all in one.”

–Rita Lewis
ritalewiswriter.com

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“For me, it’s writing about cancer and caregiving for Cure Magazine, and advancing animal health through my writing for Veterinary Practice News. The former allows me to interview cancer researchers regarding the latest developments in diagnosis and treatment, and share that information with cancer patients and their families — information that can give them hope. On the animal front, I’ve profiled numerous veterinarians who are approaching veterinary care from unique perspectives with the goal of extending lives and providing the best quality of life possible. This works always makes me feel good at the end of the day.”

–Don Vaughan
www.donaldvaughan.com

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“I’ve been writing a column for Wilmington NC Magazine that has allowed me to profile local nonprofits. I’m constantly amazed at the selflessness of the staff and volunteers at these organizations and the ambitious goals they set for themselves.

I’ve written about a museum that features provocative art like their United States Colored Troops sculpture, a foundation dedicated to preserving historic homes in less affluent neighborhoods, and an organization committed to improving students’ physical and mental health. 

The best part about writing these articles is spreading the word about the incredible work these organizations are doing. Nonprofits tend to have little or no marketing budget, so the extra attention can lead to increased donations and volunteers.”

-Vera Wilson

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As you can see from this sampling, freelancing often gives us the chance to do good in the world, and we should take advantage of these opportunities whenever we can.

What important stories are you writing about? We’d love to hear about them. Please use the comment section below to share.

Elaine Klonicki is a freelance writer and certified copy editor. She has been published in The News & Observer, Military Officer magazine, Boys’ Life, Midtown magazine, and WAKE Living magazine. The author of All on Account of You: A True WWII Love Story, Elaine blogs about positive psychology and personal growth at www.TheAuthenticLane.com