Patricia Harrelson

The book is out! The Right Sisters was published in June and our book launch is August 14 in Sonora.

Ever since the project was finished in late April and the manuscript went to the publisher, I have felt strangely afloat. At first, I told myself it was OK to just write in my notebook each morning. Giving myself permission to write about anything was fun– for a while–but rather quickly it wasn’t enough. I wanted more focus. I tried writing to prompts. I followed guidelines in some writing books. I liked the results, but I still had the sensation that I was on raft floating aimlessly on a big wide ocean.

So I applied for some freelance jobs. I got every job. One involves writing web content for sites like eHow and Answerbag. Another involves writing longer research pieces for clients. The third is an online writing tutor gig. Meanwhile, I still have my local assignments to write theater reviews and feature articles for regional magazines.  I also write for KleenSlate Concepts–the company run by my writing buddy Julia with whom I partnered on The Right Sisters. Now I feel spread too thin. I have piles on my desk, and I’m confused about which task should take priority.

I think I need another project! What about you writers? Are you project oriented or do you prefer more freedom, like that found in daily notebook writing, or do you enjoy the challenge and variation offered by freelance writing?