Good morning writers and bloggers. The freebie giveaway for March is “Best of Lonely Planet Travel Writing.” I reviewed this book for the Sacramento Book Review a couple months ago. I LOVED it.

How do GWP’s book giveaways work? About once a month I post the title of a NEW book and ask a question. Everyone who leaves a comment is entered. My awesome hubby then picks a number 1-xx, and that number comment wins! The winner send me their address via email, and the book makes its way to them!

So, today’s question is related to travel. Do you have any tips to keep your writing going WHILE you travel? Do you recommend a journal? Or, do you bring your laptop with? Or perhaps you eschew writing on vacation, and instead recommend reading, reading, reading? Let me know!

I am currently managing (not writing, not editing, not translating) a massive English to Spanish project for a big name publisher, whom I first met through a writing gig. I told the editor I was working with (last spring) that GardenWall Publications also offered translation services, and asked if she could please pass on my (translation-specific) list of credits to the appropriate person at her company. She kindly did, and I heard nothing for 10 months…until…

GWP was awarded a 23K translation project in February from this publisher. They recently added another component (another 11K). Now, don’t get me wrong, that’s not all profit, and it’s not meant to brag. But it certainly positions GWP in a wonderful place, and it’s all because I stepped out of my comfort zone in these ways:

1) I asked, directly, for more work.
2) I took on a project in which I’d need to lean heavily on ICs (some that I have not previously worked with).
3) I removed myself from the hands-on position into a managerial position that makes me slightly uncomfortable- I like to lean on my own two typing hands!
4) I’ve moved away from freelance writing and editing (my passions) for a month or two.

“They” say (who is this “they”?) that successful entrepreneurs are risk-takers. Have you taken a few risks with your freelance career lately? Join me here on the cliff

Ok, so my niche selection wasn’t subconscious, but neither did I set out to say “I’m only working in Latino interest and K-12 curriculum.” However, a glance at my resume and/or website will reflect that writing and editing work in Latino interest and K-12 education is exactly where I’ve been ending up lately. (And I don’t mind at all.)

Two things happen here. Writers tend to follow their interest. It’s likely that your cover letter for those specific projects is more passionate, more focused, and exudes more energy. What follows is work completed at this same level, and more jobs from the same employer.

Second, once you garner jobs in that interest, future employers will note that in your resume, and find your application that much more qualified, sending more of the same type of jobs your way.

This is part of the reason I encourage other freelance writers to follow their passion. Let your niche develop organically, naturally, and you’ll soon find yourself with a resume that reflects a “true you.”