In case you missed it, here’s a complete transcript of today’s WordCount Last Wednesday writer chat on freelancers’ accomplishments for 2012 and goals for 2013.
Thanks again to Hashtracking for providing the transcript.
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 LavendarSquelch
Reminder: #wclw writer chat today @ 10 am PT – WordCounthttp://t.co/JnyKI0gq
9:29:51 AM 12/19
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 MichelleRafter
9:33:49 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
Just a few minutes until last WordCount writer chat of the year. Really hoping everybody’s not on deadline or out Christmas shopping. #wclw
9:56:14 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
If you’re planning to join us, please remember to use the hashtag so everyone else on the chat can see your tweets. #wclw
9:57:09 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
Hi and welcome to the monthly WordCount Last Wednesday writer chat.#wclw
10:01:13 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
I’m your host, @MichelleRafter, a Portland, Ore., business journalist and blogger. #wclw
10:01:32 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
Today we’ll be looking at how our freelance writing businesses faired in 2012 and what our goals are for 2013. #wclw
10:01:56 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
Awesome! RT @byJenAMiller: @MichelleRafter E! Best year ever and Ive been freelancing FT for almost 8 years. #wclw
10:10:31 AM 12/19
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 _AleksM
10:10:43 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
Q1 I purposely dialed back on work a bit for better work/life balance, so I’d rate my year as S for satisfactory. #wclw
10:11:10 AM 12/19
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_AleksM
Q1: E! This was my first year as a freelancer and so far it’s amazing experience. #wclw
10:12:12 AM 12/19
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 UrbanMuseWriter
@MichelleRafter Dialing back on work for better work/life balance sounds like my approach this year but I still accomplished a lot. #wclw
10:13:14 AM 12/19
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 stephauteri
Popping in late! Q1: I keep thinking my year was only an I, but then I remember things that were truly, standalone excellent. #wclw
10:13:21 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
Moving right along. Q2: If you made more freelancing in 2012 than in 2011, how’d you do it? #wclw
10:13:27 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
@stephauteri Hey, I almost didn’t recognize you because of the new avatar, nice! #wclw
10:14:09 AM 12/19
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UrbanMuseWriter
Q2 I made more $ in 2011 than 2012 but I also worked more so it’s a trade-off. #WCLW
10:14:57 AM 12/19
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stephauteri
@MichelleRafter: Ha! Thanks. It’s less professional, but reveals the fact that I’m a coffee addict. 🙂 #wclw
10:15:13 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
Same RT @UrbanMuseWriter: Q2 I made more $ in 2011 than 2012 but I also worked more so its a trade-off. #wclw
10:15:32 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
@stephauteri Love it. I gave coffee gifts to big clients this year. #wclw
10:16:11 AM 12/19
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stephauteri
Q2: I made less money this year, but I was focusing more on personal projects with possible longer-term benefits. #wclw
10:16:42 AM 12/19
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 byJenAMiller
@MichelleRafter I have more regular clients who gave me a lot of work in 2012. Years of hard work paid off #WCLW
10:16:56 AM 12/19
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stephauteri
Q2: Maybe next year, I can achieve a bit more balance between the two…#wclw
10:17:05 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
Must feel very satisfying RT @byJenAMiller I have more regular clients who gave me a lot of work in 2012. Years of hard work paid off #wclw
10:17:38 AM 12/19
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UrbanMuseWriter
@MichelleRafter This ASJA post by @Bikelady might be useful for some#freelance writers: http://t.co/TSmcSg43 (includes me) #WCLW
10:17:46 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
@stephauteri I keep putting personal projects on back burner when other projects come my way. (More on that when we get to ’13 goals). #wclw
10:18:29 AM 12/19
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_AleksM
It was my first year as a freelancer, so I can’t compare. But it was more challenging and rewarding than full-time teaching job. #wclw
10:18:37 AM 12/19
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byJenAMiller
@MichelleRafter It was. This biz is never easy but I feel like I’m no scrapping as much as I was. Left more time to work vs pitch #WCLW
10:18:40 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
Tips on getting freelance work in down economy MT @UrbanMuseWriter: This ASJA post by @Bikelady might be useful: http://t.co/vPbAFvhh #wclw
10:19:55 AM 12/19
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 sabrinaplots
RT @MichelleRafter: Awesome! RT @byJenAMiller: @MichelleRafter E! Best year ever and Ive been freelancing FT for almost 8 years. #wclw
10:20:07 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
@byJenAMiller Agree;I prefer a few ongoing contributor editor/writer gigs for steady stream of work they provide v. constant pitching #wclw
10:21:52 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
Q3: What was the high point of your freelance business this year – new client? big assignment? award? other? #wclw
10:23:17 AM 12/19
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UrbanMuseWriter
Amen! Still, I got a little complacent this year about pitching RT@michellerafter I prefer a few ongoing gigs v. constant pitching #wclw
10:23:44 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
@UrbanMuseWriter Re: ongoing gigs v. pitching – I think the key is to continually evaluate ongoing gigs & trade up when possible. #wclw
10:25:05 AM 12/19
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NataliaSylv
@MichelleRafter A3: High point was getting new clients I initially thought were out of my league & getting back into magazines. #wclw
10:25:53 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
Q3: This year what looked like a low point — a regular gig ended — turned into a high point — cleared time for 2 new ones. #wclw
10:26:27 AM 12/19
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stephauteri
Q3: Back in Feb., after only 3 months of querying, I signed w/ a literary agent. It meant I was a huge step closer 2 a lifelong dream. #wclw
10:26:41 AM 12/19
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UrbanMuseWriter
@MichelleRafter Yes. Also, I wouldn’t get too reliant on one client. A friend just lost a major client & she wasn’t diversified. #WCLW
10:26:42 AM 12/19
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UrbanMuseWriter
Q3: My big coup of 2012 was breaking into http://t.co/Oq3Rn7ho with this article: http://t.co/DxHMvLsI #WCLW
10:27:35 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
That’s awesome! RT @stephauteri: Q3: Back in Feb., after only 3 months of querying, I signed w/ a literary agent. #wclw
10:27:42 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
Always good advice MT @UrbanMuseWriter Also, don’t get too reliant on one client. A friend lost a major client & wasn’t diversified. #wclw
10:28:18 AM 12/19
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NataliaSylv
@stephauteri I didn’t realize it took you only 3 months…that’s awesome!#wclw
10:28:31 AM 12/19
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stephauteri
@MichelleRafter: I suppose it’s no surprise that the rest of the year paled in comparison. 😉 #wclw
10:29:02 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
Nice RT @UrbanMuseWriter: Q3: My big coup of 2012 was breaking into AtlanticCities with this article: http://t.co/k3ra1xHb #wclw
10:29:06 AM 12/19
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_AleksM
A3: Getting several steady clients with projects that will continue in 2013.#wclw
10:29:33 AM 12/19
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stephauteri
@NataliaSylv: Thanks! I credit uber-targeted querying, and all the workshopping I did with my writing partner. #wclw
10:29:51 AM 12/19
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NataliaSylv
@MichelleRafter A3 high pt, though not freelance-related (but a huge reason why I chose freelancing) was getting a book deal in Oct. #wclw
10:29:56 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
@NataliaSylv Good reminder (for freelancers) not to talk yourself out of pitching dream markets. Sometimes we’re our own worst enemies #wclw
10:30:04 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
Great! What’s book topic? MT @NataliaSylv: A3 high point was getting a book deal in Oct. #wclw
10:31:16 AM 12/19
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stephauteri
@MichelleRafter @nataliasylv: So true. I always tell my clients to aim high first. Because why not? Great writing + idea will win out. #wclw
10:31:26 AM 12/19
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NataliaSylv
@MichelleRafter 2012 felt like a huge build-up for me. Everything seemed to happen towards the end of the year (phew!) #wclw
10:32:01 AM 12/19
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stephauteri
@NataliaSylv: I’m so excited for you! Whatever it’s about, I always get excited to read books from my word nerd posse. #wclw
10:32:36 AM 12/19
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NataliaSylv
@MichelleRafter Thanks! It’s a novel about a man whose wife is kidnapped as their marriage is falling apart, set in 1990s Peru. #wclw
10:33:22 AM 12/19
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UrbanMuseWriter
10:33:44 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
10:33:48 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
Sounds like a great read RT @NataliaSylv: Novel is about man whose wife is kidnapped as their marriage falls apart, set in 1990s Peru. #wclw
10:34:51 AM 12/19
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UrbanMuseWriter
@MichelleRafter Yes! That was a great article. Any others in the works?#WCLW
10:35:18 AM 12/19
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_AleksM
@MichelleRafter Congrats, Michelle! I read your article few weeks ago and liked it. #wclw
10:36:24 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
Now for the hard part: Q4: was the low point of your freelance year?#wclw
10:37:36 AM 12/19
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NataliaSylv
@UrbanMuseWriter Having January booked already is a great feeling. This is the first year I can say that! #wclw
10:38:06 AM 12/19
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stephauteri
Q4: I spent so much time focused on my book proposal, a free info-product, etc. that it was my lowest-income year EVAR. #wclw
10:39:13 AM 12/19
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stephauteri
Q4: I’ve also been feeling conflicted about what I should be focusing on, what I’m working toward… I must admit, I feel a bit lost. #wclw
10:40:01 AM 12/19
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UrbanMuseWriter
Q4: Some clients are still not paying on time or dragging out acceptance which is an ongoing problem but nothing new for freelancers. #WCLW
10:40:10 AM 12/19
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NataliaSylv
@stephauteri I did that last year, and trust me, those things pay off later. So maybe bc of that, 2013 will be best year EVAR. 😉 #wclw
10:40:33 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
@stephauteri Q4: It’s balance thing again. Work/life is one part, work/work another. Balance passion work w/stuff that pays bills. #wclw
10:41:52 AM 12/19
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NataliaSylv
@MichelleRafter Q4 Definitely agree with Susan. Some payment issues with clients, mags, etc. set my finances way off. #wclw
10:41:59 AM 12/19
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stephauteri
@NataliaSylv: Fingers crossed! At least paying work picked up in the latter half of the year… #wclw
10:42:02 AM 12/19
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_AleksM
I spent too much time working two jobs, looking for new clients, so I spent less time with family and friends that I really needed to. #wclw
10:42:20 AM 12/19
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stephauteri
RT @MichelleRafter: It’s balance thing again. Work/life is one part, work/work another. Balance passion work w/stuff that pays bills. #wclw
10:42:59 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
@UrbanMuseWriter Q4: For 1st time in my freelance career all my current clients are timely & pay via direct deposit. It’s heaven. #wclw
10:43:14 AM 12/19
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UrbanMuseWriter
Dragging out acceptance or abusing kill fees (when the writer delivered) were some troubling trends I noticed this year. #freelance #WCLW
10:44:04 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
Not good RT @UrbanMuseWriter: Dragging out acceptance or abusing kill fees were some troubling trends I noticed this year. #freelance #wclw
10:44:43 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
Next up – Q5: What are your freelance or writing goals for 2013? #wclw
10:46:10 AM 12/19
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_AleksM
@UrbanMuseWriter It really was. I was tired and cranky all the time.@stephauteri I will have to learn how to find balance next year. #wclw
10:46:24 AM 12/19
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stephauteri
Q5: I’m going to bust my butt revising my book proposal and hope it pays off. #wclw
10:48:30 AM 12/19
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stephauteri
Q5: I also want to back off with the service pieces and start submitting to literary magazines, just for funsies. #wclw
10:48:50 AM 12/19
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_AleksM
@MichelleRafter I learned that the hard way, so I completely agree with you. #wclw
10:49:05 AM 12/19
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stephauteri
Q5: ALSO, starting yoga teacher training next month. Looking to add that to the mix, and maybe plan yoga/writing workshops/retreats. #wclw
10:49:39 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
@stephauteri You’ve got a lot on your plate, and it all sounds interesting (and doable). #wclw
10:50:28 AM 12/19
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_AleksM
A5: Me and my husband are moving to Vancouver next June, so my goal would be to find clients in Canadian market and keep regular ones. #wclw
10:50:34 AM 12/19
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NataliaSylv
@MichelleRafter Q5 Pitch more magazines, add a few more regular clients, possibly subcontract & I’d like to start on the next novel.#wclw
10:51:13 AM 12/19
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UrbanMuseWriter
Q5: My #freelance goal is to replace some of projects that not longer fit my business. #WCLW
10:51:22 AM 12/19
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stephauteri
@MichelleRafter: I like to mix it up… drive myself crazy… 😉 Thank god for some fantastic clients who help me pay the bills. #wclw
10:52:04 AM 12/19
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UrbanMuseWriter
Q5: I also need to update the markets in my ebook but that’s a shorter term goal. #WCLW
10:52:11 AM 12/19
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_AleksM
@stephauteri Your plans sound great. I believe you will get a lot of new ideas while doing various things #wclw
10:52:42 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
Q5: Love reading these goals. One of mine is to write an ebook and turn my blog into more of a money maker. #wclw
10:53:55 AM 12/19
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NataliaSylv
@stephauteri I do (surprisingly!) so I’m very excited to start on it but I definitely have to focus on this one first (editing). #wclw
10:54:33 AM 12/19
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_AleksM
@MichelleRafter Oh, it is! My husband got job at VA company and I can wait to move there. It would be wonderful to meet you in person, #wclw
10:54:40 AM 12/19
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stephauteri
@MichelleRafter: Are you looking to be able to dial back your other projects as a result? So exciting! #wclw
10:54:52 AM 12/19
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byJenAMiller
@MichelleRafter To get back to long form. It’s a time investment I couldn’t afford before #WCLW
10:55:01 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
Amen RT @stephauteri: @_AleksM: Its amazing how getting your butt away from your computer for a bit can fuel your creativity. #wclw
10:55:11 AM 12/19
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stephauteri
@NataliaSylv: Ha! I gotcha. I used to work in book publishing. It’s a lengthy process. #wclw
10:55:29 AM 12/19
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NataliaSylv
@stephauteri Btw, a yoga/writing retreat sounds amazing. I would totally be there! #wclw
10:55:34 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
@stephauteri That’s TBD depending on thos things go. Exploring some additional blog advertising options. #wclw
10:55:53 AM 12/19
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_AleksM
Me too! RT @NataliaSylv: @stephauteri Btw, a yoga/writing retreat sounds amazing. I would totally be there! #wclw
10:56:19 AM 12/19
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stephauteri
@NataliaSylv: I’m holding you to that, Natalia… (she says while grinning maniacally) #wclw
10:56:45 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
@byJenAMiller Just talked to someone else who went to the Berkeley long form conf @anti9to5guide, you know her? #wclw
10:56:59 AM 12/19
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UrbanMuseWriter
@byJenAMiller It’s a shame but most freelancers can’t afford to do long form because pubs don’t pay enough for the hours involved. #WCLW
10:57:04 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
Yes! Especially one on West Coast RT @NataliaSylv: @stephauteri Btw, a yoga/writing retreat sounds amazing. I would totally be there! #wclw
10:57:22 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
@UrbanMuseWriter @JenAMiller Agree. Would love to dig into a business investigative piece but it’d be a labor of love #wclw
10:58:55 AM 12/19
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stephauteri
@MichelleRafter @_aleksm @nataliasylv: Ha. From the looks of things, I’d need to do a countrywide tour. #wclw
10:59:00 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
Well, you’d have places to stay 🙂 RT @stephauteri: Ha. From the looks of things, Id need to do a countrywide tour. #wclw
10:59:44 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
That hour went by fast. That’s it for this month’s writer chat. I’ll post a transcript on my blog this afternoon. #wclw
11:00:25 AM 12/19
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UrbanMuseWriter
@stephauteri If you did a nationwide yoga/writing retreat tour, you could blog about it! #WCLW
11:00:42 AM 12/19
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byJenAMiller
@UrbanMuseWriter I had to stop during the recession bc I was just trying to keep my biz afloat #WCLW
11:01:11 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
The next chat is back to the regular date/time, Wednesday, Jan. 30, at 10 am PT/1 pm ET. Topic TBA – what should we talk about? #wclw
11:01:24 AM 12/19
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stephauteri
@UrbanMuseWriter: Oh Susan. I love how you’re always feeding me writing ideas from my life. #wclw
11:01:42 AM 12/19
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NataliaSylv
@MichelleRafter Thanks, Michelle, for hosting! Great chatting with familiar friends and meeting new ones. #wclw
11:02:47 AM 12/19
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_AleksM
Thanks to @MichelleRafter for hosting and to all of you for sharing your experience and thoughts! Happy holidays! #wclw
11:03:01 AM 12/19
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NataliaSylv
@stephauteri Oh! One of my 2013 plans is to get to NYC in the springtime…hopefully we can meet up? #wclw
11:03:26 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
For January chat – interested in hearing about new freelance markets? How to collect overdue fees? Long-form writing? Something else? #wclw
11:03:52 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
@NataliaSylv: @stephauteri How about meeting at ASJA writer conf April 25-27; I’m moderating a panel, @urbanmusewriter might be too #wclw
11:04:56 AM 12/19
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stephauteri
@NataliaSylv: But of course! Email me when you have your plans down cold. #wclw
11:05:11 AM 12/19
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 trinalgrant
@stephauteri @_AleksM I get so much more done when I make a point not to get online for a couple of days. And, what is #wclw?
11:05:15 AM 12/19
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stephauteri
@MichelleRafter: I always love hearing about new markets. Though how best to threaten clients into paying would also be helpful. #wclw
11:06:01 AM 12/19
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stephauteri
11:06:29 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
@trinalgrant WordCount Last Wednesday monthly writer chat I host in conjunction with my freelance blog, http://t.co/cagurRLH #wclw
11:06:41 AM 12/19
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stephauteri
@trinalgrant: It’s a monthly chat for freelance writers. You should join us next time! #wclw
11:08:11 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
RT @stephauteri @nataliasylv Maybe we could have a f2f WCLW meetup in NYC during ASJA (can I fit any more acronyms into a tweet?) #wclw
11:08:13 AM 12/19
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MichelleRafter
Thanks again everyone. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Now it’s back to work for me. #wclw
11:09:13 AM 12/19
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