This blog: not so focused. But I’m going to fix that.

Because this site has housed my portfolio and been the launching point for my business a.k.a writer, I’ve been mindful of being professional. I’ve written every post as though as prospective or current client might read it. That’s fine, but it’s felt very confining when it comes to the creative non-fiction writing that I love so much. It muted my voice and created a distance that didn’t feel write right.

So now I’m going to focus a.k.a writer on copywriting and freelancing, which includes things like tips for building a business and “ask a.k.a.” I’ll also be posting related images to my pinterest boards. For a more creative outlet, I’ve started a new tumblr  a written life: the alphabet’s personal. My tumblr is more of a playground and will include quotes, links, photos and posts about writing. Topics will range from memoir to finding an agent to what strikes me at the moment. (You may see some content seeded from old a.k.a writer posts; I will also be writing new pieces.) Having the two sites has been re-energizing and inspiring. There’s so much to write!

There’s no obligation to visit both sites, but I hope one of them will speak to you. If there’s anything you’d like to see on a.k.a writer, let me know in the comments here.

While that accomplishment was worth celebrating, the real moment was writing the final line of the final chapter—so that’s what I’ve been writing towards! Gaining that insight changed everything and I was ready to revise immediately. However, I forced myself to go “writing free” for two weeks. It was one of the hardest things I’ve done, but it was so worth it. By the time I started revisions, I had a fresh perspective and more energy.

During my writing hiatus I also realized this blog needs a better focus, both for you and me. Once I sent my manuscript off to my first reader, I finally gave this neglected site some thought. And I’ve got big changes almost ready to roll.

Look for news, and something new, here soon. (I promise very soon, not two months down the line.)

Okay, enough about me. How’s 2012 treating you?

I can see myself meeting that goal and can’t wait for the day I can print out the full draft (sorry trees) to start the revisions. As a writer, here are the top three things I’m thankful for right now:

1. time to write
2. supportive friends and family
3. access to writers

What do I mean by access to writers? Whether it’s connecting 140 characters at a time on Twitter or hearing an author speak about his or her writing via video, we can find inspiration from our favorite writers on a daily basis. One of my most treasured experiences from the last two years of Aspen Summer Words Writing Retreat has been hearing Nikky Finney read her poetry and share her stories. I could listen to her strong, powerful, tender voice all day long. In the video here, she reads “Left,” from her latest collection of poetry Head Off and Split.

What are you thankful for this year?

Whether you’re looking for a two-minute break from your writing, or need a “you can do it boost,” here’s a little clip for you.

You could ask 10 difference freelancers this same question and get just as many answers. Why? It’s about what works for you.

One of the reasons I picked answered this question is because I found myself assessing my priorities this spring. While claiming I wanted more time for a personal writing project, I proceeded to book copywriting gig after gig, racking up more than 280 hours in a single month.

I also kept comparing myself to other freelancer friends who were billing 60 hours a week or building businesses as weekend warriors (taking new projects on Friday afternoon and delivering them on Monday morning). They were thriving. I was burned out.

With the help of very supportive people in my life, including a fantastic mentor, I started to focus on what I needed to do to achieve my goals and take care of myself. Here’s what works for me (at least for now). 

• Separating email accounts. I used my professional email address for all of my email, whether it was work-related or not. Which meant I was always plugged into work. So that I could still keep in touch with friends and family, but take a real break from work, I began using a separate email for personal messages. It’s made a huge difference in helping me recharge. If I need to turn off work email for a weekend, I can. It’s also helped me keep my work email more organized and efficient.
• Setting work hours. With an occasional exception, I keep Monday-Friday “business hours,” roughly matching those of my clients. Those hours may extend or vary based on deadlines or times zones, but I function better with a somewhat set routine, rather than varying my schedule each day. It also helps to establish boundaries with people who think you’re available all the time because you work from home.
• Designating a workspace. I got to my office every workday. Okay, it’s a 60-second commute (if you include a stop at the coffee maker), but it helps me get into work mode. Since I have one space designated for copywriting, it’s easier to “leave” work and let myself relax in the evening.

Okay, fellow freelancers, what works for you? How do you balance work with taking care of yourself? Please share in the comments here.