Freelance Writing may be Done from Anywhere in The World

Freelance Writing may be Done from Anywhere in The World

A Mediterranean island with a population of around 200,000 people. A beach in the continent of Africa. The east coast of the country of New Zealand. The following are the similarities and differences between these places. Several responses were received in response to a recent request for help from freelance writers from each of these areas. I am aware of authors who are freelancing in each of these locations, as well as many more distant locations, with varying degrees of success.

Indeed, independent writers have the ability to work from any location they want.

Take, for example, my own recent experience. The newsletter I produce for the Worldwide Freelance Writer web site, which is sent to thousands of freelance writers all around the globe, is one of my duties as editor. I remember one specific problem that occurred around the middle of 2002. In the sweltering heat and humidity of Hong Kong, I began working on the newsletter's content. I was in Indianapolis, in the United States, when the first draft of the novel was completed. I was in a lakeside cottage in Ontario, Canada, when I finished the final copy and hit the submit button, and it was snowing gently outside as I finished.

Perhaps you are interested in pursuing a freelance writing job, but you are concerned about whether or not you reside in an appropriate area. Well, reconsider your position. Freelance writing is a profession that may be done from almost any location. It is true that if you live in close proximity to New York's editorial offices, you may be able to take use of your location to your benefit. However, a large number of freelance writers are able to work effectively from a variety of locales, and in many instances, they are able to live more comfortably in their current locations.

Take, for example, Ron Irwin's career. Ron is an American who works from a tiny home on the seashore in Cape Town, South Africa, as a freelancer. For the time being, the bulk of his work is destined for the North American market. Consider the case of Vella Corinne, a resident of Malta, which is located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. She writes travel and lifestyle articles from this island that is deep in history—the Order of St. John was headquartered here, and the temples are believed to be older than the pyramids—and has a rich cultural heritage.

Writers in places like these, far from being at a competitive disadvantage, may actually profit from a variety of advantages. For starters, these authors are in a unique position to write about their own cities, towns, and villages, as well as their own people and cultures. In addition, living expenses are often less costly than those experienced by authors in large cities. And if that isn't enough, how about some fresh, clean air to get your blood flowing?

Writers who work from distant places often live in a cleaner, more tranquil atmosphere and may be closer to outdoor and recreational activities than writers who live in urban areas. In this video, Vella explains how she loves the warmer weather: "I just go to the beach once I have finished packing up my computer. It is easy to go short distances, and since the island is compact, I am constantly near to the heart of whatever is occurring in this area. I have more control over my own time than I would have if I lived in a bustling metropolitan environment."

Twenty years ago, authors in distant places were often irritated by the inability to communicate with editors on the other side of the globe because of the slowness of the Internet. Every time I emailed an editor, it would take months before I received a response. I found it about as interesting as watching grass grow while waiting for an answer to a question.

As a result of the widespread availability of the Internet in recent years, it has been simpler than ever before for freelancers to interact virtually immediately with anybody in any part of the globe. In my personal case, I went to a number of countries over the course of three weeks while still managing to complete my freelance job obligations in the process. Many of my customers were completely unaware that I was 'on the move.' They had no idea that I was out fishing in the lake and trekking through the woods in the time between receiving and responding to their messages. Keeping in touch with key contacts, as well as creating and sending out my newsletter, was a breeze with this system.

You know what was even more exciting? I'll tell you. While I was away, my web site was hard at work, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, "day and night." In fact, I was successfully selling a number of writing-related books and goods even while I was flying at thirty thousand feet and having a nap. Whatever else I can think of to describe this as a freelancer's dream becoming a reality, please tell me! Before the invention of email and the World Wide Web, such feats were unimaginably difficult to achieve.

Kathy Crockett works as a freelance writer out of Gisborne, New Zealand, which is located on the east coast of the North Island. In our conversation, she mentioned how much of a difference technology made while working from a remote place. "This is a city of 35,000 people," she says, "and it's the closest city on Earth to the international dateline, as well as the first place on Earth to experience sunlight every day." They are three hours away by winding roads, but the internet, mobile phones, and other technologies allow me to be anywhere I want to be... and deceive others into believing I am where they want me to be as well."

Working remotely is not always simple, and there are a variety of obstacles that writers must overcome on a regular basis to succeed. Isolation is a problem that many people face. Vella revealed to me that she had a strategy for dealing with it. I was impressed. "At times, I get the impression that I am living a completely atomized life. I maintain a healthy work-life balance by arranging some "face time" each day," she goes on to say. I completely agree with her. It's necessary to make a deliberate effort to spend time with family, friends, or other authors every now and again.

Another obstacle to overcome may be technological problems. It may be almost difficult to locate a computer repair business. It is possible that the internet connection may be unavailable or unreliable. There are many, many locations on the planet where there aren't even telephone connections, much alone email connectivity, and this is just the beginning. You will still be able to work as a freelance writer from these places, but it will be less convenient for you. Try to reside in a place that has telephone lines that are dependable and that has a reliable Internet connection if you have a choice in the matter.

In addition, working while on vacation is not recommended. Check the technologies that will be accessible in advance. In the previous case of my vacation, I was given a pleasant surprise. The cottage did not have a telephone line or email connection, which was disappointing. My first fear faded when I found that there was a telephone not too far away from where I was. I walked along the road in sub-zero conditions to reach my destination. As soon as I pressed the button to send out the newsletter, my notebook computer was discovered to be connected to a payphone.

Are authors who live in distant areas at a significant disadvantage? In no manner, shape, or form! I am completely sold on the idea of being able to work as a freelance writer from anywhere in the world. Moreover, although you will encounter certain difficulties, none of them will be insurmountable.

So, if you're searching for a job that you can perform from anywhere, look no further than virtual assistantship. A large number of authors, including the ones I mentioned, are achieving success exactly where they are. You, too, can do it. Make a note in your notepad. Start putting pen to paper. You may start building a lucrative career as a freelance writer as soon as tomorrow.

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