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I’m addicted to reading books about freelance writing. I guess it makes me feel like I’m doing something even when I’m not, and it does also give me lots of good ideas. There are always more things you can try when running your own business. But I’ve noticed one surprisingly persistent piece of advice showing up in every single freelancing book I read: Successful freelancers, they all tell me, must work out.
I get it, to an extent. It’s easy to sit at your desk all day and night slaving away at your career when your career resides at home, and that’s not good for you. But I’m shocked by how much they all harp on making sure to exercise every day. I did my ab workout this morning, and I do that or yoga most mornings, so at least I’m doing something for my career, right? I’m starting to think I should pitch a fitness column to Writer’s Digest or something. Maybe a series of YouTube videos or DVDs. I could be the Jane Fonda of the writing world. Or something.
Incidentally, here are some of my favorite books about freelancing/planning your writing career — if only they were hardcover, they could double as weights (yet another merchandising idea for my writer-fitness empire!):
Secrets of a Freelance Writer, by Robert W. Bly
How to Become a Famous Writer Before You’re Dead, by Ariel Gore
Six-Figure Freelancing, by Kelly James-Enger
102 Ways to Earn Money Writing 1,500 Words or Less, by I.J. Schechter