10 freelance writing New Year's resolutions

Do you believe in setting New Year’s resolutions? 

As a general rule, I avoid them because I believe that you should never wait to make a positive change in your life. 

That said, I do love the feeling of hope and the fresh start of a new year. 

So, as it is officially 2024, I have decided to set some ‘resolutions’ for my freelance writing career. 

Perhaps it’s better to call them goals. 

Do you have any similar resolutions this year? 

Maybe some of these could benefit you too. 

1. No more working at midnight 

I am going to set some new boundaries for myself that mean I am not still working late into the evening as I have been recently. 

I say this as I’m sitting on the sofa, writing this blog at 22:51 on a Wednesday night. 

But do you know what? I’m doing this for my own enjoyment and because ultimately, I love writing and sometimes I just can’t stop myself. 

I don’t sleep very well and sometimes I prefer to sit and work late into the night rather than lying in bed, waiting to drift off and instead overthinking every little thing that’s happened that day.  

The irony being this probably makes my sleeping problems worse. 

Anyway, this year I am going to try and set a time in the evening when the laptop goes off. I’ll use that time instead to read more books, walk the dog when it’s lighter, move my body and spend time with my husband. 

2. Write for myself at least once a week 

I have started and failed at blogging so many times because I never make enough time for my own writing. 

If I’ve got a moment to be writing I feel like it should be for work and not for myself. 

But if I want to continue enjoying my job, I need to take a break and allow myself time to write something a little more fun and relaxed. 

So, I have set myself the task of writing for myself once a week. 

Let’s see how it goes. 

3. Read more in the evenings

The best writers are those who read just as much as they write. 

I love it when I get into a really good book, and yet I so often tell myself I don’t have time. 

I do have time. 

But I’m usually so exhausted from looking at my computer screen all day that the thought of reading a book is the last thing on my mind. 

By that point, my eyes need a rest.

Now I recognise that to improve my writing I need to read more, so that is my plan! 

4. Move more with my walking pad 

At the end of the year, I bought myself a walking pad to use while I work. 

I’ll admit, it’s tough to write full articles while I’m on it, but it’s great for conducting research, answering emails, some light reading, etc. 

And this year, health and moving my body more are going to be huge goals for me. 

Other than walking the dog it can be quite a sedentary job sitting at a computer, so I need to break this up somehow. 

We’ve also been a lot less active the last six months because Danny is waiting for a hip replacement.

But that is neither here nor there. 

Armed with my new walking back, I can now begin to move more even when it’s cold and wet outside. 

5. Send more outreach messages that scare you 

Cold pitching and outreach can be a little scary, especially if you get rejected or just don’t hear back. After a while, it can start to knock your confidence. 

But this year, I’m on a mission to snag some great new clients and exciting new projects, which is going to mean some dedication and yes, cold pitching. 

So my next goal is to send those outreach emails and messages, even if it makes me nervous. 

What’s the worst that could happen, ey?

6. Engage with more freelance communities online 

There are loads of great freelance communities online, especially for writers, and this year I want to make the most of these to help secure new work and to grow my network.  

I have already (sort of) begun to tackle this one as I have joined various social media groups over the years.

I also plan to liven up my People Per Hour account and join Upwork, just in case any good jobs come up there. Though I’m aware the payment on those sites can be shocking. 

I also recently joined Medium. 

My plan is to get some of my own content on Medium as well as check out other’s work. I’m hoping this will open me up to new opportunities and keep strengthening my writing. 

7. Build my personal brand as a freelance writer

I have a website, sure I do. 

I’ve had one for several years now but I just don’t like the old outdated design. I think it looks very tacky and robotic. 

So this year, I plan to update my website and start working on my professional branding.

I also want to update my LinkedIn profile, set up a Facebook page and grow my following, blog consistently and just really start getting my name out there.

I’m aware this is going to be a lot of work. 

8. Try to structure my working day 

Like I’ve said, I work all hours, pretty much as and when it suits. 

But this year, I want to try and have a bit more structure to my day! By this I mean I don’t want to spend more than eight hours looking at the screen if I can help it. 

Unless an occasional big project calls for it, of course. 

I also want to make sure that I take an hour lunch break each day, which I usually do to walk the dog. But I am no longer going to work - check emails, make notes, write content, etc. - while I’m out on said walk. 

I want to take back my free time! 

9. Work from my local cafe every now and then 

I LOVE working from home. I love working for myself and managing my days as I wish. 

Want to work in my pyjamas from bed? No problem! 

But I’ll be the first to admit, some weeks it can get a little repetitive being in these four walls and having no one to talk to except the dog. 

Sometimes I do miss an office environment. 

So although it’s not quite the same, this year I want to take the odd day to go and work from my local cafe. 

It’ll get me (and the dog) out of the house for a few hours and give us a nice change of scenery. 

It might even make me more productive. 

10. Know my worth (and raise my rates) 

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, this year I am determined to recognise my value and charge accordingly. 

I am very aware that for far too long I have undercharged my skills and this is not only damaging to my own career but also to others in my industry.

The problem is, money is always an uncomfortable topic and frankly, I feel bad charging what some might deem to be ‘too much’, while others deem to be the going rate.  

But no more! 

I am grabbing 2024 by my beautifully crisp new notepad, setting myself some new goals and ensuring that I know my value. And that my rates reflect this from now on.

Wish me luck! 

8 magical things to do in Cornwall over the festive season

Summer in Cornwall is beautiful. There is so much to love, from sunny beach days and coastal hikes to sea, surf and stopping for a drink with an incredible sea view.

However, there is something so special about the winter here. First of all, the crowds have largely dissipated so everything is a bit more relaxed.

But more than that, the darker evenings lead to cosy winter walks and twinkling lights at every turn, especially over the festive period. If you need a little inspiration, then you're in the right place.

Here are eight magical things to do in Cornwall over the festive season

1. Mousehole Harbour Lights

Location: Mousehole

Price: Free (but donations welcome)

The Mousehole Harbour light display has been going on since 1963 and is organised and funded every year by volunteers and donations, which in itself is incredible!

The display also runs for around a month, between December and January and includes some small festive events during this time; the most enjoyable is the carol singing service from local groups.

The light display itself is simple but effective, the beautiful giant illuminations include colourful lanterns, boats, candles, twinkling lights and even a giant serpent in the water. You can visit the harbour as soon as the sun sets, but the display is perhaps most incredible at high tide when all the lights dance off the walls and the water.

While you're there, you can also take a walk through the village where there are even more lights shining. You can stop and enjoy a drink in the cosy pub or simply take in the festive cheer as you stroll down the gorgeous cobbled streets, and enjoy the nostalgic charm of this wonderful Cornish village.

Just be aware that the village is very small and the roads are tight! Plus, they are usually filled with people heading down to see the lights so it’s best not to drive down into the town. Being a small place, parking can be a little bit tricky, but if you park up on the hill or slightly further out of the village, you can walk down for a much more relaxing start to your evening out.

2. Christmas at Eden

Location: Bodelva (near St Austell)

Price: Starts from £33

The Eden Project has so much going on throughout the year but at Christmas, it truly comes alive with an enchanting festival of lights.

The world-famous biomes play host to a beautiful display of twinkling lights that fill every tree and every corner.

However, it’s not just lights that make Eden special at this time of year, walking around the biomes you will get to experience the incredible canopies, rainforests and enchanted worlds in all their glory.

And, as it’s Christmas time, you can also enjoy ice skating, Father Christmas, carols and festive treats alongside the incredible light display.

3. Truro Christmas Market

Location: Truro Town Centre

Price: Free

The award-winning farmers market from Truro has recently expanded to become the Big Christmas Market, taking place from late November through December at Lemon Quays. With wooden huts and twinkling Christmas lights everywhere, as well as the smell of bratwurst and mulled wine, this event very much mimics the traditional Bavarian market we Brits love so much.

Including a food court area and a huge range of stalls from local traders, you can enjoy local food, drink, arts and crafts, all while enjoying the festive music, live local radio and festive activities that are going on throughout the city centre.

They even offer late-night shopping on a Wednesday for those who want to pop along after work.

4. Lost Gardens of Heligan

Location: Saint Austell

Price: Roughly £18.50 per adult

The Lost Gardens of Heligan is an incredible place to visit no matter the month, but from November you can attend the Heligan Night Gardens to see an incredible array of flora and fauna lit up at night.

This event offers a trail of lights and traditional paraffin lanterns, as well as whimsical illuminations that lead you around the glittering woodlands and beautifully sculpted gardens. Along the way, you can enjoy all sorts of festive treats, from Christmas shopping at the gift shop to toasting marshmallows and drinking mulled cider.

Basically, they have everything you need to be festive and get in the Christmas spirit.

5. Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm

Location: Penhallow

Price: Starting from £13.60 (but this includes a year’s free pass)

You’ve probably heard of Cornwall’s famous rattler cider, but have you visited the farm where it’s made?

Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm runs a variety of events throughout the year, including music festivals, and on-site, there is a shop, tasting bar, cafe and farm are perfect entertainment all year round.

But through the month of December, they also run a cute little Christmas market full of gifts and crafts from creative locals, and of course, a range of cider products are also available for you to buy.

It’s a great family day out that includes Christmas story time, cookie decorating workshops for the parents, mulled cider and great local food in the cosy cafe.

6. Enjoy a festive wild swim

Location: The beach

Price: Free

During the festive season, you will see a lot of local people embracing the Cornish tradition of wild swimming and some cold water therapy in a very festive fashion.

Most days over Christmas, but Boxing Day in particular see hardy locals go running into the sea, wearing nothing more than a swimsuit and a Santa hat (sometimes boots and gloves if they’re feeling the chill).

So why not join in?

There are loads of groups that you can sign up to or you could simply just chuck on your swimsuit and go for a wild dip with your friends and family, no matter where you are in this beautiful county.

7. Winter Lights Project

Location: St Ives

Price: Free

The winter lights project in Saint Ives is one of the earliest to start across Cornwall, with some displays going up as early as October. Although the big switch-on is not until December. They boast some of the most energy-efficient lights in the whole of Europe, making these not just cost-effective, but also far better for the planet - which I personally think is great!

As you walk on through, you’ll notice canopies of lights cloak the cobbled streets and festive cheer can be heard from every pub in the village. This year, the official light switch-on was even conducted by Santa who, in proper Cornish style, arrived by lifeboat.

As well as enjoying the light displays throughout the town, December also offers several festive evenings, full of local bands, carol singers, choirs and of course, mulled wine and hot chocolate to keep you warm.

It’s a truly beautiful place at any time of year, but certainly worth a visit at Christmas.

8. Go for a cosy Christmas drink in Cornwall

Location: Anywhere

Price: Your drink of choice

A bit like wild swimming, there are so many great places to go for a cosy Christmas drink across Cornwall throughout December. Most places are lit up with beautiful twinkling displays and offering festive tipples, as well as local favourites.

Sure, I know this item might seem a little vague, so that's why I'm also going to share some of my personal favourite places to go for a drink during December (and let's face it, any other time of year), these are:

• The Blackflag Brewery - Perranporth

• The Tapyard Riverside - Truro

• Blue Bar - Porthtowan

• The Tap House - St Agnes

• The Sloop Inn - St Ives

• Concho Lounge - Newquay

• Finn McCouls - Falmouth

If you don't get a chance to experience these places at Christmas, I implore you to go any other time of year because they are always wonderful.

But, of course, whatever you do, I hope you have an incredible time this festive season.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Tash

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What is a freelancer?

If you've landed on this article, it’s probably because you’re thinking about becoming a freelancer, but you’re not quite sure what this means for your career. 

If so, yay! This can be a very exciting time for anyone. 

But there’s no denying that it’s also a big decision and knowing as much as you can about being a freelancer can help you to make the right choice. 

I’ll admit, I was quite fortunate when I chose to start my freelance life. 

I started my life of content as a copywriter and transitioned into a PR and communications role. But I was still in the very early stages of my career, so although I was giving up a guaranteed paycheck, I was young, and had very few commitments. 

Basically, what I’m saying is I was not leaving a sturdy £60,000 salary behind me. 

It’s a little different if you’ve got a mortgage to pay, kids to feed or any other monthly expenses and commitments that might be at risk. 

All that being said, I have now been a freelancer for six years, supporting myself and always making sure I can pay the rent. Sure, although I don’t have kids or a mortgage, I do have a husband and a very needy little whippet. 

But enough of that, I guess what I’m trying to say is I’ve managed to make a continuous and liveable wage as a freelancer - and you can too. 

But what is a freelancer and what do they do? 

What is freelancing? 

Freelancing is a type of self-employment in which most professionals will lend their skills to several different clients rather than having just one employer. 

Freelancers typically work on a project or contract basis and as they aren’t committed to long-term contracts (unless they want to be) this is a much more flexible way of working. 

Some freelancers may have their own office, they may use shared workspaces and many, like me, will work from home. 

Who hires freelancers? 

Any company or even an individual can hire a freelancer to help them with their business needs. 

From small startups to Fortune 500s, even individuals who just need a hand, they will hire freelancers to help them with specific tasks or to fill specific skills gaps. 

For businesses, this is usually a more cost-effective solution as it means they don’t have to hire a full-time employee. 

So basically, it doesn't matter what industry or niche you want to work in, there tends to be freelance opportunities in every sector. 

From web design to cybersecurity, marketing to dog walking, you can be a freelancer in any industry provided you have the right skills and the drive to make it happen. 

How does freelancing work?

In the early stages, setting up a freelance business is the same as setting up any other business. 

You need to create an online presence, whether that’s a website, social media accounts, newsletters or a mixture of digital platforms. This is important for getting your name out there. 

As a freelancer, you will also have to think about: 

• Whether you will be a sole trader or a limited company 

• Invoicing and tracking expenses 

• Completing your tax returns each year

• Getting freelance insurance 

• Opening a business account and buying any assets you require 

• Where you’ll work from 

• Drafting relevant freelance contracts 

Where freelancing really differs from a regular job is that you have to build your own client list. You have to be proactive at putting yourself out there, looking for work and attracting potential clients. 

So, as you can see, there’s a lot to think about in the early stages and becoming a trusted freelancer takes time. 

But everyone has to start somewhere, so if you’re thinking about taking the leap, don’t let that put you off. 

The advantages and disadvantages of being a freelancer 

There are lots of reasons you might be thinking about starting a freelance career and I can tell you, it certainly has its perks. For example:

• You get to be your own boss

• You get extra flexibility and the chance to work hours that better suit you

• You can pick and choose the projects you do and don’t want to do 

• You can work remotely, from home or from your chosen office location 

• You keep all your profits (apart from those that you owe the tax man, of course) 

Let me give a great example. Yesterday, I took two to three hours over lunch to go for a beautiful coastal walk with my husband and dog. I wouldn’t get way with that if I worked for someone else! 

But, of course, as with everything in life, there are also some disadvantages to choosing the freelance lifestyle and you need to think about these carefully too. These might include: 

• Having to work hard to pull in clients 

• Keeping work coming in on a regular basis 

• Dealing with irregular payments and clients settling invoices late

• Tackling all issues, invoices, complaints and any other setbacks you may face

And if I’m being honest, it can also be a lonely world, especially if you work from home and don’t talk to anyone throughout the day. So it really depends on your lifestyle and network outside of your freelancing and whether or not you’ll work with others in person as part of your job. 

If you’ve been thinking about the freelance life and asking yourself, but really, what is a freelancer, here is a brief overview of what it means to manage your work and career in this way. 

Sure, every individual is different and your experience is unlikely to be the same as someone else, but the more knowledge you have going in, the more you can prepare yourself for the freelance life. 

That, or you might decide that perhaps it’s not the career move for you. 

Either way, I wish you the best of luck!