Continued from page 1
But do you know what was even more exciting? While I was traveling my web site was hard at work,
entire time, 'day and night'. Even while I was flying at thirty thousand feet, taking a nap, I was effectively selling a bunch of writing-related books and products. Now if that isn't a freelancer's dream becoming reality, I don't know what is! Such accomplishments were definitely not so attainable before
advent of email and
World Wide Web.
Kathy Crockett freelances from Gisborne, New Zealand, on
east coast of
North Island. She commented to me on
difference technology makes when working from such a location. "It's a city of 35,000", she explains, "the closest to
international dateline, and
first city in
world to see
sun each day. Its closest city-size neighbors are three hours drive on windy roads...the internet, mobile phones...technology lets me be wherever I want to be... and fool others into thinking I'm where they'd like me to be!"
Of course working remotely is not always easy and there are a number of challenges that writers typically face. Isolation is a common issue. Vella explained to me she has a way of dealing with it. "At times it feels like I have a totally atomized existence. I balance that by scheduling some 'face time' each day", she explains. I agree with her. Sometimes you must make a conscious effort to spend time with family, friends, or other writers.
Another challenge may be difficulties with technology. Finding a PC repair shop may be next to impossible. Internet access may be unavailable or unreliable. There are many, many places in
world that don't even have telephone lines yet, not to mention email access. You can still work as a freelance writer from these locations, but it will not be as convenient. If you have any choice where you live, always try to choose a town that has telephone lines with reliable Internet access.
And that goes for working while you are on holiday too. Check
available technology in advance. In
example of my trip above, I received a surprise. There was no telephone line or email access in
cottage. My initial panic subsided when I discovered a telephone not too far away. In freezing temperatures, I trudged up
road. When I pushed
button to send out my newsletter my notebook computer was plugged into a payphone.
Are writers in remote locations at a serious disadvantage? No way! I am sold on
concept that you can work as a freelance writer from anywhere. And while you will face some challenges, none of them will be insurmountable.
So if you're looking for a career you can do from anywhere, look no further. The writers I referred to and many others are working successfully right where they are. And so can you. Open up your notebook. Start writing. You can begin to build a rewarding career as a freelance writer today.

Gary McLaren is editor of Worldwide Freelance Writer, a leading source of information on freelance writing markets around the world. His new book, 1001 Writer's Guidelines Online, is available at: http://www.worldwidefreelance.com