Expanding the Definition of a Writer

Every once in awhile, I have to redefine certain aspects of my life. Being a writer comes with its ebbs and flows when it comes to career and specialties. Being a freelancer and business owner magnifies those aspects even more. Even at this early stage in my career, I feel the need to redefine how the world sees me as a creative.

The pandemic made many workers — freelancers and salaried alike — rethink how, when, and where would they earn a living. This all happened after I had decided to pivot from a dead-end track in customer service to become a full-fledged freelancer. It was scary for a moment but a bright side emerged on the horizon.

Like many freelancers, I have struggled to maintain and obtain work as the economy took a downturn. It was hard for a while as I started having second thoughts about going independent. But after a few months, things started to fall in place as I not only got more contract jobs but finally took the step to make my business official. Now, I can finally work myself without all the trials and tribulations associated with my old jobs.

Practicing various styles and directions have given me a sense of freedom I never had working a traditional job. I finally feel free from trying to elevate someone else without appreciation or reward given my way. Like any type of work, freelancing has its ups and downs. Now, I finally have the chance to work at my own pace and select what I pour my energy into. Work has been slow but steadily picking up over the past few weeks.

Along with my work, I decided to write my thoughts and feelings as a way to help me cope with the outside chaos. This blog has been my outlet. I’ve managed consistently to write about my journey for months (with some breaks in between). This blog has been my haven as I figured out how to deal with this unexpected event like everyone else.

While this blog and my contract work have taken up my time, I’m slowly finding my way back to screenwriting. November is NaNoWriMo, and I plan to use that time to my full advantage. Thanksgiving and Christmas break will give me ample time to work on some ideas as well as fine-tune others. Over the past few months, I have allowed myself to try on many hats as a writer — and it’s been worth it.

When it comes to my professor's job, things have been a little easier lately as I become more and more comfortable with eLearning. After midterms, I can finally see the finish line for this semester. There are only a few projects and two tests left for the course. The pandemic has made things somewhat difficult for both faculty and students. Let’s hope 2021 is a better year for everyone all around!

Watch this space for more on my writing journey.

Don’t be a stranger! Leave a comment below.

Originally published at http://adreonpatterson.net on October 15, 2020.