Hi Tim,

Thank you for sharing. In my opinion, you are not whining, you are expressing your valid frustrations. I can relate. I’ve been writing for almost a decade now, and I frequently find myself discouraged or without sufficient income because clients suddenly can’t pay me, or they pay me REALLY late, or I cannot find enough clients.

Sure, go with the book idea. (By the way, I agree with the person that said you need an editor. Everyone does. If you can’t pay, trade some writing for the editing you need.)

In addition to this, branch out.

I don’t just blog. (Actually, I JUST started blogging — I don’t know that anyone cares what I have to say or whether I am interesting. I started for fun because I have to write boring stuff all day.) My typical writing includes marketing for businesses — local to international, press releases, SEO work, online teaching, academic writing, editing other writers’ work, etc.

Look into different industries and types of writing. Do whatever you have to do to pay the bills. I hate the freelancing cycle and am trying to break out of it as well. For me, it’s currently a necessary evil.

Best of luck; I’m sorry you’re going through this rough patch. Keep trying new niches. :)

LK