Freelancing to Freedom

“Not to be in your comfort zone is great fun.” – Benedict Cumberbatch

Perhaps not the most profound quote in the world, but it fits with what I want to write about this week. A few days ago, a friend called me and asked if I wanted to go to a punk show that night. Being a music lover to the nth degree, I rarely turn down an invitation to a concert.

That night, however, I was exhausted, and all I could think was, “Punk? I don’t really know the genre very well. I’d rather sleep.” But while my brain said no, my voice said yes. That’s just how I work sometimes.

The show turned out to be fantastic, and I left excited to listen to more of the same and learn about the genre.

The experience got me thinking about my freelance career and the types of projects I’ve taken on over the past few years. Initially, I wanted to focus on a specific type of fiction, but as various project offers came my way, I knew it would be good to test the waters in different genres, despite a perceived lack of interest (which in reality was a lack of confidence).

Now, I love working on autobiographies, young adult fiction novels, corporate material, fantasies, and the occasional romance to spice things up, just to name a few. While I firmly believe it’s important to hone your skills in a particular area and become an “expert,” it’s also important to dabble and grow, to continually become more well rounded.

So when’s the last time you checked out a punk show? Have some fun, test the waters. When’s the last time you got excited about something new?

Song of the week:  “The Ting Tings” – Give It Back. Not punk, but I couldn’t get this song out of my head all week. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waQ3a7FkRUc

Namaste 

Rachel