Everything You Need to be a Fabulous Freelance Writer in Boston

You'll Need Coffee!

Coffee and tea will help insure that you have enough energy to get all your work done. Of course you shouldn’t depend on caffeine, but after staying up half the night working on a project, you’re probably going to need some!

Peet's Coffee

Peet’s is my home away from home mainly because of their wireless internet. But as every freelance writer knows, we cannot do our job without ridiculous amounts of coffee and tea. And Peet’s has some of the best around.

I love their coffee black, but I am also a huge fan of the non-fat sugar-free vanilla latte when I want a treat. This is seriously SO amazing that I still refuse to believe it has no fat or sugar added. Love it!

Invest in Some Comfy Sweatpants

Why is Victoria’s Secret on a list of places freelance writers need to go? Sweatpants, duh. When it comes to working at home, you want to make sure you’re extremely comfortable. Victoria’s Secret sweatpants are the ultimate in comfort.

You need to pick up a pair or two if you’re planning on getting any work done.

Wander a Book Store

If you’re a writer, chances are you’ll need some serious inspiration from books. Check out the big chains for all of your needs or go support an independent. But be careful, when I’m in bookstores time tends to fly for me and before I know it, the day is over and I haven’t done a thing!

Or Browse the Library

Because free books are sometimes the only books freelance writers can afford. But doesn’t it feel good to know you can still get something so valuable for free these days?

Remember to Laugh...And Love What You Do!

Freelance writing is impossible unless you’re really in love with it. It can get stressful and it’s easy to take the job too seriously. So make sure you take the time to laugh and really appreciate the freedom that comes with your job. Not to mention, the fact that you’re getting paid to do what you’re passionate about!

My friend just bought me the book You Know You’re a Writer When, which really reinforced for me how much I love my job.

Stock Up On Writing Supplies

Staples

Of course you can find everything you need for writing at Staples. I’m a huge fan of pens and can spend way too much time wandering down the pen aisle picking out pens. Even though I generally use a computer and don’t have too high a need for pens.

Paper Source

Another store I spend way too much time in, Paper Source is also a writer’s dream. One of my favorite items in paper Source are their super pretty journals. A writer cannot have too many journals!

Join a Gym

Because you’re probably sitting on your butt writing most of the day, you need to make sure you get up and get some physical activity at some point. Joining a gym will ensure that you get a daily work out, which is not only good for your body, but will also end up making you more productive when it comes to your work.

There are lots of choices for gyms in the Boston area.

Know Where to Go For Computer Problems

I’m pretty much working on my computer 24/7 so if I have any computer issues it is NOT good and they need to be fixed as soon as possible. You need to make sure you find a trust-worthy place that will get your problems fixed as soon as posible.

Besy Buy has the Geek Squad. I’m not a very big fan of Circuit City’s tech help.

Of course you might also just want to browse the store dreaming about a new computer. Best Buy carries Macs too!

Make Sure You Follow the Rules

Freelance writing isn’t a typical job and there are things you need to think about that you wouldn’t with a different job. For instance, getting health insurance and paying your taxes. Here are some great resources.