My regular readers know that I am a freelance writer. My writing has been published in regional and national magazines, our local newspaper, and on various websites. What I make, for the most part, buys the groceries.

I started my freelance business to help a weary husband provide for his family. After noticing the toll that a few career setbacks had taken on him, I took up my pen and got to work—literally.

However, my business has been part-time at best. After all, I homeschool my children and strive to provide most of the family’s food on the homestead; but time has little to do with my lack of financial success in this career. Misuse of time has everything to do with it.

I confess; I waste time and am disorganized. Just last evening I spent several hours catching up on months of record-keeping—record-keeping that would have taken seconds to do in the first place. I could have written a couple blog posts in those hours. I could have drafted a query letter or two. I could have earned money.

That is why I would like to win a year’s membership to the Freelance Writers Den. This elite group of writers, mentored by Carol Tice and Linda Formichelli, keep each other accountable. The Den offers advice from the pros…Carol is only an email away. They host live events with other successful writers and bloggers, have self-paced writing e-courses, host quarterly 4-week intensives, and have a members-only job board that lists jobs that pay serious money. This membership usually costs $25/month. But Carol is now hosting a contest to win a year’s membership—plus a lot of bonuses.

My goal for my writing business is to pay off our mortgage–making it possible for my husband to pursue his dreams. I can’t do that just by putting in more hours. I don’t have any more hours. I need to be more efficient. I need to know how to analyze job postings so that I don’t waste my time on low-paying gigs. I need encouragement to write instead of read Facebook and Twitter. I need someone to crack the whip.

If I don’t win the giveaway, will I subscribe to the Freelance Writers Den anyway? Hubby said that after my summer commitments I should try it for a month. But right now the money just isn’t there for a year’s subscription. That’s what makes this giveaway so appealing.

Why am I sharing this on a blog about homeschooling, homesteading, and homemaking? Because I know a lot of moms that read this also blog for money. This is a great opportunity for you as well—to enter this contest, I mean. Also, Carol and Linda offer courses and frequently host free webinars that would make wonderful homeschooling high school curriculum. So check it out for yourselves. And in the meantime, say a prayer that this disorganized writer makes it into the Den.

Blessings to ya,