What does it take to be a freelance writer

Talent and experience.

With just the former you can maybe get the latter. With neither you're sunk.

As a freelance writer I though I might be qualified to answer this. It requires a grasp of the English language, talent, determination and, above all, CONNECTIONS! If you have the first three the last will come.

How can you gain all of those things?

For starters, set a time every day for writing and write.

Free Lance Writing is a business--not a matter of inspiration. Honing your writing skills happens by writing every day whether or not you feel inspired.

A whole lot of patience, and living on the edge of poverty.

TIME!!!! of which I have little of anymore. Many mention of "paying dues" but when we have little time to pay them, we have to work overtime and......yes.....connections. Being in the right place at the right time avails much. Me? I seem to be at the airport each time the ship docks.

rots of ruck

are you speaking of......."Starving Artist's Society" ?????? if so....I have been a member for at least five years now. Almost forgotten what meat tastes like......almost a vegetarian, but not by choice.

as long as we are not yet a member of the "Dead Poet's Society" yet...we still have a chance!

I eat pretty good.

Nick, I don't think you'll ever starve no matter where or when you live!

Thanks CI! I feel the same for you. If you want to be a writer, then one must WRITE! Take your writing and submit it to a local newspaper or start an online blog. he most important thing is that you write every day, no matter what. When you feel "writers block" then the best thing to do is WRITE! It doesn't matter if at times you can only write ****. Writing is like exercise. Use it or lose it.

Thanks All....