Freelancer of the Fortnight: Michelle Higgs, UK

Click here to view Michelle Higgs' full freelance profile on Journalism.co.uk.

Why did you choose to become a freelancer?

I had been writing magazine articles on and off since 1995 while still doing a day job - first as a copywriter in a marketing agency and later as a primary school teacher. In the summer of 2005, when my last short-term teaching contract ended, I decided to bite the bullet and leave full-time teaching to concentrate on freelance writing.

If you trained, where? If not, how did you become a freelancer?

I am not formally trained. I undertook a couple of correspondence courses in article writing, researched the market and started pitching ideas to editors. My first article was published in 1995, and I gradually built up regular outlets for my writing.

Do you specialise in any particular field and what areas do you write about?

I'm a history graduate and I suppose my bread and butter work is writing about history and heritage, especially for the family history market. However, I also write about interiors and the environment. For two years, I had a regular column in Period House that encouraged readers to go green at home.

For the past 10 years, I have written history articles for the children's magazine Aquila and I still write occasionally for educational publications. Early on in my writing career, I wrote a few UK travel pieces that were published in the Express. Unfortunately, I never followed them up but I would definitely like to get into travel writing again.

Which publications have you been published in?
 
Ancestors, Antiques & Collectables, Aquila, BBC History, BBC Who Do You Think You Are?, Best of British, Discover My Past England, Discover My Past Scotland, Essential Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom, the Express, Family Active, Family History Monthly, Family Tree, HomeStyle, The Lady, Limited Edition, Move to the Country, My Weekly, New England Antiques Journal, Period House, Rooms & Living, Take A Break, the Times Educational Supplement (TES) and Writing Magazine

I am also the author of five social history books: 'Christmas Cards'; 'Life in the Victorian and Edwardian Workhouse'; 'Prison Life in Victorian England'; 'Life in the Victorian Hospital'; and the forthcoming 'Tracing Your Medical Ancestors'.

Which articles, in which publication, are you the most proud of?

A few years ago, I wrote a piece for the TES which was all about an environmental club at a local primary school. The children's enthusiasm for nature and improving their environment was infectious, and the challenge was to convey that passion in my writing. I was really pleased with how it turned out, especially because it was a subject close to my own heart.

I've recently completed a lengthy feature on glassmaking for BBC Who Do You Think You Are? magazine. At the outset, I knew very little about the subject but the finished feature proves that with the right level of research, you can write about anything and make it interesting for the reader.

What are the best and worst aspects of freelancing?

The best aspects are definitely the freedom of being my own boss, choosing my own hours and working from home. My daily commute to my desk is a couple of minutes… I can even walk my dog in my lunch hour. I really enjoy the variety of subjects I write about and the fact I'm always learning something new. I love the challenge of making each new feature accessible and appealing to different readerships.

The worst thing about freelancing has to be the insecurity and having to chase money on the rare occasions that payments are late. I still supplement my freelance writing income with supply teaching and proofing work from time to time. With freelancing, it really is feast or famine. One week, I can be manically busy and the next, I could have very little work. It's difficult to get the balance right so that I've pitched for new work sufficiently early to make sure there are fewer quiet periods. I also find it quite difficult to discipline myself but I really enjoy writing - it's brilliant to be paid to do what you love best!

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