‘Tis the season for reflecting on the previous 12 months in my copywriting business!
For the last few years, I’ve used a set of prompts originally created by Sasha of A Life of Words. Up until now, I’ve always shared these thoughts privately with my mailing list. If you’re already subscribed, you’ll know I’ve recently made some changes in this area of my business {more on this below}. As a result, this year these reflections are landing right here on the blog. Let’s dive in…
One Thing I Failed at in 2024
This year, I failed to focus on the good stuff.
I’ve spoken to enough freelancers recently to know I’m not alone in having found things really tough this year. There have been months with zero enquiries and others where I’ve barely earned enough to cover all my bills.
But freelance life is a roller coaster, so alongside the lows, I know there have been some incredible highs. It’s just that when I look back over the last 12 months, my brain has a habit of skipping over them. I wrote some great copy in 2024! Quiet months were preceded by busy ones. I worked on some huge projects and submitted two of my biggest invoices to date. I’ve received some amazing testimonials and I know my work has helped clients chase their dreams and achieve their goals.
And yet, the only constant for me this year has been an overwhelming sense of inadequacy. Of getting everything wrong and never feeling good enough. Despite numerous positive testimonials, it’s the one piece of negative feedback I received that’s ringing in my ears.
In 2025, I want to rebuild my confidence and boost my resilience. I want to weather the tough stuff while also recognising my wins. I wouldn’t mind if things were a little easier, but I’d settle for feeling like I can handle whatever comes my way.
One Thing I’m Proud of in 2024
I don’t normally single out an individual project when I respond to this prompt, but this year I have to. Creating the website copy for Gramercy Tower in Cardiff challenged me in so many ways.
When the enquiry first arrived and I read the brief, a massive wave of impostor syndrome washed over me.
‘Why have they thought of you for this project?’ whispered my inner critic. ‘There’s no way you’re good enough.’
The deadline was tight and I also worried about my body’s ability to work so intensely on such a huge project, especially as I’d have to contend with a stretch of solo parenting at the same time.
Obviously, I felt the fear and did it anyway. And I’m so glad I did. I’m not only proud of the copy I created and the client feedback I received, I had a lot of fun in the process. I’d love the chance to work on some similar projects in the new year.
Working with Franky was a dream and a delight! She turned around a website copy project at very short notice, and was a pleasure to work with at every stage of the process. She really spent the time getting to grip with the project and the brand, and all of the copy she produced was practically perfect on the first draft. Would absolutely recommend for all of your copy needs! – Amy, Native Residential
One Thing I’ve Figured Out in 2024
This time last year, I was worried things had become a little stagnant in my business. I was craving something new, and I thought starting a Substack publication might be the answer.
The idea I keep coming back to is Substack. The platform feels like a perfect fit for me and the people I follow over there are evangelical about the experience. I just can’t figure out what to write about and how it might fit in with everything else I already create online. I don’t want to abandon my blog, so there needs to be something to differentiate the two. Any ideas? Answers on a postcard, please! – Letters From Love Audrey, December 2023
It took me the best part of 11 months, but I finally figured out how a Substack publication could slot in alongside everything else I create online. Last month, I launched Larking About and imported my mailing list to its new home. If you were previously subscribed to Letters From Love Audrey, you should have received a welcome email explaining the switch.
This blog isn’t going anywhere, but I will be tightening it’s focus and mainly writing about running a creative business and writing for a living. More posts like this one, basically.
With Larking About, I’m on a mission to create a playful space filled with resources, inspiration and community for busy people {especially small business owners} who want to reconnect with their creativity, get crafty, and make things ‘just for fun’. Why? Because that’s what I did, and it changed my life for the better.
As a free subscriber, you’ll hear from me twice a month. I’ll be writing about creativity, play and my favourite cosy hobbies – scrapbooking, reading, cooking and baking. I’ll also talk about these things in relation to running a creative business, raising a family and living with a chronic illness.
Eventually, as the Larking About community grows, I plan to host online craft sessions so we can all play and create together. And then… who knows! Subscribing now gives you a front row seat as this new chapter of my online life unfolds.
Thanks For Being Here
That’s as far as I’ve got with my reflections. I’m sure I’ll have more to say as the new year dawns, but today I’m counting the minutes until I can switch my out of office on and pour myself a large glass of mulled wine. Not long now!
Before I go, I want to thank you for all your support this year. Whether you’re a client, someone who’s shared my work or recommended my services to others, or simply a vocal member of the personal cheer squad I keep in my pocket – I am so grateful. I hope you’re able to have a restful Christmas filled with the things you love most. See you in 2025.
Love Audrey xxx
P.S. Hello 2024
