On Fear, Freelance Writing, and What I Learned Serving as ASJA President

On Jan. 1, I will join an illustrious club: ASJA past presidents. It’s something I couldn’t have imagined when I joined this amazing community of freelance writers oh so many years ago. In my 30s with my first child and my first book, I had no idea what lay in front of me. But I knew that I could tap into the experience and expertise of those who had built successful careers and businesses as freelance writers.

I was right. The ASJA community has been here with me for every step of my freelance writing road—and especially during these last two years as president.

Stepping into the Unknown

We freelancers are used to stepping into the unknown, taking chances, pushing on in the face of fear. Writing—and especially trying to make a living from writing—can be scary stuff. We all know that sinking feeling when we don’t hear from an editor or, worse, when we lose a client. And then there’s the very act of writing, which some have likened to “opening up a vein.”

Not for the faint of heart.

But stepping into the presidency of ASJA? When I was first approached about stepping into the position, it seemed like a bridge too far. I have struggled with self-doubt and a lack of confidence most of my life. I am an introvert by nature. I never would have predicted I could lead a national organization. 

In the months leading up to my first term as president I had major second thoughts. Why take this on? Isn’t it enough to run my own business and produce quality work for clients? Friends, family, and colleagues wondered too.

At the same time, I saw an opportunity to give back to an organization that was important to me, to bring more people into this community, and to advocate for a way of making a living that I believe in. I had so much respect for the ASJA presidents who came before me, especially those I served alongside, I wanted to put what I learned from them into action– and put my own stamp on it too. I’m thinking especially of the bold and dedicated leadership of Laura Laing and the quiet, calm, strong wisdom of our beloved Milt Toby. 

In some ways I was more afraid of disappointing myself by NOT doing it.

One Way to Find Out

The only way to find out if I could do this job was to, well, do it. So I took it on.  

I’m not going to lie: the last two years have been intense. I have faced obstacles and challenges beyond anything I imagined. I have also learned more than I ever dreamed.

Here are some of the things I’ve learned from volunteering for ASJA:

• Having a role helps push you forward. When I was a new member attending my first ASJA conference in New York, the idea of walking into a room of hundreds of people I didn’t know was daunting. I signed up to volunteer: If I had a role, I’d know what to do. I left that first conference with new friends and colleagues. And it happened again and again: every time I take on a new and bigger role, I find that I can do something I didn’t think I could.
• There’s something to this teamwork thing. We freelancers may work alone, but when it comes to volunteering, it’s best to work together. Over the past two years, the ASJA executive committee has become a strong team that exchanges ideas and perspectives and delegates tasks. This not only helps us get the work done, we learn from each other and have created close friendships and working relationships. None of us has to go it alone.
• If you speak up, you will survive—and even learn something. As an introvert, I must gather my courage before each interview I conduct or each committee or board meeting I run. Every decision I make, I second guess myself. And every time I speak up or make a decision, I gain new knowledge, skills, and perspectives. Don’t get me wrong, I’m just as nervous the next time, but I do it anyway.
• Making a difference can get addictive. It’s an amazing feeling to solve a problem, bring people together, put on a conference, or build a stronger, more diverse ASJA. I love knowing ASJA is here to help members navigate and thrive in a constantly changing environment—and that I have had a role in making that so.
• Work/life balance applies to freelancers—and volunteer work. We all have lives to live as well as businesses to run. I encourage all volunteers to take the breaks they need. Teaming up (see above) makes this easier for everyone.

Don’t Let Fear Stop You

On a break last May, I attended an intense writing workshop in Santa Fe, then treated myself to my own private creativity retreat at Ghost Ranch, where Georgia O’Keefe painted. Over those days, the beauty of the landscape, the way she captured it in her work, the bravery of her life seeped into me. On my last day, I visited her home and studio in Abiquiu, where I learned this quote from the artist:

“I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life, and I’ve never let it stop me from a single thing I wanted to do.”

If someone as accomplished, talented, and bold as O’Keefe felt that way, certainly I too could overcome fear and push on to do what I want to do, whether it’s for my business, ASJA, or my writing.

Two years later, I have done this job. It has been hard at times. I have been afraid. I did it anyway. And what I’ve learned in this role has made me a stronger person and a more confident writer.

I have gained at least as much as I have given to ASJA.

Emily Paulsen is a writer, editor, and editorial consultant based outside Washington DC. She specializes in health and healthcare topics, especially health equity and increasing access to quality care. Her work has earned many awards, including the 2024 Women in Content Marketing Award for Freelance Excellence.