The Internet Changed My Writing Life!
By Connie Werner Reichert

Instant messaging helped me roll in even more business. I felt the adrenaline rush of high-tech heaven.

Thanks to the world wide web, I no longer felt isolated. I was able to hook up with newsgroups and various professionals that understand where I'm at and where I want to go. Resources such as Worldwide Freelance Writer and WritersWeekly.com allowed me to learn more about my craft and give me valuable resources for jobs for freelancers.

Moreover, gone were the days of doing heavy research in dimly-lit libraries. I didn't have to commute downtown to look up information. All I had to do was step into my office, log on, and retrieve all the information I needed to craft a well-written article. When I received assignments about equine facilities, day spa dilemmas or the mating habits of past Presidents, I logged on. I downloaded. I felt empowered. Soon, a self-satisfied smirk would be on my face. Another article finished on time, and I was ready for more.

The Internet even allowed me the ability to interview people online, rather than in-person. I did not need to meet people at Starbucks armed with a pen, paper and tape recorder to find out their life story. I simply e-mailed interview questions to people from all over the globe, and they liked the fact that this allowed them to think about their answers more carefully and saved them from being misquoted.

As my child grew, so did my business. I needed to hire both babysitters and copy editors. Instead of placing a classified ad that would appear in the local fish-wrapper the following week, I was able to instantly post a help-wanted ad on various job-hunting web-sites. In a matter of hours, I hired two bright, young people to help me at home with my baby and my business.

Seven years later, I met my husband online. I did all my wedding planning on the net as well. Our honeymoon reservations were made online, and I even found a minister on the web to conduct our ceremony.

Today, I'm still clicking away. I boot up my computer early every morning as the espresso machine hisses in the background. Celebrating my 11th anniversary in business, I have developed and nurtured several solvent business relationships---all thanks to the Internet.

Both personally and professionally, I can certainly say that the Internet is my greatest resource. What would I do without it?

Connie Werner Reichert is the President of Write Side Up Freelance Writing & Publicity. The home-based business near Lake Tahoe specializes in broadcast publicity placement and personality profiles for small business owners and non-profits.