Freelance writers can travel when they want as much as they want; they can work from anywhere as long as there's an internet connection; they can work in their pajamas; they can pick their kids up from the bus stop; they can shop during the middle of the day when stores aren't crowded; they can charge what they want... and they can live life on their own terms.

These are just some of the benefits of being a freelance writer. Who wouldn't want this life?

Starting a freelance writing career is easy. No, achieving success as a freelance writer is not easy - but it's dang easy to start, which is where most falter. Following are four things to do if you are serious about starting a freelance writing career in 2010.

1. Decision Time: Decide if you want to do it part time or full time. If you have money in the bank and can float yourself for a couple of months, you can start full-time, if you put in the (marketing) work.

2. Time Block: If you're serious about finding success as a freelance writer, you're going to have to be a master time manager. How much time each day do you plan to devote to your dream? And, an hour ain't gonna cut it --- sorry. You need at least 2; 4 would be better - if you're starting part time.

If you're starting full time, go all out and put in a solid 8, 9 or 10 hours.

3. Formulate an "Action" Plan: As in, formulate an action plan. Many would call this a "business" plan. I hate that phrase because it's a lot of work for a business that most never even get around to starting. That's why I like the phrase "action plan."

This means it's something you're going to put together and follow through on. Included in this will be things like which niche you want to specialize in, how you're going to market, budgeting for getting your website done, getting on a timeline to get your writing samples in order, coming up with a pricing chart, deciding which services you're going to offer, etc.

4. Implement Your Action Plan: This is where many fall down. Well really, from the emails I've gotten over the years, it's the previous step that many never complete. They get to sidetracked trying to make everything perfect before they start.

This is procrastination at its worst. And it can halt your success as a freelance writer. Other freelance writing dream killers are:|

Freelance Writing Dream Killers: Things That Masquerade as Progress, But Really Aren't

"Research": This is in quotation marks because plenty of wannabe freelance writers spend so much time fooling themselves that they're making progress when what they're really doing is stalling. You may:

"Research" other freelance writers' websites to get ideas on what you want yours to look like;

"Research" other freelance writers' writing samples to see how to write yours;

"Research" the type of equipment you're going to need for your "eventual" freelance writing business;

"Research" (read) articles on how others have gone about making their freelance writing dreams a reality;

"Research"; "research"; "research"; "research".... until you have information overload and haven't accomplished crap!

Don't let it happen to you.

If you do the four things outlined above - and avoid the freelance writing dream killers, before you know it, you will be making a living as a freelance writer. It's not hard, but it does take consistent effort.