What does it really take to build a freelance business that feels steady, fulfilling, and true to who you are?

Every freelancer faces moments of doubt, especially when the industry shifts, competition rises, or motivation fades. But there are practical ways to stay grounded and keep moving forward.

In this conversation, Ashley Cisneros Mejia talks with Dr. Suzanne (Sue) Bowness, writer, editor, teacher, consultant, and author of The Feisty Freelancer. Sue has been freelancing independently since 2002, and she’s built a business around long-form writing, teaching, and helping creative freelancers develop their voice, workflow, and confidence.

They cover the full scope of freelance life: how to start before you feel ready, how to find clients, what to do when fear affects your decisions, and ways to build a healthier rhythm when you work from home. Sue also shares insights from her book and offers realistic, encouraging advice that freelancers at any stage can use.

ABOUT SUE

Dr. Suzanne (Sue) Bowness is a writer/editor/consultant and principal of CodeWord Communications. She has been working independently since 2002 and published her guide to freelancing The Feisty Freelancer with Dundurn Press in 2025 after teaching writing courses for 15+ years. Read more about her and her work at SuzanneBowness.com.

Full show notes here.

Send us a text

Support the show

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU
Discover 220+ freelance service ideas to diversify your income using the skills you already have. This free guide helps writers and creatives expand into new offers, niches, and formats—without starting from scratch. Get your diversification guide here.

BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE
This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!

1:1 BUSINESS COACHING
Click here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter/X
Pinterest
YouTube
Website

...