I was podcasting with the crew of FreelanceSwitch's Freelance Radio the other day (episode will be up soon!) and each panel member will be discussing their "freelance dilemma" on the next few episodes.

I went first, and naturally, I talked about how hard it is for me to make time to do my real creative work: putting out magazine queries. For some reason, I can manage a crazy copywriting schedule but never seem to get into the mode to do this stuff. I guess because it's more creative and I have put a lot of weight on my career writing for magazines. I've been published--but I want to get published in some larger magazines. So that has been my goal. I've been doing alright, but still struggle.

In many ways, I think all creatives have a struggle like this. Especially when it has to do with our most creative work...we can get blocked in many ways. (Check out my article on "creative munchies," which also covers this topic.)

Anywhoo, so then he starts. Dickie. My friend. My nemesis. He puts me on a "challenge." I like the idea; I'm open to it.

Then come the rules.

I am to write my queries and work on them for at least 15 minutes a day from Monday thru Thursday for the next two weeks.

Well, let me tell you--Day One didn't go so smooth. I was out all day and couldn't get to it, so I decided that I will have a Tuesday-Friday schedule this week. I'm OK with that. Dickie won't be...but that dude lives in Oregon--far enough away to keep me safe from a freelance beatdown!

Yesterday went great. I had a big publication want more details about one of my ideas, so I spent about an hour putting together and sending one query letter. I'm doing it!

For the rest of the week, I'll be keeping you posted here and there. My goal is to do one query a day. But if nothing else, at least this challenge has me motivated. It has me moving and thinking and getting things done. It's sad that you need to awaken my competitive side to get me moving on this, but before this, I was making progress so slowly. Sending out a few letters here and there. Now, I'm ready for it...at least for the next two weeks!

Nothing like a challenge to get your creative juices--and your competitive nature--going!