While not actually a question, since the answer is elusive or at best very personal, I would like to bounce something off other freelancers who may have run into the same wall.

I have been accepting assignments from the same two local newspapers for the past few years and dutifully completing them @.15 or .20 cents per word. I know - kinda lazy.OK fine. The thing is, they have both tagged me with specialties (art or bicycle politics) that I never really wanted to work in, which means I have had to constantly do research and make contacts in areas that I don't particularly care that much about - and I think it's beginning to show in my work. Here is my dilemma: should I start pitching the same editors with different subjects or reach out to new publications that I have never writtern for - magazines maybe - and risk starting over from scratch - or both? As it is, I'm reluctant to answer the phone. I dunno, maybe a vacation?  Anybody been there?

Thanks, Marie, for your thoughtful response. Yes, I probably will contact my current editors about new assignments - provided I can talk to one who lasts on the job for more than 2 months.

Did you move to fiction from straight journalism? That is food for thought as well.  Writing, I have found, is a part of journalism, but only a part. Other requirements:  development of sources, research, a sceptical nature, investigative skills and having the stamina to attend public meetings lasting until midnight. Depends on what you want  - and where you are in life. Creative non-fiction is a good compromise but could be a tough market to crack. You are right though. A multi-layered strategy is needed, especially if you are expecting to write for pay. Good luck to you. Cheers,

Richard