Hi, I’m Monica! Welcome to My Desk!

I’m the founder of Writer’s Residence, an online writing portfolio tool that I launched in 2008 off the back of my own freelance writing career. I run this SaaS along with other side hustles that allow me to live the “freelance lifestyle”. It turns out, “freelance freedom” is hard work. But it’s the best kind of work there is, and the world is full of opportunities. Despite this, I still find writers mystified about how to turn their passion into a profitable career. I’ve created this space to write about the things I’ve learned - and continue to learn - while developing Writer’s Residence alongside my own freelance business.

Notes To Expect From My Desk

I get immense value from writing this Substack but I also consider it a job alongside my other freelance income streams. I also respect your time and support so aim to provide content that you deem valuable enough to pay for. Here’s what to expect:

Paid Subscribers:

KPI Spotlight - what’s working and what’s not working in my freelance lifestyle. And in this feature, I’m getting real with the nitty gritty growth stats so you can learn from my successes and learning moments (not failures)
Portfolio makeover - My 5-point portfolio critique of real-life portfolios. A writing portfolio is your most valuable marketing asset, but you can make or break your chances at getting that dream gig if you don’t do it right.
Premium posts - Marketing advice, stories, interviews, and whatever else I come up with during the month.
Community features - Participate in comments and group chats. Learning from each other is the best way to grow!

Free subscribers will get the occasional paid posts and previews of paid posts. It’s OK, but definitely not as good as the paid subscription. ;-)

Where is My Desk?

I live, write, work and play from the Stoer Peninsula on the north west coast of Scotland where we have a holiday cottage / retreat for writers and other creatives. I am grateful every day that I get to live here.

Supported by…

Mark, my freelance partner in crime and adventures

Mila & Lucky, our two rescue pups, who mainly cause trouble and take us for epic walks.

Subscribe to Notes from My Desk at Writer's Residence

Ideas, deep thoughts, and discussion about how to make a living as a professional writer, written by Monica Shaw, founder of Writer's Residence. Advice for freelancers, copywriters, authors, and anyone who wants to make a living from the written word.

People

Monica Shaw

@eatsleepwild

I write about the wild outdoors, celebrating life by the seasons, and how I crafted a freelance life that allows me to live closer to nature. I write from from NW Scotland where we run guided hikes, astro nights, and slow travel holidays.