On another kind of writing

News writing is not for everyone. People's eyes might light up with recognition--and most of the time, awe--when they hear the names of famous news journalists from the top media industries, but some writers prefer to use their skills at their own pace and in their own field of interest.

Nikka Sarthou-Lainez, a freelance travel and lifestyle journalist, gave some tips on writing in general, as well as some of the challenges she faces as an independent writer.

"It was the flexible lifestyle that attracted me to become a freelance journalist. This way, I could choose where I want to see my byline and write for various publications. Also, being my own boss is not a bad situation either," she explained.

Although she gets to travel the world, taste the best dishes, and fulfill her passion for writing, freelancing is not as glamorous.

The major challenge that she faces in her chosen field is having  a sustainable career. As a
freelancer, one does not have a regular job like an employee who gets a salary every month, as well as benefits like insurance. Therefore, freelancers have to work twice as hard because they do everything themselves. They have to do the manual stuff that often fall to the role of the editors and other media employees, like payment collections and follow-ups. Thus, it takes time
away for writing. But good thing that nowadays, there are more opportunities for freelance work, unlike back then when writing is restricted by traditions.

The most pressing challenge in freelance travel writing is the financial ones. Publishers do not always fund the travel expenses of the writers, but since it is their passion and they would have no story to write, the journalists have to fund it themselves.

In being a lifestyle journalist, it can be quite difficult to find the right avenue for stories, but Sarthou-Lainez says that it is not that difficult now because of the digital age that made it easier with more options available.

Despite the disheartening difficulties that freelancing--and writing, in general--pose, "when you do something that you like, you find it enriching."

Aside from being a freelance journalist, Sarthou-Lainez is also the co-founder of Writer's Block
Philippines, a writing workshop that she manages with Ana P. Santos, also an independent
journalist and a foreign correspondent who specializes in reproductive health rights and women
and gender issues.

With more than 14 years of experiences in journalism after graduating in the University of the
Philippines in Los Baños, Laguna in 2000, Sarthou-Lainez shares her wisdom on writing in
general, as well as her experiences, writing habits and techniques.