An oldie but a goodie from The Morning News:

7am

The key to a successful freelance career is routine. Give yourself a strict schedule, just like any job. People may complain about the inconvenience of the workforce - getting out of bed at an early hour, dealing with the boss and the co-workers - but that keeps us honest and productive. Without such checks and balances, some of us fall to pieces.

I wake every morning at 7am. I make coffee and sit down with my boyfriend for a proper breakfast of yogurt and granola and fruit.

'So what are you doing today?' he asks.

This can be a daunting question for any freelancer. 'I'm going to write,' I say proudly. A positive attitude is another key to a successful freelance career. The job can wear you down, because freelancing involves selling yourself and your own work, an uncomfortable prospect for most writers. We're an insecure lot, wary of self-promotion, prone to believe the worst about ourselves and our talents. I say nonsense. Believe in yourself, and you will prevail.

My boyfriend slurps the last of his coffee and looks at his watch. 'I gotta go,' he says, heading for the door. 'Have a good day!'

For the next nine hours, anything is possible.

7:30am

I go back to bed. It's still really early.