Today we bring you the seventh in our series of WriteWorldwide reader interviews. Our latest interview is with Stephen Odipo, a freelance writer from Nairobi, Kenya. Read on for his insights into the world of freelance writing …

1) Please introduce yourself to the WriteWorldwide readers.

Hello fellow writers. My name is Stephen. I’m a freelance writer and an aspiring Aerospace Engineer. I live in Nairobi, Kenya.

2) Why did you choose to be a writer, and have you experienced much success yet?

I always yearned for a platform to express my ideas. Writing enabled me to do that perfectly. And when I realized I could make money doing it, I decided to pursue it professionally.

Everyone has a different definition of success. But mine is “being able to do better than you did yesterday.” As far as writing is concerned, I’m a million miles from where I was a few years back.

I have improved my writing skills tremendously. Also, I have learned how to pitch, negotiate with clients, and set my rates. Most importantly, I’ve increased my earnings.

3) As an ESL writer, have you faced any challenges?

Yes, a lot. Most clients only want to hire a native writer. Nonetheless, these challenges have only made me stronger. I have learned to work twice as hard as native writers in order to get hired.

4) What’s one thing about you most people don’t know?

Most people don’t know that I’m never satisfied. Hold your horses guys. I’m not talking about food here – I’m always hungry for success, and I’m obsessed with perfection! That’s what makes me a good writer.

But on the downside, I spend too much time on a given task. That’s something I’m working on.

5) What would you like to see more of on the WriteWorldwide blog?

I’d like to see more of these contributions. Most blogs have a lot of followers but very few contributors. But WriteWorldwide is different. And that’s why I’m a subscriber.

I believe the best way for beginners to learn is to follow in the footsteps of those who’ve experienced the challenges they’re facing and achieved success.

6) Are you connected with others ESL writers, and is that helping to boost your confidence?

Yes, I frequently interact with other ESL writers especially on social media. I learn a lot from them.

7. What’s your favourite aspect of being an ESL writer?

My favorite aspect of being an ESL writer is the element of surprise that comes with it. A client hires me instead of a native writer expecting nothing out of the ordinary. But guess what! I blow their mind.

Also, I’m motivated to put more effort into my work.

8) What’s your daily writing routine?

I’m an early bird, so I tackle the hardest tasks in the morning. Easier tasks follow. Unfortunately, since I’m still a student, I have to alter my schedule to accommodate schoolwork.

9) What methods to you use to keep your writing skills sharp?

I believe one of the best ways to improve one’s writing skills is to read intensively and extensively; be it books, blogs or magazines. That’s exactly what I do. I also conduct thorough research before starting to write anything.

10) What are your plans for growing your writing business and client base in the future?

First of all, I plan to keep most of the clients I’m currently working with, by continuing to deliver high-quality work. I also plan to pitch more.

Last but not least, I look forward to launching a product that will help accelerate writers (especially ESL writers) from beginner to advanced in record time.

Why not show Stephen your support by leaving a comment below? And if you’d like to connect, you can find him online in the following places: 

Writer website: stephenoodipo.com
Twitter: @stephenodipo