Callahan Herrig
L.C. Spotlight 9/14/20
Welcome back to The Literary Copywriter Spotlight where I feature professional writers and copywriters with creative pursuits. Callahan is currently a Grant Writer and Freelance Copywriter. He studied English in Illinois, and currently lives in Iowa. He is also working on a novel with a growing list of short stories and poetry. Callahan has freelanced for the past few years with various agencies and businesses, currently looking to expand his client base for his next opportunity. He's working on his first novel and hoping to merge his love of copywriting and reading into a career. Callahan occasionally puts down his book and coffee to travel (though COVID has put a damper on that), solving a crossword puzzle, and enjoys the occasional Twilight Zone marathon.
Let’s here from Callahan!
Literary Copywriter: Tell me about your writing journey. When did you first realize that a.) you are a writer, and b.) you want to make a living off of your writing?
Callahan Herrig: Not sure when I finally realized it, I always loved writing and reading. I wasn’t always the most expressive person and it’s hard for me to convey my thoughts aloud so often I would use writing and it seemed to just flow more smoothly. I’ve always admired writers, the way they observe and convey humans and their emotions has always appealed to me.
I was about halfway through my college career studying business. I absolutely hated it, didn’t want to take the classes or pursue that career, I just saw it as how I would make money in the future. I ended up switching to English, absolutely loved the program and my professors. I had heard for so long about being an English major, what’re you going to do for a job? Frankly, there are a ton, you just have to find the right paths. Currently, I’m a grant writer for my full-time job as well as doing freelance and things on the side. It is absolutely possible to make a living off your writing, it can be a grind but it is absolutely possible.
L.C. Please describe your copywriting career. How did you get started? Who are your ideal clients.? Do you freelance or work for an agency? etc.
C.H. To be honest, not sure when it really started. As I said, as an English major I did some work for local magazines and newspapers. I worked for several creative agencies and then eventually got hired to another agency in the area. I worked for a number of clients ranging anywhere from doctors/dentists, industrial companies, chambers of commerce, hospitals, etc. Not sure I have an ideal client per se, just prefer that communication is open and they’re willing to try new things. Love learning about new industries and coming at them with a fresh perspective. Currently, I do freelance for several clients and more than open to accept new businesses!
L.C. I love supporting copywriters who are also hard at work on a creative, personal project. This could be a novel, memoir, poetry collection etc. Tell me more about what you’re working on and what you hope to gain from the experience (book deal, more publications, career change, personal growth, etc.). Feel free to share how you balance work, life, and writing. It’s okay, if you’re struggling with this. It’s all part of the process!
C.H. I finally got my brand and things going this year (the one good thing to come from COVID). I finally made Callahan Creative, my hub for all my writing, book reviews, freelance work, creative work, and everything in-between! Though I’ve done freelance work over the years I finally have a place to house everything. Aside from that, I have been working on a novel, (book deal/publication would be wonderful) and trying to juggle the full-time job, freelance work, and my own creative endeavors is definitely a challenge.
Managing your time is the best way to maximize your efficiency. Especially with work and life. With writing I feel it’s more of a personal thing, finding time in the day, taking a break when you aren’t in a creative space. Especially balancing writing and reading. I believe you need to read as much as you write to be a decent writer. Read from those that came before you, understand the process, the structure, and develop your own style.
L.C. Writers are needed but often undermined/unappreciated. Especially those of us with literary goals in mind! If applicable, could you speak to how you’ve faced/overcome challenges in your career? It’s okay if these challenges are ongoing (they often are). Feel free to share any words of wisdom you may have from mentors, literary heroes, etc.
C.H. Many write, few well. I think one of the bigger challenges is compensation. Writing takes time and effort, oftentimes these go overlooked because as I mentioned everyone can do it but not everyone does it well. Don’t be afraid to ask what you are worth. Another challenge is finding your place in the writing world. So many different pockets, writing, marketing, communications, public relations, don’t try to fit yourself into a box. Try out various avenues, find what you enjoy and what works best and expand. Learn from those in the industry, talk, see what they’ve done and continue to build yourself up.
L.C. Say someone much younger than you says, “I want to be a writer, but I’m afraid I won’t succeed.” What would you tell them?
C.H. I would tell them to be comfortable in not succeeding. Writing is failure. You must continually write and rewrite and editors will then make corrections and you must rewrite again. We are in the business of continued failure, but when it’s finally right, it makes everything worth it. Frankly, you, the writer, needs to decide what you define as success? Is it getting an article published? Paid to write for a living, or your book deal finally coming through? Keep writing and you will succeed in some capacity.
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If you’re interested in being featured on the L.C. Spotlight, I’d love to hear from you!
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