Car­olyn Morris is a com­mu­ni­ca­tions spe­cial­ist skilled at trans­lat­ing research into com­pelling sto­ries. An award-winning mag­a­zine jour­nal­ist, her arti­cles have appeared in major national pub­li­ca­tions includ­ing Toronto Life and Reader's Digest. Carolyn can be reached at caro@caromorris.com and http://caromorris.com/. 

When did you launch your business?

I was working as an ESL teacher in Montreal in 2006 when I got the chance to interview several researchers involved in interesting projects. I found I was good at translating their research to a general audience. I decided to go into journalism, and did a Master of Journalism at Ryerson. I went on to write feature articles for magazines like Toronto Life and Reader's Digest, and provided writing and communications support for several organizations in the non-profit, professional association and university sectors. 

What do you enjoy most about being independent?

I love the mix and depth of freelance writing. You are able to dig into an issue and transform it into compelling language. For example, a few years ago I wrote an article on experimental Deep Brain Stimulation for patients with major depression. I had the opportunity to speak with medical professionals doing leading research, and to patients, who spoke about their decision to do the procedure and how it turned out. It got an honourable mention at the National Magazine Awards, and I still have readers tell me how much the article moved them. 

What don't you enjoy about being independent?

I find it hard to manage the feast-or-famine side of freelancing. It's difficult to make the time to market myself and reach out for the next job when I already have a lot of work on my plate. And I miss having colleagues, being part of a team. Freelancing can be a little lonely. That's why I recently accepted a full-time communications opportunity at the University of Toronto, and I hope to continue working in-house for a university or research centre after my contract ends. 

If I decide to go back into full-time freelance work in the future, I would want to collaborate with others. I have often shared industry information and opportunities with colleagues, but I've never been part of a team of independent contractors, working together to offer complete communications packages. That's something that intrigues me. 

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming an independent?

First, I would say connect with a community of writers or communications professionals who do similar work -- get out there and have a collaborative attitude. The more you get out there, the more you realize your colleagues aren't really competitors. To a certain extent they are, but mostly you'll find they will give you work by recommending you. And on the flip side, you'll find it's helpful to know of other professional communicators you can recommend to clients and editors. 

I also think it's important to figure out what you do best. I know I'm good at translating research into meaningful narratives. And I like doing that. So find out what you love doing, what you're good at doing, and market yourself based on that. 

I would also say figure out the feast-or-famine thing. Keep marketing.

What type of work are you doing right now?

I am currently working as a web writer for a new admissions site for the University of Toronto. I'm really enjoying the university sector, and hope to find a more permanent position within the U of T, or at a research centre. I like the idea of being in-house and connecting with colleagues -- working toward a common goal and seeing the results of our efforts. 

Over the years, I have kept up my freelance work even when I've moved in and out of full-time contracts and through two maternity leaves -- it ebbs and flows. I'm doing less freelancing since I've been working full-time, but I did recently write an article about medical innovations in skin healing for Reader's Digest. 

How long have you been a PIC member and what value do you get from your membership?

I just joined IABC in October and I hope to get to a PIC event soon. I'm really excited about being part of this group. I've heard great things. I look up to the businesses the members have created and the work they've done. They seem successful and willing to collaborate with others.