Day in the Life of a Freelance Food Content Writer

Join me on a virtual day in the life of a freelance food content writer to get a behind-the-scenes look at the person behind some of the most tantalizing words and what it takes to make a food blog come alive! 

Before We Begin

I feel it’s important to note that no freelance writer’s days look the same. You see a lot of glamorous lives and a lack of routines online from people proudly touting the life of a freelancer. It’s all possible, and I love that for them! However, most of the time (not always), that’s not my reality. 

Instead, I’m giving you a look into my real-life, everyday, boring routine. You won’t find me setting off on a private jet or traipsing through the jungle in some faraway country. Instead, I’m probably behind my computer screen typing away. 

While I love adventure and have been afforded some awesome experiences through my work (more on that at a later date), this is just what currently works best for me. So, if you’re thinking about becoming a food content writer or are getting down on yourself for not being farther along, I hope this post is the permission slip you need to keep going. Even when life gets a little boring. 

My Morning Routine as a Freelance Food Content Writer

My alarm goes off at about 5 a.m. every day. Even on weekends. Before you get the wrong idea, I don’t do this to feel superior or like I’m better than anyone who sleeps in. More power to you! 

I just love mornings. There’s just something about those quiet hours before the world wakes up, emails start rolling in, and my phone starts buzzing that never gets old. The start of my day is sacred to me, and my morning routine is one I don’t easily give up. 

After getting out of bed, I stumble down the stairs, let the dogs out, and start the Keurig. Then, I whip up a smoothie, settle into a corner of the couch, and curl up with a book. In the morning it’s usually self-development or business-related. 

Next, I walk the dogs (I have a rescued four-year-old German Shepherd and a happy-go-lucky two-year-old black lab.) and head downstairs to our basement gym to work out. 

Moving along, I shower, get dressed, and start my day settling in to answer emails, check in with clients, and write a few blog posts until lunch. 

Afternoon Boost 

Around noon I break to make myself lunch, usually consisting of whatever meal prep I made on the weekend. There’s never a shortage of food or new recipes being tested in my fridge! I do work for food bloggers, after all. 

After eating, I take a quick midday walk outside, play with the dogs, and check to see if I’ve missed any messages on my personal phone. 

Next, I settle back in, usually with a warm cup of tea in hand, and finish out my day writing a couple more blog posts or taking client meetings before snapping my laptop shut at 5 p.m.  

Evening Wind Down and Connect

When the workday is done, I make dinner for myself and my husband. We chat in the kitchen while I cook and while we eat. 

After cleaning up, we either go downstairs or head outside to play with the dogs. (Two eighty-pound pups need a lot of attention if you haven’t noticed already!) At this time, it’s typically around 7 at night, and our routine never looks the same. 

On nights when my husband has work to wrap up, I usually curl up with a fiction book. Or, if he’s free, we watch a movie, play a game, or scroll through Instagram laughing at videos and memes. Admittedly, I don't recommend spending your evenings scrolling on your phone. I’m far too guilty of staying up too late doing so, but we’re all human! 

Eventually, I make my way upstairs and crawl into bed. My lab tries to do the same. 

How My Daily Routine (and Sometimes Breaking It) Helps Improve My Writing

Although none of my days look exactly the same, having some sort of structure helps me feed my brain and body the fuel they need to stay organized, motivated, and on top of my work. From day to day, I study SEO, read books, and do my best to stay actively involved in the food space. 

Then, on the weekends I explore, and every few months I take a trip to learn more about the world! Doing so helps give me new perspectives and the opportunity to learn about and try different cuisines, which makes me excited to come back and write! 

In my experience, you don’t want to hire a food content writer who is so busy traveling they can’t deliver on deadlines or stay organized with their tasks. However, on the other hand, you don’t want someone so structured that they’re completely burnt out. 
If you’re looking to hire a freelance food content writer, the ideal candidate is someone who is both structured and loves to explore. They should stay on top of food trends, understand SEO, and have a deep love of food and writing. My routine (and willingness to break it) is the secret weapon to my success as a content writer for high-end food bloggers. If you’d like help taking your blog to the next level - let me know!