We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sierra Kondos. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sierra below.

Alright, Sierra thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

Freelancers have the power to choose what stories they pursue- from niche cultural pieces to breaking news or personal essays. You are not bound by a single beat or editor’s assignments, which means more creative range and the ability to write about what genuinely interests you.
Freelance journalism gives me control over my working hours. While deadlines still matter, I set my own pace, take breaks when needed, or juggle multiple projects that align with my lifestyle- ideal for parents, night owls or multitaskers.
As an only parent, I knew I wanted to have a career that did not stand in the way of being a present mother in my son, Gabriel’s, life. So, during my time at Lamar University, I began researching how to begin my business as a freelance writer. All I had to do was pick up the phone, call an editor, and put myself out there. The worst someone can say is no, it’s not personal, it’s business. However, I surprised myself, editors were happy to collaborate with me.
Diverse income streams are another perk. Rather than relying on one employer, as a freelancer I can write for multiple outlets: newspapers, magazines, blogs, and more. Many also diversify with editing, podcasting, photojournalism, or consulting. My advice for landing a job is to ask what their budget is for the work. I have lost jobs due to being out of their price range because I didn’t consider that not all publications have the same budget.
As a columnist who has written, “The Heart of Southeast Texas” series, I work with individuals with writing their memoirs. Freelance journalism gives me creative autonomy. I have shaped my voice, style, and approach. Freelancers often develop distinct identities and niches- whether it’s investigative, travel writing, long-form features or memoir writing.
I’ve also had the perk of building my own brand. Freelance journalism has encouraged me to become my own brand, “The Heart of Southeast Texas.” As I publish across platforms, I build name recognition and a portfolio that reflects my values and voice. Over time, editors began to come to me. Three years ago, I began regularly working with The Port Arthur Newspaper and The Orange Leader Newspaper when the editor sought me out and asked me to join their team. He was looking for strong voices as well as writers who are passionate about sharing stories. It was a perfect fit. However, I do not sign non-competes so that I do not limit who I am allowed to collaborate with and that has given me the freedom to network in Southeast Texas and across borders.
With no physical newsroom, I build a network through pitches, collaborations, and interviews- mostly around Southeast Texas, but my newest goal is to publish with every newspaper and magazine in the United States. Freelancers can form meaningful connections in a range of industries and communities all the while working from home, cafes, libraries- or while traveling. As long as I have a laptop and internet, I’m in business.
There’s an undeniable thrill that comes from successfully pitching an idea, landing a byline in a new outlet or hearing a stranger say, “I read your piece.” In the 12 years I’ve been a writer, I still get the thrill of seeing my stories published for the world to see. To read my work, visit www.heartofsoutheasttexas.wordpress.com.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I began my career as a journalist Spring of 2013 at Lamar University. I quite literally stumbled over a University Press newspaper rack and kicked the newspapers all over the floor. As I began picking them up, I read “Student Newspaper” across the top and I knew that I wanted to see what it was all about even though I was a film student. So, an hour later with a coffee in one hand and a paper in the other, I found a hidden staircase that led to the most impressive press room I had ever seen and asked a young woman at the first desk who may I speak to about joining the team? She pointed to an office I had passed up and said Andy Coughlan would be the one to ask. I was really shy at that time and stood in the door way awkwardly hoping he would notice me. Instead, I watched the Editor-in-Chief leaning back into his chair with his legs crossed at the corner of his desk, holding a tea cup and yelling at a soccer match on the computer. I didn’t doubt that they could hear him. I knocked hard on his door frame and he gave me a look that made me want to tuck tail and run out the room, but instead, I held up the paper and said, “Can you show me how to do this?” To my surprise, he popped out his chair and told me to follow him. He led me to a conference room and began teaching me the upside down triangle of newswriting. My first article was a short one but the title, “Breaking Ground” foreshadowed my future, not just as a journalist, but as a writer. In the past twelve years, I have published hundreds of news articles and columns, historical research, written and sold a movie, as well as helping others write their novels. All because I put myself out there, even when I was afraid. The thing that sets me apart from others is that I enjoy trying to write just about anything. Even though I specialize in memoirs, I enjoy writing or helping others write fictional stories.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Ironically, my best marketing tool has been the work itself. When a story resonates, editors and clients tend to pass your name along- quietly, powerfully. Most of my freelance gigs have come from word-of-mouth, a well-placed byline, or a cold pitch that hit the right desk at the right moment.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

As I’ve mentioned before, my goal is to publish with every newspaper and magazine in the United States. However, I did not elaborate on the origins of that objective. A year ago, I met and interviewed Dj Daniel, a 13 year-old from Houston, Texas who was diagnosed with cancer and given a few months to live in 2018, who dreamed of growing up to become a police officer. However, since his circumstances changed, and he had to make his dream happen faster. His father picked up the phone and asked if local emergency agencies would oblige Dj and induct him into their agencies. And they did. The news spread like wildfire and recently, he was inducted by President Trump into the Secret Service. This happened all because they picked up the phone and asked. This is powerful evidence that putting yourself out there will put you on paths that you never would have imagined it taking you.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.heartofsoutheasttexas.wordpress.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sierrakondos/

Image Credits

Sierra Kondos