The freelance writing business is clearly picking up. Just this week, two people have posted about new books. One travel writer is pleased to be blogging for Atlantic. And several people are trolling for source ideas for assignments they’ve gotten in the last few days.

This time last year the forums were full of complaints and tales of slow business woe. But this year on all the forums, including the Corporate forum, writers are talking about new opportunities and contracts with new clients. As one writer said, “Things are looking bright for the second quarter — knock on wood.”

One of the most interesting things on the forum this week is contributed by a savvy blogger and author who was interviewed on the Today Show last week — a marketing achievement that many would like to emulate. She wrote a fascinating and detailed explanation of how she managed this feat, including just being available on a moment’s notice. It encouraged the rest of us to aim high.

A few months ago, we surveyed FLXers as they gathered 1099s in advance of paying taxes. 51 percent said their income from freelancing was between $40,000 and $74,000 in 2009. Another 22 percent said they made more than $75,000. Decent  incomes, especially considering that most of us work from our spare rooms.

64 percent said their incomes declined last year, while 35 percent reported an increase — despite last year’s media meltdown.

I’m predicting that things are going to be even better this year as both publishers and freelancers get a grip on new business tactics and ways to succeed in this changing media world.