Struggling with working for yourself/working from home/freelancing? Here are some tips. … [Read more...]
Why I’m pressing pause on the blog
In the last couple of months, I've been faced with an interesting quandary. I've got work coming out my ears. I've got life stuff needing my attention. I've got that "Phew, it's been a busy year" feeling hitting me every second day. We're all good at some things, less good at others. Left unchecked, I'm good at working too much. (Which is to … [Read more...]
What journalism has taught me about simplicity
Ahh, it's a complicated life. Or is it? Well, yes and no. Over the years I've come to the conclusion that it's easy to do something well as a one off. But doing a good job in a sustained way, over months or years, takes a bit more of a strategy. After a while, some of these strategies - or, more simply, ways I get things done - become second … [Read more...]
Nothing to write about? So write nothing.
Last week, I had nothing to say. Okay, not nothing, but nothing I felt was going to add real value to your week. It wasn't that I ditched writing...oh no, there were story deadlines hitting me from every direction. But when it came to the blog, I felt exhausted. Nothing. Nada. Not one little slice of inspiration. So I decided to say … [Read more...]
Why freelancers need friends (and how to find some!)
It's a freelancing paradox. On one hand, if you're self employed, existing friends pop out of the woodwork at all hours of the (traditional) work day. "I'm having a day off, want to hang out?" or "Just heading to the beach with the kids, interested?" Sound familiar? All very nice, but usually those offers involve you reminding your dear friends … [Read more...]
Tips for success from Siimon Reynolds
Looking at Siimon Reynolds' (yes, two i's) list of achievements, it's clear he's a busy guy. A former adman, Reynolds shot into the public eye in the 1980s, when he created the controversial Grim Reaper ads - one of Australia's first HIV education messages. His creative businesses boomed, and he then moved into writing books (five at last count), … [Read more...]
Why fake deadlines are (almost) as good as real ones.
Last week I wrote about deadlines, and why I think you should love them. No, luuuurve them. Really, you should. But what happens when you are self employed? Or starting a business? Or trying something new? The deadlines tend to be self imposed. Oh oh. Harder. Much harder. It's simple. If there are no deadlines out there. You need to make some … [Read more...]
Why deadlines are friend, not foe.
I’m wondering what happens to you when you hear the word “deadline”? If you’re like most people I know, the mere mention of these two syllables will get the heart pumping just a little bit faster than optimal. Not me. I’m a deadline nerd, although maybe not for the reasons you think (who knows what those are, but if they are flattering in any … [Read more...]
Why in business, less can be more.
Working on the road these last few weeks has reminded me of many things I already knew. Picnic lunches on remote beaches are far more exciting if I remember to buy the canned tuna with the ring top lid. Packing more than five days worth of clean underwear for a 24-day trip saves significant hassle. And last but not least, when it comes to working … [Read more...]
Travel writers’ survival guide: having a backup plan.
No, not an accounting degree, or a fallback career. I’m talking technical back up, so that all those almost-finished drafts aren’t lost if the technological termites take over while you’re on the road. I admit, this is easy to be lazy about (backup being about as sexy as tax), but it's one of those boring yet essential keys to success. 5 backup … [Read more...]
The secrets behind having a ‘dream job’
While I’m not sure if all writers have itchy feet, I know I do. (Clarification: I mean in the travelling sense, not the ‘too many scungy gym shower floors’ sense, naturally.) It’s one reason I started writing in the first place – and particularly travel writing. What better excuse to keep exploring the globe than ‘It’s for work’? Travel writing is … [Read more...]
3 tools you’ll need to set up your mobile office.
Living the dream? You tell me. In theory, I can work remotely any time I like. I’m freelance. If I want to, I can work from a plane (where this post is being written) or a beachside cafe (where I’m hoping my next post will be written from). But working remotely takes planning and (I believe) some investment in the right tools. Here are a few I … [Read more...]