When people find out what I do - which actually, is a bunch of things (I'm a journalist, travel writer, writing coach and copywriter) - nine times out of ten they zero in on travel writing. "What's it like?" "How do you get started?" "What do you write if you hate the place?" While some of the answers take a while to explain (better off … [Read more...]
Podcast: Getting into travel writing
Want to know how to get into travel writing? Or what really happens on a travel writing trip? In this podcast featured on Bondi Beach radio's travel program, Wanderlust, I talk about the difference between a holiday and a travel writing trip, the realities of sharing 'talent' and how to get paid to travel. Some great tunes at the top of … [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...]
How to ensure your story idea passes the “So what?” test
I love this anecdote about the proverbial keen young journo. He runs up to his editor saying, "I've got a great story idea." Editor: "So what?" Keen young journo: "Well, people have reported seeing sharks in the ocean just off the local beach." Editor: "So what?" Keen young journo: "Well, the beach was packed and everyone was looking … [Read more...]
When pitching: focussed, not scattergun is key
Hot story idea? Check. Pitch ready to go? Check. Sent to the top ten publications you'd like to see it run in? Noooooo! Stop right there. When you're pitching, you want to target, target, target. At the recent Walkley's journalism conference I was reminded of this by a number of the speakers. Editor of Daily Life, Sarah Oakes said it very … [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...]
5 ways to keep an editor happy (aka: the million dollar question)
Across the globe, thousands - millions? - of freelancers are sitting at their desks perplexed. "What exactly does my editor want?" I hear you. Getting inside an editor's head isn't easy, especially if you've spent more time as a writer (or teacher, or accountant, or whatever your pre-freelancing career was - or still is) than traipsing the … [Read more...]
The #1 question all travel writers should ask
WOOEE. You're on the road. You've planned a great travel writing itinerary, maybe even sold a story or two, and you're out there doing it. Nice work! But now what? I know what you're thinking: "Oh god. The pressure's on. I need to get me some great material." Good plan. But where is this great material going to come from? Part of the answer … [Read more...]
Interviewing tips from Ita Buttrose
Recently, when I interviewed Australian media icon Ita Buttrose, for a story in The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald, I tacked on a few questions at the end just for you. (If you want to read that story, here you go.) Thanks to Ita for generously giving her advice on overcoming writer's block, some great interviewing tips and a reminder about … [Read more...]
The secret to (re)finding your creative spark.
Artists. Musicians. Writers. We’re all supposed to be creative types. But it’s hard to be creative when life keeps butting up against you. The solution? Retreat. The artist’s garret. The painter’s studio. Both are forms of retreat tried and tested over time to help creative folks find focus and inspiration. I’m wondering, where’s your place of … [Read more...]