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...]
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...]
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...]
5 simple steps for writers to make tax time (virtually) stress-free.
"Time for sex?" Sorry, I meant, "Time for tax?" It's amazing how changing a few letters can turn someone's attention span off or on. Eeewww, TAX. There may be no bigger turn off. But as a freelancer, you're tasked with looking after your own tax, and given it's tax time here in Australia I thought I'd share a few of the simple systems I set … [Read more...]
How I organise my stories
Nice work - you've got a story on the go. Congrats! Now what? First, celebrate. Second, if it's your first commission, freak out (just a little, to get it over with). Third, you're ready to write. Actually, not quite yet... Instead, you're ready to set up a few systems that will help you keep track of your writing. The systems I use to keep … [Read more...]
Why learning by stuffing things up is worth the red face
Freaking out about something new? Not me. I worry about plenty of stuff. ("Will our new back lawn really take hold and not die off despite my tender loving care?" "How is it possible the list of things I want to change about my new house never gets any shorter?" "Do I really have the discipline to exercise every day, forever?") But for me, a … [Read more...]
3 ways to stop blowing your word count
When I started out freelancing, I thought all editors had gone crazy. They kept taking my stories (not the crazy bit), but giving me a tighter word count than I knew (yes, knew, from the bottom of my inexperienced writerly heart) the story required. Did they all go to a secret school where the curriculum skipped the bit about figuring out how long … [Read more...]
How thinking like comedian Judith Lucy taught me to be a better writer
I've been reading Judith Lucy's book Drink, Smoke, Pass out. It's good. She's funny. But I knew that before I started reading her book. What I didn't know is that Judith Lucy isn't obsessed with comedy. She likes comedy. In fact, she probably loves comedy compared to most folks. (In the book, there's a great description of her love/hate … [Read more...]
5 ways to make writing pay
When starting out in writing, everyone wants to know: "How do I get paid for this?" You definitely can. But, at least when it comes to writing features for magazines and newspapers, or travel writing, I believe it's a ten-hour answer. That's why I teach this course and this course at the Australian Writers' Centre. I know, who can wait that … [Read more...]