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...]
5 things to remember if you’re interviewed by a journo
If I'm at a dinner party and tell someone I'm a journalist, the response is either excitement (it sounds glamourous) or disdain (it sounds like I'm always digging for a story). Neither is true. Or both are true. Well, hear me out then you decide. The 'glamourous' part of journalism for me is getting to interview you: the expert. You are awesome … [Read more...]
This week I’m…
It's all deadlines and dinner dates in the lead up to Christmas. The publishing world slows to a halt over the break, which means it's currently in fast forward mode to prepare. Editors are flat chat. Writers are desperately trying to catch interviewees before the holidays. Deadlines are looming! Here's what I'm... … [Read more...]
4 steps to conducting a better interview
Student after student at the Australian Writers’ Centre tell me they struggle with interviews, so I thought I’d share a few tips on how to get good material, and how to put your interview subject at ease. … [Read more...]