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 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...]
3 tips for writers stuck for ideas
I have to confess, after re-entering the world of freelancing about six years ago, I did have a minor panic. Where would my ideas come from? Now that I'm teaching new writers, I realise it's a common theme. Every new writer worries about this! (And you don't have to be a writer-to-be to ponder this question. I'm asked "Where do you get your … [Read more...]
Do you share your ideas?
Over the break I've been listening to plenty of TEDTalks. They definitely came in handy when crossing the Nullarbor Plain, on my recent train journey across Australia on the Indian Pacific. I particularly liked Stephen Johnson's talk on Where good ideas come from. … [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...]