August 11, 2010

Tips for being a science journalist

4625629358_195d5a180c_m

A brief summary of my seminar (part of the UWA Science Communication Seminar series) on 6 August 2010. [...]

May 5, 2010

How to write a novel … or at least one way of doing so

After taking another look at the novel AND learning about the T.A.G Hungerford Award being open for 2010 entries, I decided to rethink everything I have been doing with it.

My last published book was a poetry anthology. I do know how to edit a novel because I can tell you what doesn’t fit, what needs to get cut and so on. I know about style, characterisation and plot.

What I don’t know about writing a novel is this: how you go about the process so that it gets done. Especially if, like me, you’re doing it without a writing group or some kind of organised cheering/nagging squad or a mentor. I, particularly, as an individual, need the support to write this novel.

So here, after the cut, is my take on what needs to be done to get this novel done and dusted.

Continue reading → How to write a novel … or at least one way of doing so

May 4, 2010

Taking the day off … to write

Today I am going to something odd for a freelancer. I am going to take the day off.

Remember that novel I am supposed to be writing? Well, I am going to take the day off and write it and bar a lunch appointment with [...]

May 3, 2010

Five reasons to charge a decent rate

Marisa Wikramanayake discusses why you shouldn’t be afraid to charge a reasonably higher hourly rate for your work as a freelance writer/editor. [...]

April 23, 2010

Freelancing Friday: A day in the life

moleskine Pure

I am not a very organised person. Let me give you an example: as I type this, I am currently curled up in bed, with a pile of paper next to me and I only have one sock on. The reason I have one sock on is because I can’t find my other one. The reason I have a pile of paper to go through asap is because I have ignored it for too long.

But I am in business now. I’m in business by myself – all by my little lonesome self. If the whole thing comes crashing down around my ears, I only have myself to blame. Surprisingly enough, I am a bit of a control freak so this does not scare me … much (also at this point the flatmate interrupts with a rather sarcastic ” ‘bit’? Did you say ‘a bit’? “).

Continue reading → Freelancing Friday: A day in the life

April 23, 2010

MEAA now able to negotiate on behalf of freelancers

Here’s yet another reason to join the union (Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance).

Christopher Warren’s newsletter to all MEAA members this morning stated that:

Freelance journalists will be able to turn to their union for representation after the ACCC issued a draft determination proposing to grant authorisation to the Media Alliance to negotiate on their behalf. This is [...]

April 16, 2010

On passion and identity

I happened to attend an event yesterday. It was a networking event for women in science. A friend of mine rocked up as well.

Then Prof. Lyn Beazley came over to chat to us and my friend who has a habit of fan girling scientists rather than celebrities, started jabbering nineteen to the dozen. My friend has a BSc in Chemistry, a Grad Dip in Extractive Metallurgy and is studying for an MA in Science Communications. After talking a lot to her, Professor Beazley turned to me and asked me what I did. My answer: “I’m a freelance journalist and editor. I’m with Science Network WA.”

Continue reading → On passion and identity

April 9, 2010

Freelance Friday: 8 marketing tips for freelancers

flickr typewriter typo?! by bitzi on Flickr

1) Streamline your marketing efforts as best you can. If you have a website, for example, set it up so that your posts [...]

April 2, 2010

Freelance Friday: The marketing methods that are working

Writer Sign by avrdreamer on Flicker

I thought this might help the other freelancers out there. Over the past year and a bit, I have been experimenting with all sorts of [...]

January 15, 2010

Freelancing Friday: Globe-trotting as a freelancer, part 1

This life is hard. It is difficult. I see my family once a year on average since I live away from them and when I do see them, I am caught up with deadlines for stories or with finding more clients. In these economic times, freelancing will get you money where you can’t get it from part time or full time employment but it will also require you to be extremely well organised so that there is a relatively steady flow of cash coming in. [...]