May 5, 2010
Date published: 28 April 2010
Publication: Science Network WA
Editor: David Satterthwaite
Author/Photographer: Marisa Wikramanayake
Title: Biomass kiln provides potential for power
Link to full article: Biomass kiln provides potential for power
Excerpt:
Ansac's Danny Griffin stands next to his biomass kiln at the Mallee Industry Expo
THE recent Mallee Industry Expo in Narrogin [...]
May 5, 2010
Date published: 15 April 2010
Publication: Science Network WA
Editor: David Satterthwaite
Author/Photographer: Marisa Wikramanayake
Title: New Mallee Harvester prototype reaps accolades
Link to full article: New Mallee Harvester prototype reaps accolades
Excerpt:
Hon Donna Faragher JP MLC boards the new Mallee Harvester prototype
THIS week’s Mallee Industry Expo saw the launch [...]
May 5, 2010
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 5, 2010
Just to let you know of some competitions currently open for entries:
The 2010 T.A.G. Hungerford Award:
Sponsors: Writing WA, New Edition Bookshop, The West Australian, & Fremantle Press
Prize: $12,000 AUD + a publishing contract with Fremantle Press
Eligibility: Australian citizens or permanent residents who reside primarily [...]
May 4, 2010
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
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

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
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
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