The Stylish Blogger Award!

Hot on the heels of the One Lovely Blog Award, Glamour Girl Reviews has sent Becks and the City the Stylish Blogger Award. Ta very much!

According to ancient tradition, I must now reveal five secrets about myself or my blog, so here goes...

1. As a kid, I had a Cabbage Patch Kid named Adamina. I call Adam this sometimes now to tease him!
2. My first kiss was under a drinking fountain with a boy name Neville when we were 6 years old. He was the class rebel, throwing a (tiny) chair at the teacher. Why are we always drawn to the bad boys?
3. I read in the bath. A lot. Many a magazine or book has gone for an accidental swim too. This involves much swearing and thrashing around.
4. I really dig the smell of petrol and smoke. Must have been a pyromaniac in a former life!
5. Ghosts of my wardrobes past include a fluoro ra-ra skirt, happy pants, gum boots at school (worn in the class photo -- my mum forgot it was that day), a tartan hat and many other crimes against fashion-loving humanity.

I am now passing this award onto...

1. A Bit Coquettish
2. Gen Y Journo
3. Falling Off a High-heeled Life
4. Closer to Lucy
5. Bouffe e Bambini

Congrats, ladies!

Interview: Emma Krieger

Emma Krieger: journalist, editor, aspiring author and cupcake connoisseur. A woman after my own heart! Freelance frosting and frivolity at her fresh-baked web site if you'd like to learn more. Here, she shares her secrets to a fantastic freelancing career.

Emma is a journalist, sub editor and copywriter. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from La Trobe University.

Emma's love affair with glossy magazines began when she received her first DOLLY magazine at 13 and since then, she devours up to 20 magazines a month (which now have the added bonus of being tax deductible!).

Emma's work has appeared in Notebook, Cleo, Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health & Fitness, Wellbeing, Jetstar, Good Health, HealthSmart, Emirates Bride, Australian Natural Health, Studio Brides, Studio Bambini, Bambini Directory, Perfect Wedding, Masters of Cuisine, My Wedding, Melbourne Bride, Black+White, Diane, Fitness First, Balance, Holidays for Couples, Wellplan, A&K, Fitness Life, Music Australia Guide, En Route, Stratosphere and Body Fit.

1. How did you discover you wanted to be a writer?

Strangely enough it took me awhile to figure out I wanted to be a full-time writer/journalist, although it should have clicked early on as I was always writing short stories and devouring as many books and magazines as I could get my hands on! At 17 I started writing for street presses for free (and for free gig tickets), but I always just viewed it as a hobby. Then I realised, hang on - I can make money from this!

2. In which other fields have you worked? How did you transition into becoming a freelancer?

While completing my degree I did a short internship with Network Ten News, before being offered a job as a production and news research assistant for 5pm News and 9am with David and Kim.

After two years with Ten, I moved to Sydney where I became features writer and sub editor at Studio Magazines, before returning to Melbourne to work for Private Media (http://www.smartcompany.com.au/) as their chief sub editor. During my time at Studio I started regularly freelancing for other magazines, and now I just freelance as much as I can while subbing full-time.

3. What were your first goals as a writer?

When I first started writing at 17 I was doing it all for free so to finally be paid for my first piece was huge at the time!

4. What was your first paid (or breakthrough) article? How did it come about?

I first started getting published in all of Studio magazines as I was their full-time feature writer, but my first commissioned piece was something I did for Jetstar. Because by that time I had a pretty full portfolio I was able to start pitching with work to show editors, which suggested my writing was publishable!

5. What is the most enjoyable article you have written?

I probably enjoy writing first person pieces the most – as it’s from your point of view and you don’t need to find interviewees, research, etc, it’s easy to bang out a piece fairly quickly. I did a story for Wellbeing about my stay at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, which was fun to write.

6. How can a beginner writer compose a winning query letter?

When pitching to editors keep your email brief and always mind your manners - it goes a long way! Keep pitches to about two or three sentences, with a working title and suggested word length.

7. How has your Bachelor's Degree in Journalism helped you establish your career?

I think these days a journalism degree is pretty much a prerequisite. You can still definitely crack the media industry by working your way up the food chain, or completing any kind of degree really, but it just sets the foundations. You learn the basics and get to hone your writing skills.

8. What's your best tip for beginner freelance writers?

I think you really have to have a genuine love for writing to really make it. You can't just decide to be a writer because you love seeing your byline in a magazine!

The best way to get published and then eventually paid for it is to start out writing for free. There are loads of reputable websites that accept content and once you build up a healthy portfolio, you are much better placed to start pitching ideas for paid work.

Also, scour news sites to see what's happening in the world and then formulate pitches for readers of particular publications based on current events.

And don't get disheartened if your pitches are knocked back or you don't hear anything straight way - editors are extremely busy people and receive tons of feature ideas from freelancers everyday!

One Lovely Blog Award -- I'm a Winner!

Apart from my agent, fellow actors, and the Academy, I'd like to thank Mommies 2 Cents for the One Lovely Blog Award!  Check out her posts on her goal to donate 20 bags of goodies to Project Night Night for homeless children and help out if you can!! A most worthy cause. : )

The rules for accepting this award are...

1. Accept the award. Post it on your blog with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.
2. Pay it forward to 15 other bloggers that you have newly discovered.
3. Contact those blog owners and let them know they've been chosen.

My 15 newly-discovered fave blogs and award recipients are:

1. Life in a Pink Fibro
2. The Anti 9-to-5 Guide
3. Carbon Couture
4. Write to Travel
5. The Blog Stylist
6. Blogaholic Designs
7. A Big Life
8. Catch the Trade Winds
9. Diary of a Fashion Muse
10. The Nail File
11. Frock & Roll
12. Gala Darling
13. My Flat in Paris Couture
14. A La Parisienne
15. Le Chateau Des Fleurs

 So many lovely ladies of the blogosphere!

Interview: Sarah Ayoub

Sarah's blog, Wordsmith Lane, is one of my absolute faves, featuring writerly advice, beauty reviews, source call-outs, interviews, magazine insights and more. She kindly shares her wisdom here...

Sarah Ayoub is a freelance journalist, commentator, copywriter and researcher based in Sydney, Australia.

Her work has appeared in various print and online publications including Madison, Sunday Magazine, ABC Unleashed, Notebook:, The Punch, Shop Til You Drop, Cleo, Frankie, Yen, Girlfriend and more, and she has spoken at numerous industry events with the Emerging Writer’s Festival, The Walkley Foundation and Vibewire.

In addition, Sarah has appeared on national television, radio and on forum panels as a commentator on various social/political issues, and was the co-publisher behind the establishment of one of Australia’s largest online youth magazines,  Trespass. In addition to blogging about the writing life and her pursuit of style, smarts and savoir-faire at Wordsmith Lane, Sarah is working on her first YA novel.

Sarah has a Master of Media Practice and a Bachelor of Media in Print Production, and is now engaged in a postgraduate research position at the University of Sydney, where she is writing a thesis on the Australian media’s role in the glamorisation of gang-culture among Sydney’s Middle-Eastern community.

1. How did you discover you wanted to be a writer?

I was obsessed with Lois & Clark when I was in primary school, so that piqued my interest in the journalism thing. I ended up doing a media degree and was intrigued by PR, but I loved feature writing more and hated my intern work in PR. At the time, I loved buying so many magazines and I realised that what I wanted was to write for them, so I just started doing work experience all over and it went from there.

2. In which other fields have you worked? How did you transition into becoming a freelancer?

I have worked inmagazine advertising, public relations, retail, copywriting and now in faith education. But I have been doing the freelance thing throughout all the jobs. It was not something I transitioned into. When I was doing work experience, I realised that it was going to take me forever to work my way up to a point in magazines when I would be able to write features myself. So I read about writing pitch letters on the internet and just had a shot it from there. The first article I ever pitched was the first article I got paid for. I was really lucky, but I was also pretty determined.

3. What were your first goals as a writer? For which publications did you aim to write?

My first goals were just to get published, in all honesty. I didn't care where. I was once hired to be the editor of a small, street-press publication run by some events dude about end of year parties and formals. I worked on it for two weeks, doing absolutely everything - layouts, commissioning, writing, styling, product call-ins etc. During that time, I'd leave work complaining to my boyfriend about my sleazy boss, who I now am smart enough to know was verbally assaulting me and making inappropriate comments of a sexual nature. I left after two weeks, but I was still so excited when the magazine came out, because I had made it. Unfortunately, he had listed someone else as the editor, and my work was still there, albeit uncredited. That sucked, but staying there and still following the magazine demonstrated how keen I was to write and see my work in print. As for publications, I guess writing for mainstream Aussie magazines and NIMs (Newspaper-Inserted Magazines) were my main aims. I still have a lot of goals I am yet to achieve.

4. What was your first paid (or breakthrough) article? How did it come about?

I was 21years old and enrolled in my Master of Media Practice at University. I was doing a subject called 'Advanced Writing for the Media', and we had three assessments that year. The first was writing a pitch, so after I did the assignment I sent it as a pitch to Girlfriend. Our second assignment was to write it. After I wrote it, I made a customised version for Girlfriend (who had by then commissioned me for the story) and they published it in their August 2007 issue. It was about not lying to Centrelink and the payback (pardon the pun) that comes when you do. I still remember it quite fondly, hehe! 

5. What is the most enjoyable article you have written?

That's a tough question, because when you freelance you have the option of picking and choosing what you write about, because you're your own boss in that circumstance. Probably one for CLEO, where I interviewed mums and daughters about their generation gaps based on where they had grown up. I wish I'd a longer word limit - the piece was pitched as involving the grandmother as well.

6. How has your blogging enhanced your freelancing career?

To be honest, I don't think it has enhanced it. Unlike Girl with a Satchel, for example, my blog doesn't draw industry peeps. It's more for those aspiring writers who want to break into the industry, and they are usually girls in their late teens and early twenties who don't necessarily have a lot of footing in magazines, where they can commission me for stuff. But I guess interviewing a new writer on most Fridays means I get to know more freelancers, and we can commiserate on the unpredictability of our work!

7. What's your best tip for beginner freelance writers?

Pitch. Don't feel bad about the rejection, but take it as part of the industry. And read Wordsmith Lane of course, especially this post.

Sex and the City Guide to Paris

I've been dreaming of Paris lately, creating an ultimate wishlist themed on Sex and the City's final two episodes, An American Girl in Paris (parts une and deux). Soon, pretty city, soon!

I'd love to follow in Carrie Bradshaw's footsteps and visit:

1. The Dior Store: Site of an embarrassing tumble and losing her namesake necklace, Carrie shops up a storm here to compensate. Sigh, wish I could do the same, but there's always window shopping!
2. Hôtel Plaza Athénée Paris: Carrie stays with her Russian lover, Aleksandr, at this top-notch hotel before Mr Big sorta rescues her. It now offers a Sex and the City package, including daily continental breakfast for two, cosmopolitan cocktail, red Plaza Athénée umbrella and delicious cake offered in room upon arrival. All this starting from 3800 Euros, which when converted to Australian dollars roughly works out to holy shit!
3. Eiffel Tower: Aleksandr's daughter may dismiss it as hideous once the evening light show kicks in, but how could I resist?
4. Le Kong Restaurant: This ultra-chic restaurant is where Carrie lunches with the Russian's ex-wife, Juliet. Check out the futuristic web site.
5. Ladurée Patisserie: Remember the scene with Carrie eating French pastries seated beside the sad-looking dog? This is the place. Check out the books, postcards and new beauty collection online.
6. Galerie Nationale Du Jeu de Paume: Who didn't have a knot in their stomach watching Carrie wait for Petrovsky in the art gallery and miss her book party with her French fans? This is the spot, housing contemporary art exhibits.
7. Pont des Arts: Romantic site of the final scene between Carrie and Big, this bridge would be another must-see. Here, Big tells Carrie that she's the one. Magic.

With any luck, the city of Paris will soon be avec Beck!

Interview: Rachel Hills

Rachel Hills, feminist, pop culture whiz and all-round rockstar writer, generously agreed to an interview. Check out her blog, Musings of an Inappropriate Woman.

Rachel Hills is a London-based (via Sydney, Australia) journalist, blogger and digital media professional, who likes writing about big ideas in gender, sociology, tech and popular culture, in ways that connect with readers’ everyday lives.

Rachel has written over 100 feature articles, essays, opinion pieces and reviews for magazines, newspapers and websites across Australia, the US and the UK. Her blog, Musings of an Inappropriate Woman, was named Australia’s best feminist blog by the Weekend Australian Magazine (2009) and was nominated for Cosmopolitan‘s 2010 Fun Fearless Female awards. She is currently working on a book on sex, status and identity in Gen Y, and has worked as Homepage Editor for ninemsn, Associate Editor of newmatilda.com and managed politics and print projects for Vibewire. Someday, she’d like to be “the Simone de Beauvoir of the internet”.

1. How did you discover you wanted to be a writer?

I was always reading or writing in one form or another. As a child, I made little "newspapers" for fun, and as a teenager, I wrote long serial-like soap operas where I'd pass around the latest installment to my friends every Monday morning. It never really occurred to me that I could do it for a job though until I was in year 12 and had to choose my uni preferences. I'd been running a pop culture website for a year or so, and was always fantasising about the (generally pretty satirical) magazines I wanted to create. One evening I was going on about one such fantasy to my parents and they asked me, "Is this just a pipe dream, or is it something that you're actually going to do?" I decided I would do it. Or something close to it, anyway.

2. In which other fields have you worked? How did you transition into becoming a freelancer?

I started freelancing within a year of finishing university, so I didn't really have that many other jobs! Aside from the usual young people's jobs - retail, market research, tutoring - I did a couple of short stints at a PR firm and a trade magazine while I was at university, an internship at a think tank, and spent a year working as a communications officer in the not-for-profit sector. I decided to go freelance when I was volunteering at the youth media/arts organisation Vibewire, and was inspired by all the other young writers and creatives who were getting out there and making the kind of things happen that most people don't think they'll be able to do until they're older or more established. I've also spent around half the time I've been freelancing working concurrently as a staffer, for newmatilda.com and later for Ninemsn.

3.  What were your first goals as a writer? For which publications did you aim to write?

My first goal as a freelancer was to get published in the Sydney Morning Herald, and it was also the first goal I achieved - about two weeks after I set it. Other than that, I've just always aimed to write for publications I enjoy reading. Probably the most exciting ones to be published in were the Australian Literary Review, The Monthly and Vogue, but I still get excited whenever I crack a new publication (and whenever I have a pitch accepted, for that matter).

4.  What was your first paid (or breakthrough) article? How did it come about?

My first paid freelance article was for the Sydney Morning Herald, at the beginning of 2005. I'd set it as my goal for the year to get an opinion piece published, and decided I'd write and send off one article per week until it happened. Luckily, they took the second article I sent them. They may have taken the first as well, but the editor had received a story on the same topic by a higher profile writer that morning, which taught me an important freelancing lesson: the early nerd gets their op ed in the Herald. So don't procrastinate.

5.  What is the most enjoyable article you have written?

I really love the work I do for Cleo. I get to write on thoughtful topics that I'm passionate about, and I work hard to make them as interesting and relevant to the readership as possible. I also really enjoy writing my blog, Musings of an Inappropriate Woman.

6.  How has your blogging enhanced your freelancing career?

I'm not sure it has, actually! In a lot of ways, the two operate as separate spheres. What my blog has been good for is developing a more intimate, ongoing relationship with the people who are interested in the kinds of things I write about - people who might not read the publications I write for, or who might not pick them up on that particular day or month. It's a relationship I really value and appreciate. As far as freelancing goes, I guess blogging might make editors a bit more aware of what you stand for and what you're passionate about, which can help when they're thinking about who they want to commission. I think it helps to do the two in concert, though.

7.  What's your best tip for beginner freelance writers?

Write a lot. Submit what you write for publication. And learn the publications you want to write for - their tone, their style, what sorts of articles they're interested in and how they frame them - as well as you possibly can. There are a lot of people out there who want to be writers, sure, but if you're good and you don't give up, you'll get there eventually. Despite getting my first clip in the Sydney Morning Herald after two weeks of trying, and developing a pretty good relationship with them after that, it was quite difficult for me to get a response from other editors - especially in mags - for the first year I was writing especially. You've got to give it time.