Fabulous Fridays: 25 May 2012

Gosh, this is becoming a habit! Your Fabulous Friday madness rocking up late on a Sunday this time...

• Newest vintage blog crush: Depict This!
• So, you're after a fun housewarming gift? Here's what we gave a friend this week: The Logo Board Game.
• Addicted to Pinterest like me? Here's some fashion favourites to follow: Pip Lincolne, Gala Darling, Paula Joye, Cupcakes and Cashmere.
• This recipe had me at "molten Lindt Lindor mint centre". Oh yes.
• Gratuitous Madonna flashback. Just because.
• The forgotten sister in Pride and Prejudice tells events from her bespectacled viewpoint: Mary Bennet.
• I've been searching for the perfect black bib necklace. Have I found it?
• Boring shoes, be gone! Hello neon.
• Because I know you're craving more neon, you can download printable wrapping paper at the Funkytime blog here.
• Wanna work in public relations? Look to the NYC PR Girls blog for inspiration.
• There's a heap of hype surround Fifty Shades of Grey, but not sure what to make of the book's reviews.

The good news is, it's not long until the next Fabulous Friday. See you soon! : )

Interview: Shitika Anand

Shitika Anand is the ultimate magazine-writing multi-tasker with an impressive list of web sites, newspapers and magazines to her name. When she's not penning articles for the likes of Cosmo magazine and beauty web site, PRIMPED, she's attending Fashion Week and sharing fashion and lifestyle thoughts on her site, Sweet Dreams in My World. Here, she shares her experiences to help you follow in her freelancing footsteps.

Shitika Anand is a Sydney-based freelance journalist who is currently seeking another set of hands. You see, she always has her fingers dipped in way too many pies, so 10 of the aforementioned body part aren’t really enough.

If you ask her what she’s doing at this very second, first she’ll whinge (only a little) and then list out all the looming deadlines. She’s been published in Cosmopolitan magazine, CNNGo, CNN International, Fashionising, Courier-Mail online, mX newspaper, Frock Paper Scissors, The Modern Woman’s Survival Guide, MyLookBook, PRIMPED, Coco Lee, Sassi Sam and others.

But as of today, she’s the contributing editor of Fashionising.com, a regular contributor of CNN’s travel and lifestyle website - CNNGo.com, and a health columnist at MWSG.

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

You put it very aptly here; it was a discovery, if anything. I used to religiously watch the Style Network as a teenager and knew fashion and lifestyle was the industry I wanted to be in. It elated me to another world. I started studying fashion theory and history in uni, which also coincided with a few writing classes. My journalism teachers deserve a big shout out because they talked me into changing my degree to a 'Bachelor of Journalism'. This was five years ago... and the rest is history.

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

Depends what you classify as 'fields', but apart from the current status of my frivolous reporting, I have done court, politics and hard-core news in the past. I didn't just fall into fashion, health and lifestyle journalism. It all started with interviewing Anna Bligh and Campbell Newman in Queensland. Freelancing became the next obvious step for me, only because I moved to Sydney and couldn't find that magical doorway into the printing press world. I did all the infamous internships everyone talks of and while doing so, I sent out several shameless emails and pitches to editors. They started getting approved, I started eating more than chickpeas from a can and quit all my internships to freelance on a full-time basis. Having said that, if an opportunity arises, I would still take up a full-time writing job in a newspaper or magazine. I have a crazy craving for an office.

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

Getting a by-line. It was my very first goal and I haven't changed much. Anywhere, anyhow, I just want to keep getting published. My first published story was for Quest Newspapers in Brisbane, and I didn't make my sub-editor very happy because it was a very badly-written story. But I didn't aim too high back then, it was always looking one step ahead. After suburban newspapers, Courier-Mail was the next stop, then mX, followed by a Brisbane-based magazine and now an international published story.

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

My first paid article was an opinion piece for CNN's travel and lifestyle website, CNNGo.com. Obviously, because it's an international publication at CNN (a big deal for my family), I was pretty chuffed when it came around. How did I get it? Once again, shameless emails with story ideas to the editor -- it's the only way to go in this industry. Lots of amazing opportunities opened up for me from there on, I started writing for an international fashion website, Fashionising.com, got a story in Cosmopolitan, SMH.com.au and Cosmo Latin America.

5. Tell us about attending Rosemount Australian Fashion Week. How did you apply for access? What did you see and do while you were there?

I attended RAFW as an intern in 2011, and pretty much lived on-site or backstage for the five days of Fashion Week. I wasn't paid to do that last year, which was alright, because I made connections and met all my favourite models and journo-idols. This year, I attended MBFWA for Fashionising.com (I'm the contributing editor there) and it was an even more rewarding experience.

For me, it's that magical second after the lights in the room dim and right before the models step on the runway. It just makes me go, 'Wow! this is real and is all I want'. Of course, working from the media centre, with all other writers, gives you an insight into how they work in their space. For example, this year, I saw Paula Joye working on her laptop, while someone did her hair and her team of photographers photographed her typing away. You'd never see this outside Fashion Week. But if you're really there to report and write about what's going on the runway and behind it, then nothing seems glamourous. It's all about deadlines and intelligent content. Fashion Week is bloody hard work, especially if you're affiliated with an online publication. It's really the magazine peeps who get look pretty just for the name of it, because they work on a 3-month publishing cycle. They have no pressure to instantly churn out a story.

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

This is a tough (and unfair) one; it's like asking a mum who her favourite child is. I might cheat a little. I am HUGE fan of Audrey Hepburn, to the point that I worship her before an important meeting or event. Don't judge. So when Breakfast at Tiffany's hit its 50 year mark, I had to write about it. Best ever.

Also, really enjoyed doing the spa reviews for this CNNGo story. Incredibly relaxing... I mean, rewarding!

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

Well, I've already said it, but be shameless. Shameless in the sense of not being afraid to list out what unique factor you can bring to the story, your previous by-lines and why you need to write the story. The editors get crazy number of emails per day, so you need to make yours stand out. If you have found your own writing style, this will be very easy to do. Make sure it's your voice though and you aren't 'channelling' your writer-idol. Be kind, don't come across as too ruthless and don't put in smiley faces or 'xo's.

8. What are your best tips for beginner freelance writers?

Network like a crazy person and don't suck up. When the editors see an email pitch from you, they should recognise your name and not link it to some crazy Twitter behaviour of yours. Also make sure you have a strong support system to back you up. Freelancing is incredibly fast-paced and competitive, so there's no time to self-loathe and feel sorry for yourself. Work hard and keep trying till you get what you truly want. Another tip: always drink wine after sending a killer pitch across. Such a good reward.

Fabulous Fridays: 18 May 2012

 Oops, slinking in just past curfew, it's Fabulous Friday (ahem, Saturday)!

• I've joined Pinterest and have been madly pinning to my Fave Magazines and Cupcake Porn boards. Come say hello. : )
• Want to write for brands' web sites and marketing materials? Here's how to get started as a copywriter.
• Would you wear scratch 'n' sniff jeans? I totally would!
• Be a babydoll with attitude, wearing this spiked headband.
• Obsessed with The Hunger Games like me? Check out this fan site.
• Seriously for a second: Bush may no longer be US president, but plenty of leaders should be listen to my all-time favourite Pink song.
• Adore colourful and quirky online mag, Rue.
• Be your own agent for your blog and get it mentioned in magazines and other media. Hope it works. : )
• Crepes: a filling, slimming alternative to heavier carbs, as I've discovered -- try these on for size.
• There's been some musical chairs in the Aussie luxury fashion mag editor offices this week.
• Valley of Dolls purse by Alannah Hill. Do want!

May your weekend be filled with fashion, feathers and frills. ; )

Magazine Guide #24: Diabetic Living

Publication: Diabetic Living
How Often Does It Come Out: Six issues a year
Distribution: National

Contributors vs Staff Writers: Difficult to work out due to the lack of bylines. The contributors page seems to indicate an even spread, but several contributors are experts (dieticians, doctors etc) as well as writers.

Target Audience:
Age: 25+
Gender: Male and female.
Interests: Various aspects of living with diabetes such as exercise, food, lifestyle, weight and wellbeing.

Topics and Themes:
Articles include "Why Sexual Healing Can Save Your Life", "10 Good Things About Having Diabetes", "Play Your Social Cards Right" and "Happy Feet". Topics help readers with different aspects of life with diabetes at various ages and catering to all types of diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, gestational, etc). Readers are offered advice to shed kilos, increase fitness, avoid diabetes complications, make healthy food choices, blend diabetes seamlessly into their lives and stay happy in their relationships.

Length of Features:
Previously 1,000-2,000 words, but now looking for more short, snappy articles under 1,000 words.

Tone and Style of Writing:
Lists, breakout boxes, subheadings and introductions up to 100 words are all popular. The mag also favours cut-out-and-keep guides, "good, better, best" comparisons and dot points with recommended actions (eg buy, eat, try, etc). The tone is positive and active, with common diabetes terms abbreviated (eg BGL = blood glucose level). Experts such as endocrinologists, exercise physiologists and diabetes educators are quoted in articles..

About How Many Features:
Apart from regular columns, first-person accounts, recipe pages and Q&As with experts, around 8 features.

Fabulous Fridays: 11 May 2012

Let's celebrate the impending weekend with links you'll love...

• Blog for ballet tragics like me: Tendus Under a Palm Tree. I especially wanna try the recipes to get a dancer's body. Love!
• Delightfully pretty fashion illustrations by Anna Bours.
• The sweetest little handbag ever.
• Mollie Makes magazine provides a nifty tutorial for making your own rubber stamp.
• New online magazine crush: Cupcake. Very, very tasty.
• Going by the sheer genius of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, I'm sure upcoming movie The World's End will be a must-see. Can't wait. : )
• Cute coloured Blu-Tack art.
• Another reason to visit France: see-through igloo accommodation. Looks cosy.
• Step back in time with some vintage Vogue.
• Oh my goodness, this is on my bucket list!! A few replays of this video and I'm sure I'll be able to cross it off: how to pick a lock.
• The tiny man with the falsetto voice wishes you a happy Friday!

Wishing you glitter, sunshine and romance until next week! xx

Sports Words for Writers

Writing on sports? Hit a home run with these words and phrases.

Team, coach, selection panel, field, court, stadium, net, goal, behind, umpire, captain, hockey, football, uniform, bench, winner, runner-up, tennis, doubles, singles, grandslam, championship, tournament, circuit, match, game, racquet, strings, tension, media conference, soccer, volleyball, spike, set, dig, knee pads, bat, box, pitch, base, runner, baseball, globe, mitt, catcher, dug out, fielder, baton, relya, medley, swimming, podium, training, drug testing, physiotherapist, cheating, match-fixing, victory, glory, MVP (most valuable player), goggles, driver, Formula One, grand prix, track, arena, velodrome, lose, defeated, draw, lead, interchange, defiant, charge, dominant, fightback, thriller, hoodoo, round robin, sudden-death, knockout, tipping, nil, deuce, advantage, love, line-up, league, fixture, score, ahead, tie, drawer, highlights, wicket, charge, points, masters, retire, injury, triumphs, battle, dash, scrappy, rebound, recuperate, bye, test, bowler, play, rain delay, luck, skill, crucial, vital, opener, dismissal, innings, sitter, spinner, average, statistics, rules, contest, racing, protest, penalty, speed, crowd, grandstand, torpedo, handball, kick, behind, season, finals, tackle, rugby, scrum, try, smother, spoil, debut, rookie, contender, star, legend, medal, awards ceremony, squad, competitive, sportsmanship, spirit, result, dunk, forward, offense, defense, challenge, dynamic, centre, world cup, crush, annihilate, derby, replay, half-time, cheerleaders, possession, form, heaveyweight, Olympic Games, sponsorship, basketball, cycling, netball, paralympics, home game, away game, premiership, reigning, talent, referee, judge, perfect, flawless, gymnastics, rhythmic, floor, beam, uneven bars, vault, cartwheel, pike, somersault, handstand, diving, platform, pool, officiating, squash, badminton, shuttlecock, supporters, members.

Be an MVP and a team player by suggesting any words I've missed. : )

I'm on the Contributors Page!

It's my first ever appearance on a contributors page, in the May/June issue of Diabetic Living magazine! : )

As you may have guessed, I added the hearts, just to look extra special. Here's a close-up of what I wrote for my blurb...

It only took me about 5 minutes to write. You may be able to tell. ; ) Oh, and if you want to check out the email I wrote to the mag to score this writing gig in the first place, here it is.

It really is a dream come true to be on a contributors page. I grew up reading this page first whenever I bought a magazine, hoping to glean insights into becoming a writer and working for the (ahem) glamorous world of glossies.

Do you ever read the contributors page (please say yes!)? Which page of your favourite mag do you flick to first?

Fabulous Fridays: 4 May 2012

Who can resist a burst of Fabulous Friday energy? Not me, for sure....

• Warning: you won't be able to shoo this song out of your brain, but so worth it: baby monkey.
• Who wants to try zorbing with me? I imagine it's the closest thing to living inside a pinball machine. : )
• Any ballet fitness program Marie Claire magazine recommends has gotta be on my wishlist.
• Better than crack... not that I've ever actually partaken in crack... you know what I mean: peanut butter M&M's. My 3pm snack this week.
• Take comfort that everyone else is messed up too... then get on with it!
• The Dita cardigan at Wheels & Dollbaby. DO WANT!!!
• A man took a Polaroid every day until he died. A fascinating pictorial story.
• Mr Big is doing a podcast for the Action Figure Blues forum tomorrow. He's going to be a superhero of the airwaves!
• The perfect track for your iPod when you're kicking back or for zoning out on the bus ride to work.
• I discovered the very London-glam Company mag at the news agency this week. Check out their fashion intern diary.
• Hooray for Vogue vowing to use healthy models! : )

That's it for annother week. Stay glamorous, gorgeous and great. : )

Workin' 9 to 5 (What a Way to Make a Livin')

After 15 glorious months of full-time writing, I'm back to the ol' office job. To bring you up to speed, here's a quick quiz...

1  My day job is:
a)  butt-scratching
b)  ball-busting
c)  talking about shopping with angry people (ie Consumer Affairs)
correct answer: c (a and b also occasionally correct)

2  In the month I've been back, I've advised customers on our helpline about:
a)  a roadside pumpkin shop
b)  taxidermied rabbits
c)  more head-slappingly dumb deals than I can count
d)  all of the above
correct answer: d

3  I've been writing articles in my spare time for:
a)  Period Monthly and Flexes Muscles Weekly
b)  a dog magazine and a top fashion glossy
c)  magazines about tattooed women and bathroom renovations
correct answer: b

4  Since my return, I've become addicted to:
a)  cocaine
b)  stealing office supplies
c)  watermelon juice
d)  all of the above
correct answer: c

5  I plan to stay in this office job:
a)  to keep getting lucrid perks like pre-chewed biros and cut-price neon lighting
b)  until I write that bestseller and then I'll disappear with a PEOWWWWRR like Road Runner
c)  dunno, kinda enjoying it some days, but I do wanna go back to writing full-time
correct answer: c (I'll also pay b)

How long do you reckon I'll last caged in a cubicle again? My money's on 6 months, but we'll see...