FAQs.
I wanted to create a ‘go to’ page for any questions you may have – especially those few that I seem to get asked frequently! Hopefully you will find the answer below, though if not, please feel free to message me direct.
How did you start out as a writer?
I started out as a trainee features writer at an agency for the real life women’s magazine market. From there, I moved onto writing for women’s glossies in areas such as fashion and beauty. I soon decided I wanted to freelance as it offers far more scope for a varied writing career, so I moved onto writing for regional glossy titles as well as the nationals, becoming a regular beauty editor along with writing travel, interiors, arts, food & drink and lifestyle content.
Do you write full time?
I do indeed, when I started freelancing, I had to take on additional part time roles, though finally I had built up enough work to be able to freelance full time.
I’ve been freelancing full time for about a year now and I love it, it’s incredibly demanding and occasionally so stressful that I consider doing something else entirely, but the bottom line is, I love it and couldn’t imagine doing anything else!
What is it about being a freelance writer that appeals?
There are two elements that make up this answer – the freedom and diversity it allows along with the challenge – knowing that everything you’re working on is completely authentic.
Do you write digital content as well print media?
Whilst I started out in print media, I have begun to write more and more digital content. I think this is in part due to the digital age that we live in – there are more opportunities arising for digital content.
The industry has evolved dramatically over the past ten years. Does your heart lie with print media or digital content?
Whilst I’d say my heart used to lie with print media, I like the wider reach that digital content gives you. It’s an opportunity. In the digital age that we’re in, writers need an audience. The difference in size of audience is undeniable and with print, the costs involved are unsustainable for a business such as mine. Instagram is so beneficial for us – I’ve even made friends through it! It provides a two-way communication which is great. You just can’t get that with print media. On the flip side, it’s still a luxury to sit back on holiday and read a magazine, so I can’t really pick one or the other. I have such respect for editors working in print now.
If you weren’t writing, what would you be doing as a career?
I’m not entirely sure, I used to model and have always been interested in styling, so possibly something within that area, whether it be fashion, beauty or interiors. Either that or a professional tennis player!
Did you always know that you wanted to write?
I did always know from an early age that I wanted to work in the media – a platform where my voice would be heard seemed important at the time. So to find something that is so versatile, a job that changes every single day, has been a dream come true for me!
Is there a writing project you’d like to take on that you haven’t yet had the chance of?
There are so many! I’d definitely like to do some more back-to-basics travel, including wildlife and nature in its various forms. I’d also like to expand on my photography and branch out with interiors projects, an area that I thoroughly enjoy writing content for.
Do you write copy for businesses?
I do, I think its essential as a freelancer, to welcome every opportunity of writing in a new area. I love the idea of my words helping businesses to convey their message to a wider audience. One of my skills within my writing is having the ability to adopt a different style and tone, depending on the publication, business or content in hand.
Is there a magazine title you’d like to write for that you haven’t yet graced the pages of?
Yes! I feel I should keep this one to myself, though I’m going to shout it out on the off chance the editor is reading this – Vogue! It’s always been a sheer indulgence for me to buy a copy, ensconce myself in a chair and devour the pages. In particular, the features, which are always so varied in subject matter and eloquently written.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
This is a question, I always feel is hard to answer – as individuals, we are always evolving, however I’d hope to still be writing full time with one or two regular columns, enjoying some collaborations and perhaps even living in warmer climes.
If there was one piece of advice you could give your eighteen year old self, what would it be?
To believe in myself, be grateful for all that I have and never turn down an opportunity.
If there is one piece of advice you could give to aspiring writers, what would it be?
Do not accept no for an answer: everything is there for the taking, if you keep going, however many dead ends you reach.