Overcoming self-doubt as a writer
Oooof this self-doubt malarkey is a total ratbag, right? I’d bet my last Rolo that you’ve asked yourself at least once “When will I stop doubting myself as a writer?!” It’s something that pops up in conversation with the writers on my course, as well as in the...
How to get started pitching to publications
‘How to pitch to publications’ is a juicy topic. It can also feel overwhelming to even begin typing out the first pitch email to an editor when you’re just starting out. But – great news: you don’t have to have done a degree in journalism or have even gone to university to become a published writer.
5 of the best podcasts for freelancers
There are some cracking podcasts for freelancers available online nowadays, but there are sooooo many! How do you know which ones to listen to first? Some are just sales tools and boring self-promotion for marketers or coaches, and others are genuinely helpful with...
3 ways to build regular writing habit
It’s a question I get asked at the end of pretty much every workshop I run: “What's the key to building a regular writing habit?” It seems like a pretty common issue among the writer community - consistent writing practice. After listening to world-renowned authors on...
How to live your best freelance life
I started Out of Office with the aim of supporting not just people already on their freelance journeys, but particularly the freelance life contemplators, or the ‘I’m-pretty-sure-freelance-is-a-pipe-dream’ dreamers. I want to demystify the freelance life, offer no-BS advice and share both the highs – and lows – that come with hitting out of office for good, so you’re prepared to make your business a success.
So, in keeping with that purpose, here’s the no-BS advice on how to live your best freelance life.
4 freelance myths debunked
Freelancing myths can put you off making the leap, but I’m here to debunk the ways that people try to put you off self-employment.
Do freelancers need insurance?
Freelance insurance might not be legally required but it can offer some benefits for those who are self-employed. Public Liability Insurance offers protection against injury to other people or their belongings. If you hold a lot of customer data like addresses or bank details then get cyber insurance.
Out of Office shortlisted in the Business Book Awards 2021
Out of Office by Fiona Thomas has been shortlisted in the 2021 Business Book Awards. The event celebrates the industry-leading tomes that inspire the business world each year. Recognising books that have shaped understanding on all aspects of the business world.
Learning to take the path of least resistance
I get so many DMs from people who say they love to write, that they dream of starting a blog or writing a book one day. But when it comes to sitting down to do the writing, their brain tells them they don’t deserve it. That they couldn’t possible indulge in something that feels pleasurable….
So instead they torture themselves by wasting time scrolling on social media (the digital version of an angry fitness instructor screaming in your face, telling you that you’re unworthy) and they never allow themselves to step away and enjoy the thing they love the most; writing.
How to plan and outline a non-fiction book
So you want to write a non-fiction book? Amazing! I’ve personally written two myself and am in the middle of planning my third, so now feels like the perfect time to let you in on the process I used to plan and write my non-fiction books so that you can try it out for yourself.
Non-fiction covers a lot of bases including memoir, self-help, true crime, how-to and history. Whatever type of non-fiction book you want to write, this guide will offer a step by step process that will get you closer to your writing goal.
7 secrets about creativity for writers
When you signed up to be a writer, did you imagine sitting in a log cabin, with a stunning view, furiously typing out a bestselling novel? The reality is that a lot of writers have humble beginnings and continue to work in quiet ways.
As part of my Inspire, Write, Repeat course I’ve been getting up early one day a week to write as part of a group. This kind of accountability is not glamorous, but it’s an absolute necessity for people like me who will always find something else to do other than writing. We need to find ways to show up and write regularly, and it can be a struggle. I don’t feel good about everything I write. I don’t feel excited at the prospect of a blank page. I dread writing a lot of the time, but I also know that I love it once I get going. So I commit to doing it repeatedly until I create something I’m happy with.
How to prepare for a photoshoot when you don’t feel body confident
Firstly, I picked the right photographer. When I scrolled through Victoria’s Instagram feed I saw that she had already photographed my friend Ruth and knew that she was going to be the perfect fit for me. All of her photographs are candid, laid-back and more importantly, make all of her subjects look like nice humans. I didn’t meet Victoria until the day of our shoot, but we had a phone call the week before to map out what locations we wanted to hit and the general vibe we wanted to create.
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