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.
Christmas gift ideas for freelancers and home-workers 2020
This year has seen a drastic shift in not only how we work, but how we spend our money. As UK residents face the likelihood of a pared-down Christmas in 2020, why not spend intentionally and support a small business when buying giftts. Buying gifts for freelancers or people who work from home offers the perfect opportunity to send money to the people who really need it. After all, whenever you buy from a small business someone does a happy dance!
Join me and Sara Tasker to celebrate the launch of my new book ‘Out of Office’
Join me and my very special guest for an evening of honest conversation where you’ll learn what to expect from the world of self-employment. To celebrate the launch of Out of Office, I’m hosting a virtual launch with the lovely Sara Tasker.
Branding for freelancers: A beginner’s guide
So what is branding? I’m certainly no expert, but it’s something that I learn more about everyday, and I think that every freelancer is ultimately an expert in their own brand because they know it like the back of their hand. Even if they don’t realise it!
I used to think it was just all about graphic design. You know, having a snazzy logo and some pretty colours and fonts on your website. Shout out to Nikki who designed my logos though! But what I’ve learned through my own personal experience (and mistakes) is that it’s so much more than that, which quite frankly means it takes a lot of work and it’s something that is constantly evolving as your business grows.
As author Seth Godin neatly puts it:
“A brand is the set of expectations, memories, stories and relationships that, taken together, account for a consumer’s decision to choose one product or service over another”
5 of the best books for freelancers
Must read books on freelancing for writers and creatives. Whether you’re an experienced freelancer or just starting out with a side hustle and looking to get more clients, these books offer tips on productivity, tax, PR and brand building.
Episode 4: How to deal with a confidence crisis
Every freelancer needs to have confidence in both themselves and the work that they do, because it’s a fundamental part of making your business a success. And when I talk about confidence I don’t just mean the ability to talk in front of a crowd, or pitch your services to a client, or do Zumba class without tripping over… I mean inner confidence in what you’re doing and why you’re doing it.
Episode 3: Finding direction when you hate your job
I wanted this episode of Out of Office to really speak to people who are feeling a bit lost. Because I think we’re all been there right? We’ve all been in those types of jobs where you’re constantly watching the clock from 9.01am, you’ve eaten your lunch by 10am just out of pure boredom, and maybe the work you’re doing is unfulfilling or you just don’t give a shit about the stuff you’re responsible for. I felt like that quite honestly, most of my life until I was thirty years old.
Episode 2: Should you be side-hustling?
In this episode, I want to delve into the idea of a side hustle. What is a side hustle and why is it helpful for people who want to go freelance? And how can you overcome the fear of actually starting one and then how can you juggle your side project whilst holding down a fulltime job? I’ll also be talking to my friend and YouTube creator Mikhila McDaid who is talking about why her side hustle will never be a full-time thing why that’s exactly the way she likes it
Episode 1: When s*** hits the fan
The majority of people are worried about the future right now, and freelancers are no different. That’s why I wanted to jump right in and talk about the nitty-gritty. I’m not going to ease you in with an episode about how creatively fulfilling it is to run your own business, how smug you feel doing emails in your pyjamas or how empowering it feels to earn money on your own terms because although all of those things are true, that’s not the whole picture.
I’ve been keeping this a secret for months: Out of Office book cover revealed!
“Out of Office” by Fiona Thomas is a no-nonsense guide addresses the questions that people might feel too embarrassed to ask about going freelance … like how to raise an invoice, submit a tax return, claim expenses, network, and use social media. Fiona also details why working from home is proven to have a positive impact on productivity and mental health, and why so many women are making the leap into freelancing out of necessity.