A wonderful entry from Tassie… We recently hosted an Australia-wide search for writing talent and received an extraordinary response. Students submitted entries based around a theme, “inspire”, and this week we’re showcasing the final six winners (in no particular order).
Show your support for their efforts by leaving a comment below and sharing their amazing entries on your social media profiles for a few well-deserved likes.
Media Bootcamp national writing competition winner Australia – Tamara Hursey, TAS
Legacy
Hi mum.
I’m not really sure how to start one of these things. I mean, they don’t teach it at school so I’m writing blind here. I have no idea where to start either. I know this is where you say ‘the beginning’ but it’s not that simple. Where is the beginning for something like this? I have no idea what I’m doing. In movies they use this as an opportunity to tell their family members they love them and to move on, but we both know I’m not an overly emotional person who likes to talk about her feelings. But later is better than never right? Ok here goes:
I love you. Always remember that. I love you and I know that you secretly blame yourself, not for the cancer, but because it was diagnosed so late. Here’s the thing, it’s NOT your fault . Ok? It’s my body and it was up to me to know when I was sick. Your job was to support me and love me and help me get through the days that weren’t so great, like losing my hair. And let me tell you this. You did not fail. Ok? You were amazing throughout everything even the days when I would have slapped me in the face and kicked me out.
OMG, I’m starting to cry. I know you are too. You’re pretending to be strong for the people around you but I know you too well. I’m allowing you to cry, just this once, ok. Then I want you to smile. Smile when you hear my name. Smile when you see my picture, smile when you think of me. Don’t see me as the person I was at the end, see me as the daughter you remember, your Allie. The girl who loved sport and movies and Nutella pancakes. Remember my embarrassing moments, my achievements, my failures and everything in between. Remember our moments together.
But most of all I want you to use this experience, my life, as a way to help others. I want to be an organ donor. I know we haven’t talked about it but it’s what I want. I’ll never get the chance to help people the way I wanted to with my life and this is the only way I can make a difference. I know you’re probably frozen in shock at this point and it’s probably unfair of me to ask this but I would like you to honour my wishes. The cancer took everything from me but this is something I can control, something I have a choice in.
I admire your strength, your love and the way you made even the darkest days bearable. I love you mum, forever and always.
Allie xxx
The mother looks up from the tear stained page. She would do what her daughter said. She would be strong and she would use her memory to inspire those she had dreamed of helping. This would be her legacy.
Tamara, congratulations on being one of our six 2014 national winners! The judging panel was moved by your entry – it’s touching and well written. You’ve definitely got the talent required to pursue your dreams of being an author and/or journalist.
This competition was brought to you by Sugoi Media, Media Bootcamp, Get it Magazine, Get it Media, TravelLiveLearn.com, Hot Tamale Media Australia Pty Ltd
Before you can write a book that will be embraced, you must first understand your reader. Keep in mind that there are many ways to gather this information. Some future authors initiate casual conversations, do online research, join topic appropriate groups or create surveys. I suggest all authors start in the bookstore. It’s a great place to begin the journey from where you are now to bestselling author status. While at the bookstore take notice of the huge sections are dedicated to the popular topics.
The following questions are important to first ask yourself and then ask people who might be the market for your book.
Who’s going to read your book?
The first and most important thing is to think about the audience. What interests them? What are their challenges, what excites them and motivates them to do, be and have more? Are they intent on losing weight, having a great relationship, reaching a higher level of success, being able to afford that new car or paying for their kid’s sports season?
Know what interests them
Maybe your audience is other business owners. If so, this should be even easier. What are they interested in? Are they focused on increasing revenue, decreasing costs, gaining the competitive edge, or is it some new industry or legislative change that has them alarmed?
What challenges are they facing?
Keeping an eye on what your readers are experiencing is always a good idea. Often writers find a niche and stay within it so they can focus on a particular market. They easily understand the reader, their challenges and their daily life. This allows the author to offer insightful solutions and increase their own credibility. Finding a niche and sticking with it can lead to “expert” status. Apart from writing, this elevated status could open doors to speaking, training and consulting.
What excites them?
Understanding their hopes, dreams and desires is just as important as knowing the reader’s challenges. By getting a picture of what they are striving for, the writer can shed light on how they might get it. People are frequently too close to their situation to see a clear path to what they want. While they struggle, an outsider’s viewpoint can steer them in the right direction. A knowledgeable writer, with insights into an audience, will be in a unique position to impact individuals, and the group, while standing out as a leader.
The reader needs to be present at every stage of the writing process. Keeping in touch with them mentally, will keep you on the right track towards delivering a book that is well received and valuable.
About the author Speaker, author, TV host of Focus Forward, Lauri Flaquer has extensive entrepreneurial and media experience. As founder of Saltar Solutions, she guides her clientele of international business owners to excel as entrepreneurs. Formally in TV production at NBC, CNBC and Bloomberg LP, Lauri produces/ hosts Focus Forward, a show dedicated to helping entrepreneurs soar! Lauri has been the publicist and marketing director for several best-selling book campaigns. To learn more about marketing contact Lauri or Tweet her, @SaltarSolutions.
Are you in the process of writing a book, or have you just finished one? We’d love it if you left a comment below, or found us on Facebook or Twitter. And if you think others would find this series useful, go ahead and share :-)
Everybody’s doing it. You can’t look at social media, industry journals or a magazine that you don’t see authors using their new books as a means of getting attention. Don’t be jealous! With the help of this article, a topic and a computer, you can do the very same thing.
It’s important to first organize your thoughts around your book. In order to clarify your topic and focus your message, answer the following questions. The more deeply you dig into your motives, the better prepared you will be to take your book idea to the next level.
Book description
Write a short synopsis of the book, just a few paragraphs will do.If you have pages and pages of the description, you haven’t clarified your book enough. Keep writing, rereading and editing to get to the heart of the book.
Why are you writing this book?
What is your motivation behind this undertaking? This is another question that requires you to get specific. Many people don’t take the time to explore this question and end up with a book that doesn’t grab the reader or help the author reach their personal and professional goals.
Why are you the right person to write this book?
What experiences, education, unique viewpoint, or successes regarding the topic do you have to share? Why are you the right person to deliver this message or address this topic?
What are you specifically bringing to the reader that they don’t already have?
Are you helping people save time, money, or effort? Are you offering a new way to do something? Are you helping your reader solve a problem, meet a challenge or overcome a roadblock? Maybe you’re just entertaining the reader and that’s okay too.
What are your ideas for marketing your book?
Are there any obvious channels that you can think of, off the top of your head that would help you sell your book? If you have access to lots of people, are a member of a large group or know people who are it’s a good idea to start creating a list.
What are your wildest dreams as a result of this book?
Many people focus so much on the possible that they under estimate their book and themselves. Don’t start the book writing process with a compromise. Dream big and you may reach some pretty lofty goals.
Congratulations!
Now that you’re well on your way to solidifying your message and initial ideas for your book, you’ll want to stay tuned for Step Two – Understanding Your Reader.
About the author Speaker, author, TV host of Focus Forward, Lauri Flaquer has extensive entrepreneurial and media experience. As founder of Saltar Solutions, she guides her clientele of international business owners to excel as entrepreneurs. Formally in TV production at NBC, CNBC and Bloomberg LP, Lauri produces/ hosts Focus Forward, a show dedicated to helping entrepreneurs soar! Lauri has been the publicist and marketing director for several best-selling book campaigns. To learn more about marketing contact Lauri or Tweet her, @SaltarSolutions.
Are you in the process of writing a book, or have you just finished one? We’d love it if you left a comment below, or found us on Facebook or Twitter. And if you think others would find this series useful, go ahead and share :-)
This evening I was lucky enough to attend a seminar, How to write a Lonely Planet guide, hosted by Intrepid Travel and featuring acclaimed author, journalist and presenter, Frances Linzee Gordon.
What she said:
[true sentiments on ‘travel’]
“Travel is addictive because of the adventure, self discovery, serendipity, fun, opportunities and stimulation that every day brings.
Travel is like making a new friend – you always listen out for the place in the news, you want to return, and you care about what happens there.
To write about a place you need to be saturated in it – learn some of the language, speak to/interview everyone, understand general costs of living etc.
Keep an ‘as you go’ diary to note down fresh impressions so when you’re tired and go to write up a feature you don’t forget things. Include details, colour, a local feel. Use the writer’s muscle – the more you use it, the better you are.”
[writer / traveller action points]
Keep a Diary – for fresh impressions on the road.
If you don’t have writing experience, consider taking a course.
Photography course – a great idea because your stories are more marketable with images. Also, you can sell to image libraries (eg. Getty, Lonely Planet) for extra income (because a travel writer’s income is limited).
Learn a language(s).
Enjoy the moment (adhere to the concept of ‘mindfulness’)– it’s easy to worry about money, going home, terrorists etc. – but stop and take in the amazing things you have in the moment.
Choose to support local businesses and industry.
Try everything – dance, eat – go outside your personality.
Enjoy – be safe without being paranoid, don’t be budget obsessed, be inconspicuous and be open to everything.
[Keep in mind…]
Beware: check local conditions before travel (eg. Disease, weather, crime).
Double check passport / copies accessible.
You’re more vulnerable to local threats if you look like a tourist. ‘When in Rome’… and be aware of what different clothes, or smoking / drinking in public may represent in some areas of the world.
Support is often not readily available so understand what emergency services etc are/aren’t available.
Arrange all relevant health vaccinations, dentist etc. 6 weeks prior to leaving.
Travel insurance – critical – but also check your insurance covers your proposed activities (eg. If you are going skiing, diving and so on, carefully check the terms because you can be caught out).
Research where you’re going.
Pack carefully – make a list then pack in ten minutes to avoid unnecessary extras.
Be aware of scams.
Always tell someone where you’re going.
Leave valuables behind, only carry money.
Stay in touch with home / leave an itinerary.
Make friends with the hotel manager – they are good for safety tips, local information and many other things.
[some final tips]
1. Especially in ‘hot’ places keep an eye on local press and talk regarding what’s going on – they’ll pick up on issues or uprisings etc. before national or international press.
2. Visit local tourist organisations and introduce yourself, say where you’re going, what you’re doing and ask for a letter for introduction. It can come in handy in sticky situations or if you’re in trouble.
3. 3-second rule (trust your gut) – look someone in the eye for three seconds, make a character judgement – stick with that impression no matter what.
4. Be careful when taking photos – you’re often not concentrating on what’s happening around you in order to capture ‘the shot’, so in pairs keep an eye out for each other so that no one is being robbed while they are photographing something.
5. Photo tips – make people laugh, use alternative angles and look for different places to take photos of famous landmarks (i.e. alternative vantage points from where most tourists are directed to take shots). Always ask for permission before taking someone’s photo.
6. When in a restaurant write notes – you look like a food critic and are more likely to receive better service!
How to write a Lonely Planet guide
Serious about being an author for Lonely Planet? Their recruitment notes on how to write a Lonely Planet guide state:
Evidence of ‘special expertise’ (eg. Language, rock climbing, diving, other special interests, e.g. Lived, travelled, written; any evidence of independent travel)
Always meet deadlines and word count
NB. LP publications use simple sentences and language – be mindful they’re usually translated.
[This is a re-post from the archives. Originally posted July 13 2011, London]
Want your first piece of published work to appear in print for thousands of readers to see? We’re hosting a brand new competition for under 20s! SIX talented content creators from across Australia will each WIN a media star prize pack including:
1. Your piece published on the widely read travel and lifestyle site, www.travellivelearn.com and subsequent promotion throughout our associated media and education networks. This will also serve as a published piece which you can feature in your portfolio!
2. A personalised digital career mentoring session with a trainer and media professional from Media Bootcamp who will provide suggestions on what you could be doing now in pursuit of your dream career in media, magazines, communications or publishing.
3. A winner certificate.
4. A copy of popular Aussie media (radio, print, television) personality, Meshel Laurie’s new memoir, The Fence-Painting Fortnight of Destiny.
5. And a chic fragrance fromSo…?
What are you waiting for? Enter now and showcase your talent to Australia and the world!
THE RULES
You must be an Australian resident aged between 16 and 20 to enter. If you are turning 16 this year you are eligible to enter also. You will submit a piece of written work, no longer than 500 words. Your piece can be any format – interview, poem, fiction, essay, personal story… anything you like, but it must relate to the theme “INSPIRE”. Entries open Tuesday 4 February and close Friday 28 February at 5pm EST. Entries will be judged by a panel of published authors and representatives from working Australian media, and will be critiqued on creativity and uniqueness, how compelling they are, quality of writing, attention to detail and presentation. The decision made by the judges is final, and there will be no revision of this decision. Stories must be your own original work. You confirm that your entry has never been previously published or broadcast in any form such as a book or eBook. However, you may enter work that has been published on your personal blog, but not elsewhere. You may not enter work that has previously won a prize. One entry per person only. Incomplete forms or entries will not be accepted. Copyright in all submissions to the competition remains with the respective entrants. However, entering the competition allows Sugoi Media and TravelLiveLearn.com the right to feature any or all of the submissions in any of our associated publications, websites, social media and/or in any promotional material connected to this competition. Entrants will be added to the Media Bootcamp mailing list but may unsubscribe at any time. If you are a winner, physical prizes will be posted to you via Australia Post. Promoter takes no responsibility for lost-in-the-mail prizes. Prizes are not transferable for cash, and cannot be transferred to another person. Please note, The Fence-Painting Fortnight of Destiny does include mild use of coarse language and adult themes (drug and sexual references); Winners will be required to confirm that they/their families are happy to receive it (if not, the prize will not be replaced with another). Digital mentoring session comprises an email exchange(s) featuring personalised advice and action points with particular reference to winner’s goals. If you win, you are the only person who can redeem the prize. By entering it is understood that you agree with these terms and conditions.
Why not join our FACEBOOK community to keep an eye on this competition’s progress and learn about future opportunities?! Just click LIKE on the Facebook link to the right.
This competition is brought to you by Sugoi Media, Media Bootcamp, Get it Magazine, Get it Media, TravelLiveLearn.com, Hot Tamale Media Australia Pty Ltd
There’s something in the air lately. It’s making me really happy. Even the stinky garbage truck in front of me at the traffic lights this morning couldn’t ruin my mood. I’m putting it down to a smell − not the garbage truck − but the weather. When I wake up in the morning there’s something about the smell in the air that’s putting me in a great mood right off. Of course, by Thursday I, like most, am not super keen to get up out of bed, but in the end, how can I resist such beautiful weather − sunshine streaming in, the promise of a new day, and that lovely smell which I can’t put my finger on. Maybe it’s flowers or just something in the wind. Either way, it reminds me of various times in my life when I’ve had a lot of fun. Interesting that scents can do that, isn’t it?
Whatever sweetness I’m detecting in the air, it’s linked to the memory of good times, and I think that’s what’s setting off my good mood. I feel like I’m in − as they say − the flow. I’ve even adopted a theme song (just like Ally McBeal did!), Katy Perry’s Roar. My neighbours must be so sick of that track by now (and probably even more tired of having to put up with me belting it out … very un-Katy like). But how good is the song? It reminds me to put all issues, challenges, negative people and hardships to the side and to remember the things I’ve overcome. “Sing like no-one’s listening,” as they say; don’t mind if I do!
Yummy smells in the air and my very own theme song − I really am turning into Ally McBeal! Wonder if someone will give me a TV show?
Here’s hoping you’re in the flow today too. And do tell me, what’s your theme song? If you don’t have one and want to share mine, I’m ok with that :-)
Hi, we’re Sarah & Cooper. Welcome to Travel Live Learn! We’re Aussie expats currently living in the UK (for the third time!) with our adorable Westie, London. Our mission? To inspire you to embrace a life of adventure—whether it’s travelling longer, relocating to the UK or Europe, or exploring the freedom of remote work and digital nomadism. Enjoy your time on our site! We'd love to stay in touch: subscribe for our weekly stories, updates and remote work job opportunities direct to your inbox.
TLL SHOP!
Grab our guides for 2025:
Master House Sitting with Our Must-Have 101 Essentials eGuide! Buy It Here
And, 7 Essential Strategies for Maximising Your Use of ChatGPT eBookBuy it here
Also, Visit Our Amazon Storefront! Shop Here!
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
