In this episode I review the The Big Issue Magazine’s Wonder Woman edition (dated 19 May – 1 June). I focus on the basic layout of the magazine, how the words and images work together and other things that I like about it. Photos at https://taku.com.au/big-issue-wonder-woman-typesetting/ Here’s how the magazine officially describes its work at http://www.thebigissue.org.au/: […]
How I really feel about online dating. Listen to the unexpected poem that recently became my online dating profile. I never thought I’d share this on my podcast but hey, this episode kinda happened whilst I was learning how to be a better podcaster. Part 1 – I read the poem for the first time […]
Crowdfunding is a great way to raise funds. I do, however, recommend having a back-up option for self-publishing your book. I had an unsuccessful crowdfunding campaign on Pozible in 2015. I raised 26% of my $15000 goal amount and I learnt so much from that experience. You might also like to read why I think […]
Research is everything. You need do your homework before you self-publish your book. Weigh up if that’s really the route you want to take. Explore what stories other writers are writing, find out who would be interested in your story. These tips are from a 2016 video series I filmed after self-publishing a children’s book in […]
How to add graphics to your resume or CV. Rogue Resumes to Sexy CVs is my technical writing series to help your CV look a bit better in Microsoft Word. In this podcast episode I talk through how to add simple graphics to your CV – mainly colourful headers, footers and page borders. (Skip the […]
Me + TV Show Ideas + VIVID Sydney = Magic. I finally pitched my TV show ideas to TV and film producers at VIVID Sydney’s Breakfast Speed Pitch Fest on Monday. The first part you’ll hear is my reaction straight after I left the Museum of Contemporary Art, where the pitch event was held. I’ve […]
Don’t Conform, Teach Others and Please Don’t be Boring. My 15-year-old sister lives in Zimbabwe and lately I’ve been talking to her about the not-so-fun things some teenagers go through. Like trying to fit in. Especially if you’re creative or arty. You’re about to listen to a speech I gave to 2000 high school students […]
Finding funding ain’t funny. Don’t quit your job…yet! Self-publishing and funding a book can be a costly process. Work out how you will find the money to publish your book. Will you work 9-5? Can you apply for a grant? Might you crowdfund? These tips are from a 2016 video series I filmed after self-publishing a […]
Self-publishing a book is not for the faint-hearted. It takes courage, research and determination. These tips are from a 2016 video series I filmed after self-publishing a children’s book in Australia. Find all 20 videos on TAKU TV at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc-QE_S9GwVCh40ZavHMT39zvwVnosazY. (Tips start at 2:00 in the podcast episodes).
Wait…is ‘unentitled’ even a real word? My new business cards have me thinking about my title and what I really stand for. Yep, I’m trying my best and I like encouraging people to just try too. In this episode I also mention Seth Godin’s Startup School podcast https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/seth-godins-startup-school/id566985370?mt=2
Creativity and community know no bounds. I’m a writer in Melbourne, Australia and I don’t like being cold. He’s a photographer in Smithers, Canada and loves to ski. We have never met and the only thing connecting us is one courageous book project. The Wonderful World of White Watch our whole chat on YouTube […]
Yikes! I have a new TV show pitch to present to Australian TV producers next month. My Shark Tank audition was a sobering lesson on pitching! In this episode I reflect on the blog post I wrote after that audition in 2015. Read 10 Things I Learnt from My Shark Tank Australia Audition at https://taku.com.au/10-things-i-learnt-my-shark-tank-australia-audition/ (Post published on […]