"An interesting and cheekily frank read...."

...is how Karli Drinkwater described my blog a couple of weeks ago when she dropped me a line asking for some tips. It's always pleasant to receive feedback from those who read my blog, lets me know someone is reading it and in some cases, getting inspired enough to want to take the plunge.

I thought it would be interesting to try the blog coaching idea again. Last time it kind of fizzled away, the chap being coached didn't quite get around to writing anything for a magazine or other media, which is kind of important if you want to get published. Karli seems up for the challenge, the next post will be "Your Story - Karli Drinkwater" except that Karli hasn't yet had anything published - the 'story' will be about her journey as she gets published and established as a magazine photojournalist.

Just so you know how this all started, a copy of Karli's e-mail below - next blog, Karli's journey (so far).

Keep Writing...

Brendan 

  

Hi Brendan,
 
I stumbled upon your blog and found it an interesting and cheekily frank read. You appear to be the nurturing Don of aspiring photojournalists, sharing your experience and knowledge with them - so I hope you don't mind me emailing you for some advice... (is that enough brown-nosing to get some words of wisdom?!).
 
I'm a full time online and broadcast journalist - so I write for a living already - but I've recently discovered a love for diving, which I expect to last a lifetime. To be honest, I think it's an obsession already. I've just completed my Open Water in Mexico and as soon as I landed back in drizzly Leeds last week I booked myself onto the next Advanced Open Water course with my local dive club.
 
I already had some great diving experiences in Mexico such as diving the cenotes and a wreck - but would you say I need more diving experience before I can start submitting proposals to diving publications? Since all my professional experience has been in broadcast I'm unfamiliar with the world of pitching to magazines.
 
Any pointers you could fling my way would be hugely appreciated. And who knows, one day I could be good enough to make it on to your 'Interesting Places and People List'! Yeah, I get carried away when it comes to my working life... can't shut the damn brain off!
 
Thanks for your time and hope to hear from you,
 
Karli.