About the Event
The term “starving artist” wasn’t coined for no reason. There is a misconception that being an artist won’t make for a sustainable career - and that includes writers.
But the ever-changing media landscape has enabled freelancers to explore new possibilities, making full-time freelance writing possible - and not just writing on the side to help augment daily expenses.
Just ask Ana P. Santos and Nikka Sarthou-Lainez, two freelance writers who put up Writer’s Block Philippines in 2010, an organization dedicated to empowering writers, communicators, and creative entrepreneurs.
“Back then, we just wanted to create a venue for writers to hone their craft. We wanted to share our stories on discovering the ins and outs of freelance writing and getting published that’s why we organized our flagship workshop, ‘Jumpstart Your Freelance Writing Career,’” said Santos, a journalist who focuses on women and gender issues.
Santos is a regular columnist in Rappler and Working Mom and as the 2014 Persephone Miel Fellow for the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, her work has been published in The Atlantic and The Washington Post.
Six years and hundreds of workshop participants later, Writer’s Block Philippines has become top of mind in giving aspiring writers practical tips on starting a freelance writing career.
“Whether you are a college-age student, a hardworking millenial, or finally finding your passion late in life, ‘Jumpstart Your Freelance Writing Career’ can help you take that first step in fulfilling your freelance dreams. We’ll change your mindset, and hopefully, instill in you the discipline required for it,” said Sarthou-Lainez, a lifestyle writer.
Sarthou-Lainez was chosen as one of the five Asian representatives for Moleskine’s Modern Nomads in 2012. She is currently a Contributing Editor in Smile magazine and she also writes for various online and print publications.
The duo both left their respective careers to pursue their passion to become full-time freelance writers and put up Writer’s Block Philippines in 2010.
Santos once held the position of Assistant Vice-President of a financial institution and Sarthou-Lainez was once with a publishing firm.
“Our day jobs were actually crucial in preparing us for the world of freelancing,” said Santos.
“School did not teach us about freelancing,” agreed Sarthou-Lainez. “Our past careers and life experiences fueled our passions to thrive in this unpredictable freelance industry.”
Writer’s Block Philippines will be holding its first run of Jumpstart Your Freelance Writing Career for the year on February 20, 2016, Saturday, at Fully Booked, Bonifacio Global City. The workshop will run from 1pm to 6pm and will cover practical tips on freelancing and how to write a story pitch that will get editors to notice you. Participants should be at least 18 years old.
This event is made possible by Fully Booked and ClickTheCity.com.