INSPIRATION
Chasing a Dream
Some years ago I took an online journalism course.
I completed the first two assignments and that was it. The rest of the notes are actually sitting beside my bed in the hope that I will find time to read them.
Many of us start something only to have it fall by the wayside, I was one of those people. It cost me not only money but also in confidence, certainty and having family and friends know they could take me at my word.
One thing that did come from that incomplete course was meeting Carla Coulson. For the second assignment I was to go to my favorite book store, find books in the genre I wished to write and take notes….I never got passed ‘ Italian Joy
Although I didn’t start writing a book that day, I did start blogging which has given me the confidence to finally begin that long overdue book.
Suddenly I found my passion, writing travel and photography beautifully combined into one. Yes it’s been a slow process much like our goal of moving back to Italy but I am determined to move forward each day with my own personal dreams.
Flying to Sydney last Saturday for the Carla Coulson – Get Published Workshop seemed to bring things full circle. I remember the first time she commented on my blog and it felt like royalty had visited, happy dancing in my pj’s resulted.
I was awestruck at first, but soon found that she is much like the rest of us, only she took a chance and changed her life.
She left a corporate career to chase a dream of becoming a photographer in Florence, went on to write Italian Joy and found love in Italy. She is now a widely published photographer and author, and fabulous presenter of the Carla Coulson – Get Published Workshop.
Spending an entire day with her in Sydney was priceless, not only learning about the practical hands on side of the publishing world but to hear about the struggles along the way.
Creative Director of Inside Out Sharon Misko was fabulous and gave us a critique of work selected from the group. Although I didn’t get a chance to chat I came away with a whole new appreciation for the way magazines work and what to look for.
I’ll never pick up another magazine without memories of this day.
An unexpected bonus was meeting Bryce Corbett, the Associate Editor of the Australian Women’s Weekly and a top bloke. Funnily enough I recognized him from his wife’s blog…..it’s a small world this blogging.
He’s very likeable with a thing for orange walls, funny, informative and generous with the wealth of knowledge built up through a career in publishing.
I had a chance to talk with him as he was waiting for a cab and found his insights invaluable, he instantly saw stories within our story for me to explore, sending me in directions I hadn’t even thought about.
I know any dream worth having can come with its own set of obstacles, we seem to have hit all of them along the way but like Carla I won’t ever give up.
and the gang x
What a beautiful piece you’ve written and I do identify. I too jump up and down when Carla comments on a photograph or blog so know just what you mean – and like you, Italian Joy was and is such an inspiration as are Paris Tango and Living a Dream. I constantly look at them and am inspired and have absolutely no doubt that via Carla’s inspiration and help I’ve greatly improved as a photographer. And as we all know, she is the most generous of women in giving advice – well we all love Carla.
I can imagine how crazy busy you are Lisa – know your life is set fair! I did something similar, left Australia after living there for six years and came to France and that was 22 years ago!
Jilly x
I’ve just heard about Carla’s work through another writer friend and I’m hooked! I’m a bit jaded with Italy at the moment so it’s refreshing to read all of this – and share the good vibe! Good luck with all xxcat
Oh I’m so glad you found her Catherine, she has always been a bit of a muse to me as it was one of her books that got me started writing my own. I studied photography and love her work, plus she is a great chick. Hope you’re not jaded for long, sending love lisa x
Hi Lisa, so glad to have met you at Get Published workshop- wow what a day. I am lining up a photoshoot for hopefully a story to publish and am warming up to a book I have always wanted to write. We are still madly looking at properties in France to buy and trying to wade through all the details like visas and having money to live on. What sort of supprt do you invisage to have for your daughter? As we discussed- you can email me to chat. xxCorrina
Corrina you are so inspiring and great to meet you. France will come sooner than you think xx