Solicited advice on the business, craft, and agony of writing,
for writers starting out at any age.
The Drop-In is a series of online advice sessions I’ve been running since 2020. It’s very low-key: just an hour-long video chat where you can turn up and ask me anything you like about writing and editing.
Contact me if you’d like to book a one-on-one session ($110/$88), or check this page for upcoming sponsored sessions (group and individual).
Next session:
The Drop-In at State Library Victoria
Saturday 23 September and Saturday 24 September 2023
Follow this website to get email notifications for upcoming sessions
(scroll to the bottom of this page, pop in your email and hit ‘Follow’)
Past sessions:
FAQ
Why me?
I’m a freelance writer and editor with experience in a few different corners of the writing world. My words have appeared in ABC, SBS, The Guardian, Sydney Morning Herald, The Monthly, Meanjin, Overland, Kill Your Darlings, HuffPost, Autostraddle, Them, The Saturday Paper, and many more. I’ve worked as a staff reporter and editor at media outlets in two countries. I’ve written essays, poetry, reportage and criticism. I’ve presented television, produced radio, performed at festivals, judged prizes, undertaken residencies, and of course, I’ve suffered countless rejections.
I’m certainly not an expert on every aspect of writing and editing, but I can share what I know, point you in the direction of experts and resources on the topics where my knowledge is lacking, and help you connect with publications, organisations and communities that support writers starting out.
Who is this for?
Everyone is welcome but these sessions are best suited to people in the early stages of their writing career.
I have also been working with different organisations to offer sessions free of charge to writers who have been marginalised in the media and publishing industries.
What will the sessions cover?
Each session is different as it’s driven by your questions and needs, like a live ‘ask me anything’ on writing and editing.
Topics that often come up include:
- how to impress an editor
- when to pitch an idea versus submitting a draft
- what to expect from the editing process
I’m really happy to talk about whatever you like, from managing the business and admin side of writing through to the most common reasons why I’ve turned down pitches as an editor.
Is this a writing workshop or course?
No, there’s no set curriculum or learning outcomes. It’s more like adhoc mentoring or a drop-in info desk for the industry.
What’s the difference between a free session and a paid session?
There’s no difference for participants: free spots are paid for by sponsors; paid sessions are paid for by the participant. If you select in the form that you’d like a free session, you’ll automatically go into the running for any free spots that you’re eligible for.
Past sponsors include The Suburban Review, Djed Press, the City of Melbourne, and The Writing Zone at the University of Western Sydney.
Can I attend more than once?
Sure.
Can I sponsor some sessions so more people can access this for free?
I’d love that! Get in touch by email.
Jinghua Qian 