We spoke to writer Bianca Nogrady ahead of her one-day workshop at the Centre, How to Succeed as a Freelance Writer, about her decade-long career as a freelancer.

What led you to freelancing?
I realised early in my career that I wanted to write about lots of different topics across the science/health/environment fields. But at that time – and more so now – the in-house jobs that might have enabled me to do that were few and far between, so I knew the only way I could achieve that would be as a freelance writer. I also liked the idea of writing for different outlets and different audiences, and working with different editors.

What are the key benefits of freelancing over more traditional forms of work?
There are so many: variety, flexibility, independence, self-reliance, working from home, writing for audiences and outlets around the world, being your own boss… to name a few.

What one piece of advice would you give to somone looking to start freelancing?
Approach freelancing as a business, not a hobby. This is not Sex And The City where one column a month keeps you in Manolo Blahniks. But if you are professional, reliable, easy to work with and make your editor’s life easier, you can make a very good living doing what you love from home and in the hours that suit you. I wouldn’t trade it for any in-house job.

How to Succeed as Freelance Writer will take place on Saturday 17 March from 10am-4pm. You can book your spot in the course here.