Being a teacher, I knew I had good basic writing skills, but writing as a journalist is a completely different art. I knew I had a lot to learn.
I had always wanted to know how to write and get published in magazines and newspapers. I thought I might have to complete journalism studies at university, but I baulked at the time required to do this, as well as the expense.
Looking online, I came across the Morris Journalism Academy and I liked what I saw. Distance education meant I could study from home and in my own time. I discovered that I could gain all the knowledge and skills I would need to become a freelance journalist by completing this journalism course.
Enjoyable learning
The tutorials are set out in an easy to read step-by-step progression. It opens your eyes in an informative and entertaining way to the world of writing for a living. I was impressed by the line-up of media professionals who contributed to the journalism course. My tutor, a successful journalist, and editor, was an encouraging guide who provided helpful and thought-provoking feedback and ideas on all my work.
My assignments became features articles which I sent into The Chronicle, our local Toowoomba newspaper. I was delighted to see my words and photos in print and family and friends warmly encouraged me. Over the length of the course, I submitted four 1000-word feature articles which were all accepted for publication. Although this newspaper does not pay freelancers, being published gave me a belief in myself that I can do it.
Follow your dreams
My dream had been to be published in a glossy magazine and just before I graduated, I achieved this. I was elated. It was a reader’s page but a step in the door. My 600-word piece on the beach village of Bargara, near Bundaberg, was a winner in the July edition of On the Road.
Since graduating I have been published in Reader’s Digest and several local publications with articles written in my role as the media person at the school where I teach.
So far I have been very happy with the remuneration I have received for my writing and I intend to build on this new income stream with further publications in the future.
I would sincerely recommend the Professional Freelance Journalism Course to anyone who aspires to become a freelance writer. The Morris Journalism Academy will teach you everything you need to know and I guarantee you’ll enjoy this journalism course immensely.
