06 Valerie Khoo: CEO, Australian Writers' Centre - The Activity Pod, Where We Help You Get Stuff Done

In this episode we interview Valerie Khoo. Valerie Khoo Valerie Khoo is CEO of the Australian Writers' Centre, the country's leading centre for writing courses. Over the past 10 years, more than 26,000 students have graduated from courses at the centre. Graduates score book deals, become freelance writers for magazines and enhance their writing skills so they get promotions at work. Valerie is also a journalist, small business commentator and podcaster. She is author of the bestselling book "Power Stories: The 8 Stories You MUST Tell to Build an Epic Business" and is co-host of the popular podcasts "So you want to be a writer" and "So you want to be a photographer". Valerie also mentors business owners in writing business books and runs courses in storytelling for businesses. You can find Valerie at the Australian Writers' Centre or her personal website, ValerieKhoo.com. You can connect with Valerie on Facebook, Instagram and twitter. In this episode we discuss

writing morning pages every day to help unlock your creativity

founding the Australian Writers' Centre and celebrating ten years

starting life as an accountant and why Valerie founded a writers' centre

a love of writing

tips for people who want to start a business

staying focused so you can achieve your dreams

self-publishing vs traditional publishing - and why it's different for fiction and non-fiction books

pitching your book over twitter

do you really need an agent?

using deadlines to stay focused

the benefit of rewards

changing locations to work - and how this can increase your focus

overcoming writer's block

coming up with content ideas

the benefits of outsourcing

why Valerie loves her Mastermind group

the difference between a mentor, a coach and a Mastermind group

clearing clutter - mental, physical, emotional

Resources discussed in the show

The Artists' Way by Julia Cameron

Freedom app

co-working spaces

Fiverr