Anne Freeman, Writer, Anne Freeman Writes
It's taken Anne half her life to heed the writer's heart that beats within her, but now everything she does is a step toward that rhythm. A former award-winning milliner, promotional model, wanderlust, television extra, accessories designer, vintage market organiser, sales and marketing maven and creator of human life. Anne now chalks up her kaleidoscopic past to research and character development.
From her little teak desk in Northcote, Victoria, Anne writes contemporary fiction about women who are stuck in life and the extraordinary ways they shake themselves loose. They're always engaging and sometimes funny with reluctant adventures, sexy escapades, and friendships that uplift.
Her debut novel, RETURNING TO ADELAIDE, is out with Hawkeye Books in March 2022! It was a finalist in the 2021 Romance Writers of Australia Valerie Parv Award and was longlisted in the 2021 Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize.
This year, Anne commenced a Bachelor of Creative Writing at Deakin University, which she's completing in stollen moments while editing her second manuscript, ME, THAT YOU SEE, and making snacks for two small humans that look remarkably like her. Her hobbies include referring to herself in the third person and being adored by a husband who is too good for her. Oh, and wine. She likes wine.
What is your favourite social media platform, and why?
I love Instagram. It's allowed me to connect with a supportive community of readers and writers. It's not known as Bookstagram for nothing!
Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.
My debut novel, Returning to Adelaide, was released back in March, so I'm shouting it from the rooftops. I also have a second manuscript in the works, a creative writing degree to study for, and a thriving copywriting business.
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
I love building with words. Even my copywriting work brings me joy. I love the problem-solving involved in assembling the perfect assortment of words in order to create a particular response.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
There's no such thing as writer's block, only perfectionist's block.
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
Boredom! I get twitchy when things aren't happening. I always like to be in motion, figuratively speaking!
What are you proud of in your life so far?
I think the thing I'm proudest of is my willingness to try. Try and fail, try and succeed. I'm never waiting for things to happen but making them happen.
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
In-person is pretty fabulous, but I've come to appreciate social media in recent years.
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
Humour! If you can find the humour, then you're not taking anything too seriously.
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
I was initially reluctant to claim myself as a writer. I wish I'd known that I would be supported, not mocked or judged. People are inherently supportive, I think. But putting yourself out there can feel scary.
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?
Those who are enthusiastic! Interested people are interesting people.
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
My family take up a big part of my pie chart! But, other than basking in their love, I enjoy socialising, cooking, eventing, sewing and, of course, reading all the time!
Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you managed it?
My mental health definitely took a huge hit early in the pandemic. I was so focused on my children's well-being that I forgot about mine. I've realised that carving out space for myself benefits my family because when I'm with them, I'm my best self.
Do you have a mentor, or have you ever mentored anyone?
I'd love one! Do you know any? I haven't mentored anyone, but I am a cheerleader to everyone. So, tell me your innermost desires, and I will encourage you until the end of time. My postie is now writing his first novel because he confessed writing aspirations to me, and I went full motivational speaker on him!
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
Write loads and tell everyone about it! Connect with other writers online. We are all here to cheer you on!
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
Isolation, maybe? Maybe if you're working in isolation, it's harder to hold on to the joy of the work.
Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?
Don't be afraid to write sh!t. Sh!t makes great fertiliser! (excuse my French!)
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
I'm currently studying at Deakin University. Everything is online. It has made tertiary study accessible to me when it wouldn't be otherwise. With a young family to care for, I need to conduct my own life in the cracks. Their Cloud Campus allows me to do that. I am so grateful. No other university offers anything close.
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?
I like to define success by the number of swings, not the number of hits. It's something I'm trying to instil in my children. If we measure success on the so-called wins. It can be disheartening and tempting to give up.