INSPIRATION
Chasing a Dream
Some years ago I took an online journalism course.
I completed the first two assignments and that was it. The rest of the notes are actually sitting beside my bed in the hope that I will find time to read them.
Many of us start something only to have it fall by the wayside, I was one of those people. It cost me not only money but also in confidence, certainty and having family and friends know they could take me at my word.
One thing that did come from that incomplete course was meeting Carla Coulson. For the second assignment I was to go to my favorite book store, find books in the genre I wished to write and take notes….I never got passed ‘ Italian Joy
Although I didn’t start writing a book that day, I did start blogging which has given me the confidence to finally begin that long overdue book.
Suddenly I found my passion, writing travel and photography beautifully combined into one. Yes it’s been a slow process much like our goal of moving back to Italy but I am determined to move forward each day with my own personal dreams.
Flying to Sydney last Saturday for the Carla Coulson – Get Published Workshop seemed to bring things full circle. I remember the first time she commented on my blog and it felt like royalty had visited, happy dancing in my pj’s resulted.
I was awestruck at first, but soon found that she is much like the rest of us, only she took a chance and changed her life.
She left a corporate career to chase a dream of becoming a photographer in Florence, went on to write Italian Joy and found love in Italy. She is now a widely published photographer and author, and fabulous presenter of the Carla Coulson – Get Published Workshop.
Spending an entire day with her in Sydney was priceless, not only learning about the practical hands on side of the publishing world but to hear about the struggles along the way.
Creative Director of Inside Out Sharon Misko was fabulous and gave us a critique of work selected from the group. Although I didn’t get a chance to chat I came away with a whole new appreciation for the way magazines work and what to look for.
I’ll never pick up another magazine without memories of this day.
An unexpected bonus was meeting Bryce Corbett, the Associate Editor of the Australian Women’s Weekly and a top bloke. Funnily enough I recognized him from his wife’s blog…..it’s a small world this blogging.
He’s very likeable with a thing for orange walls, funny, informative and generous with the wealth of knowledge built up through a career in publishing.
I had a chance to talk with him as he was waiting for a cab and found his insights invaluable, he instantly saw stories within our story for me to explore, sending me in directions I hadn’t even thought about.
I know any dream worth having can come with its own set of obstacles, we seem to have hit all of them along the way but like Carla I won’t ever give up.
and the gang x
What a beautiful piece you’ve written and I do identify. I too jump up and down when Carla comments on a photograph or blog so know just what you mean – and like you, Italian Joy was and is such an inspiration as are Paris Tango and Living a Dream. I constantly look at them and am inspired and have absolutely no doubt that via Carla’s inspiration and help I’ve greatly improved as a photographer. And as we all know, she is the most generous of women in giving advice – well we all love Carla.
I can imagine how crazy busy you are Lisa – know your life is set fair! I did something similar, left Australia after living there for six years and came to France and that was 22 years ago!
Jilly x
I’ve just heard about Carla’s work through another writer friend and I’m hooked! I’m a bit jaded with Italy at the moment so it’s refreshing to read all of this – and share the good vibe! Good luck with all xxcat
Oh I’m so glad you found her Catherine, she has always been a bit of a muse to me as it was one of her books that got me started writing my own. I studied photography and love her work, plus she is a great chick. Hope you’re not jaded for long, sending love lisa x
Hi Lisa, so glad to have met you at Get Published workshop- wow what a day. I am lining up a photoshoot for hopefully a story to publish and am warming up to a book I have always wanted to write. We are still madly looking at properties in France to buy and trying to wade through all the details like visas and having money to live on. What sort of supprt do you invisage to have for your daughter? As we discussed- you can email me to chat. xxCorrina
Corrina you are so inspiring and great to meet you. France will come sooner than you think xx
Oh, I want to meet this Carla Coulson and I definitely will find her book. I am about to throw in the towel on my dream of getting my manuscript published as a book….it seems like it takes so much time and effort and with three kids and a job I just don’t have the time. I need some inspiration! Can she come speak in Rome?
Love reading your posts as always. Big hugs, Trisha
Trisha you’d love her and I think we need to get together and get our books published at last. xx
sounds like life is working the way it should! Ask, and you shall receive….that is the way the universe works! And from your workshop magical things happen. Its the way life is – dreams coming true. So glad you are seeing things fall into place, so glad you had a great weekend.
When your book is published I so want a signed copy!!!
things are falling into place slowly but surely lisa.
you know how it is xx
Ah, Lisa–this is something I wish I had experienced!!!! Best of luck getting your article together!!!!
Jann your work is incredible and a huge inspiration to me, you capture the heart and soul so elegantly. How were you published, I’d love to hear about your experiences along the way xxx
love lisa
Just lost my comment!Just know I too follow her and adored Italian Joy!Have asked for Tango in Paris for Christmas!You are very lucky to have met her.I too lived in Florence for three years.It changed me forever for the better.I look forward to your book!
Italy captures so many hearts doesn’t it, yours and mine both! I especially love Florence, she has my soul! I hope Santa brings you that wonderful gift x
ciao lisa
It’s lovely sitting on the sideline feeling your excitement at the moment Lisa. You’re at that wonderful ‘jumping off’ moment and they don’t come along too often in life. ENJOY it and everything that comes with it. BTW, just nominated you for a 2013 Best Travel Blog over at Almost Fearless. Fingers crossed x
are you feeling our utter bewilderment and overwhelm cause they are hanging out with the excitement LOL x We really are jumping off this time, going with a lot less moola than we’d hoped yet I know it will all work out! Thanks for the nomination I’ll go check it out. If you don’t see me about online as much it’s just that we have a bizillion things to get done arghhhh xxxx
sending love x
Yes, those too. 🙂
Loved reading about this too Lisa. Timing is everything. It’s wonderful that you can take away so much inspiration just as you prepare to head home again to Italy. Wishing you well all the way! Jxx
Yes the time is right, things are falling into place for us finally. The great thing with Carla’s workshop is that I also took away practical ready to use knowledge, and confidence to get it done! See you in Melbourne, and I know Doug from ‘Fresco Images” wants to meet up as well so we could all get together. xxx
How lucky were we Lisa – and it was SO good to finally meet you. Next time it will be in Italy – yippee! I love your tenacity – go Girl!
F xx
So lucky with lots of determinated thrown in as well. If my old neighbor had broked my foot I would have been on crutches rather than heavily limping. We just never know what will happen. You are an instant soul mate and that big hug felt like a sister I never had….lots of lovely sisters!! x
I am so glad you managed to meet up with Carla and attend her workshop… She is a fantastically generous woman and I know she would have made the day unforgettable. Her passion for life and for her photography is infectious and I am sure you were inspired by her story…
Have a wonderful christmas Lisa… and a very happy New Year… xv
I guess this is like anything Vicki, It’s now up to us to apply the knowledge and take that leap into the unknown. She is a generous passionate teacher and mentor which I love, I think the thing that often suprises new bloggers is just how ‘normal’ and friendly we all are, what a great commumity we create to support and encouraged each other. It’ why I love blogging, and now writing a book LOL xxx
2013 is going to bring so many adventures xxx
It was a wonderful day with Carla. I am so glad I went…we all learned so much, and she is an absolute delight.
Fabulous you went along too Debra. It sounds like it was a truly worthwhile day.
What a perfect word Deb, I am working my way through the notes and set myself a goal to be published somewhere within a month!!
xxx
I LOVE THIS. Love, love it!! Go get it lady. Things don’t fall into place like this if you are on the wrong path. Trust in that. Or trust me if you don’t trust that. This is it for you. Keep going. xo
My act is to chuck it in just as I start to succeed but now I’m aware of it LOL!
Looking to get sponsorship with an idea Sammie has come up with …brilliant even if I do say so! I always trust in you my dear Suger xxx
kick up the ‘arse’ by said hubby paid off, just don’t tell him I told you so xxx