|
 |
Joanna Moorhead Interview
Posted on 22 January 2004. © Copyright 2004-2024 WriteWords
|
Writewords talks to Joanna Moorhead, freelance feature writer for the Guardian and other papers and magazines
How did you start writing?
I’m a freelance writer: I write mainly about parenting, women’s issues and health. I write mostly for the Guardian, a bit for the Independent and Observer, and for magazines like Prima Baby, Family Circle and Junior. I’ve written four books, three on parenting. Writing was always the thing I did best at school, and I especially loved those exercises where you had to pretend you were a journalist and write in a ‘newspaper style’. I was a bit hampered by the fact that I went to a convent boarding school in the middle of the countryside, and the nuns didn’t consider newspapers ‘proper reading’ for their girls! In the end I struck a deal with one nun - she passed on the Daily Telegraph a day late, with page three removed so I didn’t get corrupted by all the saucy court cases.
What was the first piece you ever had published?
I started writing in the school holidays for the Catholic newspaper in my diocese, so my first published piece was in the Leeds Catholic Voice when I was about 15.
Who do you write for now? are they regular contacts?
As outlined above - and yes, they’re all regular contacts. It’s a lot easier to pitch ideas to editors you know, and generally speaking it takes a lot longer and isn’t as likely to succeed if you go in cold with someone you don’t know, even if it’s via a mutual friend or colleague.
What kind of subjects/stories do you generally write about?
I write about parenting, health and women’s issues. I did my first parenting piece 12 years ago when I was pregnant for the first time - it seemed a natural direction to go in (I’d done religious affairs writing for a few years before that) as my life from then on was going to be dominated, for a while at least, by children. I’ve now got four children - daughters aged 11, nine, five and two - and a lot of my writing springs from our life as a family, and from the issues I meet as I’m bringing them up. So I write about sibling rivalry because we’ve just had some huge fights, or school reports because it’s school report time, or tantrums because my little one is having screaming fits all the time. It wouldn’t suit anyone who wanted to draw a definite line between a ‘home life’ and a ‘work life’, because it means the line between the two is blurred the whole time. But for me it works perfectly: I love combining my ordinary experiences with my writing, and I gain a lot from finding out about parenting theories, interviewing experts etc.
|
Comments by other Members
| |
 sue n at 22:47 on 07 April 2004
 Report this post
|
Joanna
Any advice for a thwarted but talented travel writer?
Without coming through the apprentiship of a local rag, how is it possible to get that first break? Should you just keep sending the proposals or take the risk of sending a ready made article.
Sue
| |
 TWilliams214 at 10:45 on 03 April 2024
Report this post
|
The Joanna Moorhead interview provides a fascinating insight into the world of yoga and meditation, offering valuable perspectives on wellness and mindfulness. Moorhead's discussion sheds light on the transformative power of these practices in modern life. For those seeking a deeper understanding, the interview serves as a valuable resource. Explore further at https://www.innovayogameditation.com/ for an enriched journey into holistic well-being.
| |
EricaJohnson at 12:16 on 06 April 2024
Report this post
|
In the Joanna Moorhead interview, conducted with precision and insight, the discussion traversed numerous vital subjects, including the intricacies of maintaining HIPAA checklist within healthcare settings. Moorhead's astute questions and the interviewee's illuminating responses highlighted the paramount importance of safeguarding patient privacy and confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations. The conversation underscored the challenges and responsibilities faced by healthcare professionals in navigating the complex landscape of data protection while ensuring optimal patient care. Moorhead's adept handling of the topic showcased her journalistic acumen and commitment to exploring issues of profound significance in today's healthcare environment.
| |
| |
|
|
Comments by other Members
Follow us on Twitter |
Articles |
Site Tour |
Help |
Terms |
Privacy |
About | Contact |