Ask Mia Anything + What are you feeling torn about?

In which I answer questions about how much money you can make as a writer, how much time I spend blogging and why I swear and wear hats….Also, I ask YOU a question…..and I’d really like an answer. Get to it.

Article filed under: MIa Videos, career , & published: Wednesday, February 10th, 2010.

Rhiannon says:

April 16, 2010 at 1:01 pm

Hi, Mia. I’m sixteen and my mum bought my your book for christmas because I’m a writer who has wanted work in magazines since possibly the first dinosaurs decided to mate. I know this is a tired question, but do have any advice as to how to start my career now?

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Alison Carmichael-Rulten says:

April 13, 2010 at 12:41 pm

About 30 magazine and newspaper editors around the world came together to build a female friendly travel website. We were sick of trying to trawl through thousands of website just to find a great deal and ‘real’ information on places we wanted to visit.

So holidaygoddess.com was born about 12 months ago. We say..

Holidaygoddess.com is the Internet’s freshest female-friendly travel website and it was recently voted site of the month by Time Out Singapore.

Time Out noted: “The travel industry has only just cottoned on to the new buzz trend – women-friendly travel – so it’s no surprise that it’s taken this long for Holiday Goddess to appear. With contributions from more than 30 former journalists and editors from fashion and lifestyle magazines, the site is packed with information from all corners of the globe, packaged in first person – narrative travel articles. We especially love the ‘Handbag Guides’ – quick, fun, city snapshots brimming with insider tips. Just download and print the pamphlet-style guides, they will fill you in on where to go for the best cocktails and spas, Michelin-starred restaurants and celebrity haunts.”

Holidaygoddess.com also provides a quarterly e-magazine, Holiday Goddess Quarterly (HGQ) that regularly features destinations from around the world, along with special offers, deals and inside information. The site has run US$1 airfares on Twitter, and shared secret information on 50% discounts on five-star London hotels on Facebook.

Holidaygoddess.com is edited by over 30 amazing women from around the world and their female-friendly travel takes into account that in most cases it’s the female in the relationship that sources and books holidays. However, the site tailors material to cover singles, mothers or families with small children, spa holidays, shopping meccas and lone adventurers to name just a few.

Can you let me know in these days of technology how we can further spread knowledge of our site – once people visit they love it but, we don’t have funds at present to advertise?

Mac says:

March 16, 2010 at 12:59 pm

I am a 22 year old Graphic Designer in Perth. I have been working at the same company since Uni and have been here for almost 3 years. I am a very hard worker and dedicated to my work and I now manage one of the design departments. What I really want to be doing though is designing for a magazine and this is where I hoping you could help. I was shortlisted for a job with a Perth fashion magazine but the editior told me she thought that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the fast pace, which is a bit ironic considering my fast and precise work is how Im doing so well at my current job. After being in that interview I know for sure that I don’t want to do anything else but am limited for opportunities in Perth. I walked away from that interview feeling scared that I wouldn’t have the chance to get that close to my dream job again but also with confidence because she told me that I am talented and not to give up trying. I know I can do this and I know that I wouldn’t disappoint anyone that gave me the chance but how do you prove this to someone that doesn’t know you? I would be happy to start anywhere and I’m not scared of hard work. I would move over east to get experience if I had to. I have read your book and thought of your website when I was trying to figure out where to go for advice. Any suggestions of courses or anything that will help would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Ella says:

February 27, 2010 at 2:42 am

I’m feeling torn about where I want my future to go this week. Gosh it’s a big one. I want to be a doctor – but decided I wasn’t smart enough. I’m doing nursing and I imagine that I’d be happy doing that – but I want to do med. to prove that I can. I’m so competitive and ambitious and I worry that I’m never going to settle down and have a ‘real job’ – that I’m always going to be a dirt-poor student, especially if I do nursing and then go on to do post-grad med. So may decisions.

frockup says:

February 20, 2010 at 11:34 pm

mia I so think you should write a book about what has happened since writing your last book to starting your blog etc.
So love your posts like going to DJ’s fashion show, so get out more often and give us the goss.
I so have a ‘ potty mouth” too swear on Mia!

Mia Freedman says:

February 17, 2010 at 5:22 pm

WElcome S…don’t be nervous. Most of us don’t bite.

Happy Mama says:

February 16, 2010 at 10:54 pm

Totally torn about going back to work. two days? three days? am losing my mind being at home everyday but feeling totally stressed about suddenly disappearing from daughter’s life 2-3 days a week.

To get a big mortgage and buy house with backyard or stay living in perfectly good apartment?

To have second baby sooner rather than later??

Questions for Mia: will you ever take a solid block of time away from this blog? have other bloggers proven that you lose your followers if you take a chunk of time off? how do you stay fresh and engaged without decent amount of downtime?

ever thought of doing a mini questionnaire/survey to find out exactly what the demographic of this site is?

thanks!

Anita says:

February 16, 2010 at 8:53 pm

Hi Mia,

Well, I’ve been addicted to your Sunday Life Mag column for ages now, it always gets my Sundays off to a rollicking start with a great chuckle! I’ve literally just finished reading your book; it was incredibly moving and so relevant for women of all different ages, it certainly got me thinking about a few things.

I have just started writing and have a piece that I’m keen to get out for the general public and other girls like me to read. My girlfriends have all read it and have had a good giggle, but I’m curious – would you recommend approaching mainstream media and asking them to take a look, or would you recommend blogging? How does a 24 year old amateur like me get her writing out there?

Looking forward to some advice – and to answer the question – I’m torn between moving to London to live and work as planned, or hanging around to see what may or may not develop with someone I’ve recently got back in touch with – he ticks all the boxes, is totally unexpected and has got a romance and relationship cynic like me eating my words. Tricky…!

Many thanks, and awesome website!!!

Anita.

CatinDXB says:

February 16, 2010 at 5:29 pm

Thanks so much kateinlondon and suze – I can’t begin to tell you how your posts have encouraged and lifted the spirit! I really am so thankful x

YoungVintage says:

February 16, 2010 at 4:04 pm

This sounds really interesting and worthwhile Monica!

If I lived locally to you I would definitely participate – I’m in Brisbane though.

Best of luck xx

February 16, 2010 at 4:01 pm

Another question I have is: Does your family sit down together for dinner each night?

It was a recent topic on Momversation and I found it really fascinating… Growing up, it was really important to my parents that we sat down together each night at the dining table and ate and talked together. I’m really thankful that we did, because it gave us all the opportunity to talk about whatever was going on in the world, with each other – just anything really. We’re already a really close family, but I think it definitely made us closer and it’s definitely something which I value.

eskimojo says:

February 15, 2010 at 9:18 pm

My tip is speak slowly. Even if you think you’re speaking at a good pace, you’re more than likelly going a little too fast. Each time you take a breath remind yourself to s-p-e-a-k-s-l-o-w and you’ll sound great

Venus says:

February 15, 2010 at 7:14 pm

In your years with your husband have you learnt how to speak ‘male’ and has he learnt how to speak ‘female’?

Guest says:

February 15, 2010 at 6:59 pm

Hmmm, I’m torn about working to earn money to get ahead versus not working to start having kids. Obviously if I were to get pregnant I’d continue to work up until as close to the birth as possible but I feel like we’re never going to be financially ready enough to take the leap. Having hubby just start a new job that’s entirely commission based is a large part of why I’m torn, I’m the stable money earner at the moment and I’m scared of what would happen if that were to change….
Thanks for the video Mia, as ever, feels like I’m listening to a friend

Monica- Psychologist says:

February 15, 2010 at 3:07 pm

As I’m aware that body image is a cause and concern close to Mia’s heart I wanted to see if she would be interested in suggesting/advertising/participating in

my Masters thesis on the topic of body dysmorphic disorder symptomology in the general population. A study such as this has not yet been undertaken and I feel that it is a very important subject area well worth exploring. We all have our body dislikes however, how many of these dislikes border on pathological and are detrimental to our mental health and general well being?

Body dysmorphia has a well documented history in clinical populations however; psychologists are yet to establish how many women in the general population have warped perceptions of their bodies and how this effects them. The study will be overseen by Dr. Rocco Crino (coordinator of the anxiety disorders unit at St. Vincents hospital), myself and another psychologist. We basically just need assistance recruiting women and men that are interested in participating and thought that this blog would be a great way of getting the word out.

Please let me know if you would like any more information,

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated,

- Monica

Carla says:

February 15, 2010 at 2:39 pm

I got married at a registry office with my two year old son taking part in the ceremony and pregnant with my second son. It was such a wonderful day and I am so glad that my children could be part of it all. The registry office was fantastic too, as it had a limit to how many people you can invite (50) which made it really intimate and it was so much cheaper than having it at a function centre. The celebrant was lovely too, and very professional. My phobia of weddings disapeared on that day!

Vicki II says:

February 14, 2010 at 3:27 pm

Thanks cleo, Mrs M and kateinlondon ….

Lindy says:

February 14, 2010 at 2:55 pm

love the videos Mia!

Jo says:

February 14, 2010 at 11:21 am

Oh my gosh, this just confirms my thoughts of one day wanting to get married, but NOT having a wedding!

Melanie Suzanne Wilson says:

February 14, 2010 at 10:58 am

Hi Mia. The hat is ok. A lot of girls would love to be invited to the fashion shows like you are, at least to experience the event once. I’m torn about postponing employment to study instead.

February 14, 2010 at 10:54 am

Hol, I do agree that teens in that situation are ripping off the government. Still, I think those teens will have more obstacles and less opportunities. You are different. You are getting qualified and independent. I wouldn’t do what you’re doing but you’re not like the 16 year olds. It’s fine if somebody disagrees with me here. I know a 16 year old who didn’t take it seriously. It’s a shock. I try to be peaceful anyway. Sorry if this is a bit vague.

Zoey @ Good Goog says:

February 13, 2010 at 10:20 pm

What I’m torn about is the usual paid work vs time with daughter vs blog/hobby time. It’s been going on so long, it bores me! I don’t think there’s really an answer to it – and probably even thinking about it makes sure there’s something akin to a balance. My question is was your published book the first book you actually wrote – or was there a few false starts that are loitering around never to see the light of day?

Marina says:

February 13, 2010 at 8:56 pm

Thanks all so much for all your amazing ideas. I think we have decided on a city restuarant with 50 (down from 80) of our imidiate family (mostly his). There’s another thing to be torn about his and her guest list it never ends!! Thanks again for all the suggestions. Sworn to stay married for ever… not doing this again.. nothing romantic about a wedding day.. Happy valentines day everyone

Robsmc says:

February 13, 2010 at 7:10 pm

Sometimes the most important part of a friendship is knowing when it’s no longer right, or healthy for you. If you don’t feel ready to go as far as report it, keeping yourself safe – and sane, is the next best option. Good luck, it’s a tough time.

February 13, 2010 at 6:03 pm

My boss did that for his little boy’s naming ceremony, just in their backyard and it was lovely!

Kate says:

February 13, 2010 at 4:53 pm

What I am feeling torn about: choosing schools for my kid – he’s a very bright 9 year old who is happy, outgoing and relaxed. Should we send him to the lovely school around the corner which has an okay reputation (more convenient for us as a family) or to a school in the city – known for academic excellence (he has been offered a highly sought after place). He would enjoy both. People are telling me go the best you can afford – don’t compromise his future. Thankfully the fees are not an issue. Does the ‘old school tie’ still matter?

February 13, 2010 at 4:48 pm

What I am feeling torn about: choosing schools for my kid – he’s a very bright 9 year old who is happy, outgoing and relaxed. Should we send him to the lovely school around the corner which has an okay academic reputation (more convenient for us as a family) or to a school in the city – known for academic excellence (he has been offered a highly sought after place). He would enjoy both. Does the ‘old school tie’ still matter? Thankfully the fees are not an issue.

kim says:

February 13, 2010 at 11:17 am

Mia, the vidieos are so great just the way they are,don’t film them any other way- its like meeting a friend for coffee at your favourite cafe!!

kateinlondon says:

February 13, 2010 at 1:12 am

So torn I could be Natalie Umbruglia. Without the long limbs and pixie hairdo.

Torn between which country to live in/which job my husband should take/which house we should live in? When I should go back to work/should I go back to work? What is our blog doing/what should our blog be doing? How much money is enough/not enough? How much are my children missing out on living so far from grandparents/how much are they gaining living around the world? Am I a better mother because son in nursery/am I a bad mother because not working and son doesn’t need to be in nursery? Does the baby get enough attention/does the son get enough attention/does marriage get enough attention? Do we desparately need a holiday/can we afford another holiday? And finally – if a chocolate block is thinner than cadbury, and is in a posh packet, does it count as health food and thus part of Project Beach diet?

February 13, 2010 at 12:57 am

BEST of luck.

February 13, 2010 at 12:47 am

weddings with grace – I am so off to buy that book online.

Karen – only you know what you really should do, but it sounds like you have a serious need for some deep soul searching. Relationships are about sacrifices, but they are also about compromises from both sides. does this mean he never wants to go home ever? Are you happy to live with that? And are you happy having children with someone who you don’t trust? Moving countries is one thing, but that situation can always be changed – having children is a no going back kind of thing!!

Wishing you lots of luck with your tough decisions. x

Jenny says:

February 12, 2010 at 10:40 pm

Hi Mia, I really loved that video blog you did on your favourite makeup and beauty products. I ended up buying the Olay self-tanner (for the face) and it’s great. Also I loved the article you did for Shop till you drop about your latest fashion buys. So I suppose it would be nice to see more of your beauty & fashion tips – say some fashion or beauty item that you are loving at the time (obviously when you have time – I know you are probably very busy with the blog & family – no rush). I just really like your sense of fashion style & beauty – I find it really suits my lifestyle.

Rochelle says:

February 12, 2010 at 9:31 pm

Thanks for the link. Will check it out.

suze says:

February 12, 2010 at 8:11 pm

I hope you soon work it all out and feel so very happy. I absolutely admire anybody who does a big move (whether it is geographically big or emotionally big), I can never move from my mum and sister (and now including in that my mum inlaw and sister in law), I deliberatley avoided a huge move in my last relationship and although I don’t regret it now I did at the time, which was 5 years ago. good luck to you CatinDXB. I’m sure the love and strength between you and your wonderful man will sort out.

February 12, 2010 at 8:04 pm

my question….. fave recipe?

I am torn about family politics and what I think is right for me, my beautiful husband and our precious 8 month old

February 12, 2010 at 7:53 pm

can i intrude and give my commetns???? both of my weddings were traditional and expensive and completely for the guests, even down to choosing who my bridal party was. if i had my time again, celebrating the marriage would have been done EXACTLY WHAT ME AND HE WANT!! Marriage is for each other…weddings are for everybody else!!

February 12, 2010 at 7:47 pm

also can I add my tip????? be well researched/informed. when you are confident in your topic you will speak confidently. good luck and let us all know how it goes

megw says:

February 12, 2010 at 5:18 pm

Couldn’t go past the heartache I can ‘hear’ in your post. I am sorry you are hurting and hope that somehow you are able to fulfil your dream. I think it is the hardest lesson as an adult – coming to terms that life doesn’t always go to plan.

Charlotte says:

February 12, 2010 at 5:06 pm

Hi Mia,
Quick question…Just wondering where you find your pictures that go with each post? I find them very fresh & querky.

I’m feeling torn about whether to leave my current boring job with terrible boss or to stick it out knowing hubby and I are trying for a baby & that I may forgo 14 weeks paid mat leave if I do leave. *sigh*

live.life.love. says:

February 12, 2010 at 4:49 pm

Ok, my name isn’t Mia-so forgive me for intruding
From my experience, if you pretend that you’re feeling confident you will either a) actually become more confident and hence make a better speech) or b) at least look like you are self assured.
During the talk, try to give a small smile while speaking (maybe that needs a little bit of practise before) and it tends to make you feel better and give your audience a positive vibe.
Good luck and try to practise a little before you get up!

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Ask Mia Anything + What are you feeling torn about?

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