Why did you choose to become a freelancer?
Freelancing was thrust upon me. I worked abroad for 12 years, then took voluntary redundancy and moved to Chester to be with my then-partner. There were no media jobs locally so I used my redundancy money to set up as a freelance. It was that or get bored doing nothing at home.
If you trained, where? If not, how did you become a freelancer?
I trained on a listings magazine 30 years ago as a young teenager, writing gig reviews and interviewing punk bands. But I don't really believe you need training, except to report. I have no shorthand and type with one finger, but I've never been out of work. For features, a nose for a strong idea and the talent to write should be enough.
Do you specialise in any particular field and what areas do you write about?
I started off specialising in music and entertainment, but I've covered many different subjects over the years. These days I mainly write about finance and commodities, tech stuff and social justice issues such as disability rights.
I'd love to sell more disability stories, being disabled myself, but they're not seen as 'sexy' by editors unless they have a happy ending. However, my first book, 'Epilepsy The Essential Guide', has just been published, which I hope will really help people.
Which publications have you been published in?
Everything from Record, Mirror and Pop Star Weekly (way back when) to the Guardian, via the News of the World's Fabulous magazine, the Public Ledger, Candis, New Consumer and fetish magazine Skin Two - and many others in between.
Which articles, in which publication, are you the most proud of?
I did a piece in Guardian Society about 18 months ago exposing the arbitrariness of being awarded Disability Living Allowance and how damaging to people's lives it is when essential benefits are randomly withdrawn.
I also covered the trial of French war criminal Paul Touvier in Paris in 1994 for an international magazine. I was the only freelance journalist given a press pass and I'm really proud that I was able to help tell the story of how he sent Jews to their deaths.
What are the best and worst aspects of freelancing?
The best aspect is definitely the freedom to do what you want and the control you have over your working life. As I have a disability, that's really important to me. I don't want or need the stress of lengthy commutes or a long hours culture. The worst is the precariousness - wondering when you'll get paid. And things are getting very tough out there right now.
Do you have any interesting anecdotes in relation to your experience as a freelancer?
Lots, but most are unrepeatable. I've been known to be indiscreet after a few pints in the pub, though - anyone who wants to hear my more salacious anecdotes is welcome to ply me with pink fizz!
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