Thread by @FabianWomen

Thanks to everyone tuning in tonight! Do you have a question for @shaistaAziz or @kate_murray? Let us know #FWNwriting

https://twitter.com/FabianWomen/status/1311375675308285954

.@shaistaAziz highlights the importance of knowing what you believe and knowing what you think. If you can crack that, you can crack writing to be heard. #FWNwriting

"There's a reason why journalism is such an elite, white privileged profession... They are not reflective of the wider population" - @shaistaAziz on the issue of fair pay in journalism and the problem of people being asked to work for free #FWNwriting

Use your local newspaper, they are really short of journalists, advises @shaistaAziz. Write letters, editors will pick up on it if you write interesting letters. Do not be afraid to go to people. Do not be precious about rejections. Be creative about where you pitch. #FWNwriting

.@kate_murray shares an editors' point of view: develop relationships with commissioning editors. They need people to come to them with ideas, and they are very busy so you need to be persistent... #FWNwriting

"If you're not writing full length pieces, what you're saying on social media or in other forums that you're involved in can be really important," says @kate_murray. Editors look for new voices on social media all the time. #FWNwriting

.@shaistaAziz talks about paying it forward: "Open up as much space as you can for other women. When their voices are heard, your voice is more likely to be heard. That is a fact." #FWNwriting

"Think about your role in telling the story. If someone is constantly centring themselves in a story, it's not really a story is it... It's called 'his'-tory for a reason" - @shaistaAziz #FWNwriting

⏩Keep it brief - few sentences

⏩Show you know about the publication - say why you chose them

⏩Link to work you're proud of - but don't worry about sending your portfolio

⏩It's all about the idea

@kate_murray shares tips for pitching and that first approach #FWNwriting

"A lot of opinion people are on Twitter and their DMs are open" - says @shaistaAziz - but choose what you send them. If there's a hard hitting issue they are working on, give them some information. It helps build networks and trust. #FWNwriting

"We all have something important to say and I think if you know what you want to say, and you're passionate about it, that really goes a long way... Have confidence that what you're saying is worth getting out there. And keep at it." - @kate_murray #FWNwriting

Last bits of advice?

"You're doing something by breathing, standing upright, doing what you love and doing your job" - @shaistaAziz

"Never read below the line... People can be absolutely vicious in a way that they wouldn't be face to face" - @kate_murray

#FWNwriting

Chair @Kelly_Grehan highlights the need for solidarity and supporting each other - if there's an article you like, leave a positive comment or send the writer a tweet telling them how much you appreciated their work. It's a great way to counter the negativity. #FWNwriting

Thanks to everyone for joining us tonight! Watch back on Facebook Live en-gb.facebook.com/FabianWomen/ or check back later for the full recording for more practical and inspiring insights from @kate_murray and @shaistaAziz. See you next time. #FWNwriting