Two Words with Taku

Missed my radio story on PBS Radio today? Grab a cuppa! Here is Chapter 1 – A Different Dance, full and uninterrupted. Friendly note: it’s a work of fiction and includes some strong language here and there.

JoYOLO is my new radio story airing on PBS 106.7FM. In this episode I share a sneak peek of Chapter 1 and what inspired the whole story. I also discuss the five fun sound effects I used in producing my radio story.

Breaking news: my favourite tea mug has cracked. And yes, I’m being a little emo and dramatic about it. Listen as I share why I love tea so much and why I can’t write without it. I also share tea-drinking memories from my childhood in Zimbabwe and why ...

Major mojo killer: comparing yourself to others. I ask an author, a dancer, an actress, a radio broadcaster and a pottery teacher to share their thoughts on this topic. I’m currently producing a radio story, something quite new to me,

S-Town creator Brian Reed is coming to Melbourne. OMG! I can’t wait to hear how he made his record-breaking podcast. 40 million downloads and counting! In this episode I review S-Town, Serial by This American Life,

Making money shouldn’t be your main motivation. So why do you really want to write a book? Why do you need to write a book? Friendly FYI…these tips are from a 2016 video series I filmed after self-publishing a children’s book in Australia.

So you want to publish a book? But hold on…what’s the story you will write? Is it non-fiction or fiction? Why is that story important? What’s your personal story and the connection to the work you want to publish?

In this episode I review the The Big Issue Magazine’s Wonder Woman edition (dated 19 May – 1 June). I focus on the basic layout of the magazine, how the words and images work together and other things that I like about it. Photos at http://taku.com.

How I really feel about online dating. Listen to the unexpected poem that recently became my online dating profile. I never thought I’d share this on my podcast but hey,  this episode kinda happened whilst I was learning how to be a better podcaster.

Crowdfunding is a great way to raise funds. I do, however, recommend having a back-up option for self-publishing your book. I had an unsuccessful crowdfunding campaign on Pozible in 2015. I raised 26% of my $15000 goal amount and I learnt so much from ...

Research is everything. You need do your homework before you self-publish your book. Weigh up if that’s really the route you want to take. Explore what stories other writers are writing, find out who would be interested in your story.

How to add graphics to your resume or CV. Rogue Resumes to Sexy CVs is my technical writing series to help your CV look a bit better in Microsoft Word. In this podcast episode I talk through how to add simple graphics to your CV – mainly colourful head...

Me + TV Show Ideas + VIVID Sydney = Magic. I finally pitched my TV show ideas to TV and film producers at VIVID Sydney’s Breakfast Speed Pitch Fest on Monday.  The first part you’ll hear is my reaction straight after I left the Museum of Contemporary A...

Don’t Conform, Teach Others and Please Don’t be Boring. My 15-year-old sister lives in Zimbabwe and lately I’ve been talking to her about the not-so-fun things some teenagers go through. Like trying to fit in. Especially if you’re creative or arty.

Finding funding ain’t funny. Don’t quit your job…yet! Self-publishing and funding a book can be a costly process. Work out how you will find the money to publish your book. Will you work 9-5? Can you apply for a grant? Might you crowdfund?

Self-publishing a book is not for the faint-hearted. It takes courage, research and determination. These tips are from a 2016 video series I filmed after self-publishing a children’s book in Australia. Find all 20 videos on TAKU TV at https://www.

Wait…is ‘unentitled’ even a real word? My new business cards have me thinking about my title and what I really stand for. Yep, I’m trying my best and I like encouraging people to just try too. In this episode I also mention Seth Godin’s Startup School ...

Creativity and community know no bounds. I’m a writer in Melbourne, Australia and I don’t like being cold. He’s a photographer in Smithers, Canada and loves to ski. We have never met and the only thing connecting us is one courageous book project.

Yikes! I have a new TV show pitch to present to Australian TV producers next month. My Shark Tank audition was a sobering lesson on pitching! In this episode I reflect on the blog post I wrote after that audition in 2015.

How to add colour to your resume or CV. Rogue Resumes to Sexy CVs is my technical writing series to help your CV look a bit better in Microsoft Word. In this podcast episode I talk through how to add colour to your CV so your job application doesn’t lo...

The magic of starting a podcast. Here’s an update on my stand-up comedy and what else’s been happening after twenty podcast episodes of Two Words with Taku. I was nervous about starting the podcast, but now it’s opening new doors and conversations in m...

Getting published is so hard! I’m in my local library with author Kerry Cue to discuss how she does it, dealing with publishers and distribution agents, when you can first call yourself a writer and other funny stories about her writing journey.

I discuss fake news, writing for the papers and being stereotyped with my writing mentor Kerry Cue. She spent 20+ years writing humourous op-ed (opinion-editorial) articles for Australia’s major newspapers and now she blogs about maths. Yes, maths!

14,251 words and counting. I’m not sure self-publishing my second book is the best thing to do right now. Here’s to publisher-hunting and exploring new possibilities with better eyes and better stories. Self-publishing tips on YouTube Curious what I le...

How to add columns to your resume or CV. Rogue Resumes to Sexy CVs is my technical writing series to help your CV look a bit better in Microsoft Word. In this podcast episode I talk through how to add columns to your CV,