How can you combine your professional expertise and experience with the thing that you really want to spend your time doing? Tune into this podcast episode to find out why Anna has started her own training business to help writers to build their brand and reach more readers, what challenges she has come across so far, and where she goes for creative inspiration.

“I don’t think there was ever a moment of decision, I think it’s an idea that’s been percolating away in the back of my mind for a really long time in various forms.”
In my fourth podcast episode I interviewed Anna Caig who has worked in communications for 17 years, specialising in media relations, reputation management and strategic marketing campaigns. She has trained media spokespeople to deliver information in the most challenging and high pressure situations. She began her training business to help writers to build their brand and reach more readers. Anna now works with traditionally, indie and self-published writers, as well as helping creatives in any discipline.
She tutors on the MA Journalism course at The University of Sheffield and writes crime fiction. Her current work in progress has been shortlisted for the CWA Debut Dagger prize.
I first met Anna via our mutual friend - writer and coach Joanne Burn. We all met up for a trip to Scarthin Books and I remember Anna telling us about her business idea on the way there which we were all very excited about. Since then, Anna has made it happen and I couldn’t wait to ask her all about it!
During this episode I ask Anna:
After 17 years of working in communications, what made you decide to start your own business?
What steps did you take to move from full-time employment towards doing freelance work?
How did you imagine it would be to start your own business and how close is it to your experience so far?
What are the biggest challenges you’ve come across that you didn’t expect?
Where does your interest in communications stem from?
What gap can you fill for writers and other creatives?
Who do you most enjoy working with when you’re training people?
Why do you think some people find it challenging to promote their own work?
How do you make time for reading, blogging, and writing novels around your new business?
Where do you go for creative inspiration?
What question would you like to ask our listeners?
Make sure that you listen all the way to the end because Anna asks you a question to take away and think about when considering career change.
I think that this episode will be of particular interest if you’ve got an idea that won’t go away, if you want to promote your creative work but you’re not sure how to go about it, or if you’re wondering how you can combine your career with the things that you love doing.
Tune in to this episode of About The Adventure Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, my podcast host Captivate.fm, or on my website About The Adventure.
This episode was recorded by Joe Willis online via zoom on 3rd July 2020 and edited by him too! You can say hello to Anna on twitter @AnnaCaig or on her website www.annacaigcomms.co.uk and read her book reviews here: https://murderundergroundbrokethecamel.wordpress.com/
During the show Anna mentions crime writers Clare Mackintosh and Katherine Stansfield which are two authors that I’m definitely going to check out!
Anna released her own podcast in 2019: Thank You For Your Submission - talking to successful authors and trying to unearth the secret to staying sane while chasing that elusive book deal. You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud or wherever you like to tune in.
If you want to get in touch with me, your host, please email sarah@sarahventurer.com
Podcast artwork by Tiffany Francis-Baker
Podcast music created by multi-instrumentalist Sarah Sharp
Podcast production by Joe Willis