“Lively, memorable and inspiring.” Kaaren Sutcliffe
“Spiked with humour, underpinned by experience and very relevant.” Margaret Goody
“Generous with her knowledge.” Kirsty Ogden
“Laid back, down-to-earth style.” Patrice Shaw
“Lucid and engaging.” Alan Cockerill
Over the past 20 years, I have spoken on an eclectic range of topics to very different groups – from ten people in a home up to audiences of 600 in a conference venue. I address audiences ranging from writers & editors to business people and families on topics that are both practical and inspirational.
- Interactive, practical and visual.
- I like to connect with real people and give them something they can actually use, be it writing skills or inspiration for life’s hard places.
- I talk honestly about my mistakes, so others can learn from them.
- I always seek to encourage and empower my listeners.
As seen in
Professional background
- Accredited Editor, Institute of Professional Editors, Australia
- Bachelor of Business – Communication, majoring in Journalism
- Bachelor of Theology (Honours)
- Award-winning speaker with a background in radio and television journalism
- Award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction.
Recent and upcoming appearances
How to Make a Living with Your Writing with Joanna Penn and Rachel Amphlett, Walkabout Creek, 25 February 2017
In Conversation with Joanna Penn and Rachel Amphlett, Queensland Writers Centre, 26 February 2017
How to Find and Manage a Great Team of Beta Readers, London Book Fair Indie Author Fringe, Alliance of Independent Authors, 18 March 2017 (free webinar recording available at link)
Does Grammar Matter in the Digital Age, University of Southern Queensland, 29 March 2017 (free webinar recording available at link)
Magnetic Island Writers Retreat, Perfect Your Book, 8-10 September 2017
Online Marketing for Editors, IPEd National Editors Conference, Brisbane, 13-15 September 2017
Moreton Bay Regional Council Libraries, Perfect Your Book, Albany Creek, 7 October 2017
GenreCon 2017, Perfect Your Book, State Library of Queensland, 10-12 November 2017
Emerge Young Writers Workshop, hosted by Townsville Writers and Publishers Centre, 9-11 January 2018
Make Every Word Work, Writers’ Block workshop, Helensvale Library, Gold Coast, 3 March 2018
Blogging for Business (or just for fun!), Gondor Writers Centre with Sarah Williams, Landsborough, 27 April 2018
Broken to Brilliant Book Writing Workshop, for people emerging from domestic violence, Brisbane, 1-4 June 2018 – application necessary, details at link
Writing your family story, Association of Independent Retirees, Chermside, 15 June 2018
Memoir writing and beta readers, Helensvale Writers, 21 June 2018
Strathpine writers group, Strathpine Library, 6pm Tuesday 17 July 2018
Perfect Your Book, Moreton Bay Writers Group, Saturday 28 July 2018
SLQ Writers Group, 15 October 2018
Broken to Brilliant Writer’s Retreat for people who have left domestic violence and are rebuilding their lives, 29 March – 1 April 2019
Editing Trauma Narratives, Institute of Professional Editors national conference, Melbourne, 9 May 2019
Editing Trauma Narratives, Editors Queensland, Brisbane, 5 June 2019
Self-Publishing Action Plan, Rivershore Resort Maroochydore, 15 June 2019
Published Author Group, Mitchelton Library, 19 June 2019
Use Feedback to Write a Better Book, North Lakes Library, 19 October 2019
GenreCon 2019, Brisbane, November 22-24 2019
Self-Editing for Writers, Beaudesert Writers Group – QWC, March 2020
Self-Editing for Writers, Queensland Writers Centre, four week course, April/May 2020
Why Authors need a Developmental Editor, Dan Janal Write a Book in a Flash Podcast, May 2021
Building Community at Your Editing Edge, national Australian conference of editors, Institute of Professional Editors, June 2021
Somerset Writers Retreat, Esk, Queensland, 27-29 August 2021
Broken to Brilliant Book Writing Workshop, for people emerging from domestic violence, Woodlands of Marburg, 25-28 August 2022 – application necessary, details at link
Examples
- Gracewriters Podcast for Christian writers – episodes on multiple writing topics available at link
- Audio interview on developmental editing – Dan Janal Podcast
- Introduction to Self-Editing for Writers online course, with details which also apply to the in-person workshops.
- Presentation on beta readers at the Alliance of Independent Authors online conference 2017.
Current topics
FOR WRITERS
1. Perfect Your Book – self-editing for writers
Length: 1 hour to 4 hours, adaptable to your event
Format: Practical workshop
Purpose: To equip and inspire those seeking to write books they’ll be proud of for years to come
Target audience: Writers, beginner to advanced (can be modified to match)
This workshop has proven very popular in recent years. It combines three key methods for turbocharging not just the manuscript but the writer. Build a solid writing career by building your own set of techniques.
- Ninja skills for self-editing, from an editor-turned-author… tips from the trenches.
- How to get powerful feedback from a team of willing volunteers who become your beta readers, and how to make sense of the feedback once you’ve got it.
- When the time comes to find a pro editor, how to find someone who is not only skilled and professional but also a good fit for you and your project.
2. Write your life – memoir and personal story
Length: 1 hour to 6 hours, adaptable to your event
Format: Practical workshop
Purpose: To equip and encourage writers who are writing memoir, or stories containing personal elements
Target audience: Writers, beginner to intermediate
Despite editing and ghostwriting many biographies, memoirs and personal stories over the past 20 years, writing my own memoir (Dogged Optimism: Lessons in Joy from a Disaster-Prone Dog) was a whole new world, and this workshop has sprung from that experience. Topics covered include:
- Techniques for researching your own life, including how to create realistic dialogue, and unexpected pitfalls of the process
- Managing beta reader feedback so you can create the best version of your story
- Tips for coping with the stress of reliving painful events, and then putting your own life out into the world for people to look at.
3. Self-Publish without Fear
Length: 1 hour to 6 hours (adaptable to your event)
Format: Practical workshop
Purpose: To encourage and empower individuals to publish books of professional standard within a support network
Target audience: Writers, beginner to intermediate
I didn’t know how terrifying self-publishing was until I did it myself! Self-publishers can produce books that hold their own alongside the products of the Big Five publishers, without necessarily having to spend a fortune. I have developed and adapted techniques based on my years of experience as a book editor for traditional publishers, and as a publishing consultant for niche and self-publishers. I speak honestly about the excitement, stress and (occasionally) horror of becoming a self-published author myself, and share the techniques that helped me to overcome the overwhelm.
FOR GENERAL AUDIENCES
Keynote: The Mosquito Bite – surviving life’s challenges
Length: 15 minutes up to 1 hour (adaptable to your event)
Format: After-dinner or Keynote speech
Purpose: To inspire people to pursue their dreams despite — or even because of — life’s challenges
Target audience: Will be tailored to your audience.
For years I had wanted to hike New Zealand’s Milford Track, a four-day trek through some of the most awe-inspiring mountains on earth, as a research expedition for my debut murder mystery Poison Bay. But when an innocuous mosquito bite resulted in a debilitating chronic illness, walking to the letterbox seemed impossible. I’ve blogged about this personal story of confronting pain and feelings of powerlessness by going into training for that very hike. I did it! And along the way I learned much bigger lessons about life.
Entertainment: The long trail to Poison Bay – How I wrote a book set in a remote wilderness
Length: 15 minutes up to 1 hour (adaptable to your event)
Format: Entertainment
Purpose: To entertain people with tales about researching and writing a crime novel set in the wilderness
Target audience: Writers and readers
A family holiday around New Zealand’s South Island became the inspiration for something much more sinister when I realised its dramatic landscape would make a good murder weapon. My quest for authentic background information for my novel led me to a research expedition full of hazardous moments, and even a four-day trek through the wilderness.
You Choose!
Talk to me about your audience and what you want to achieve with your event.
Previous appearances include…
- Queensland Writers Centre, Brisbane, Australia
- Magnetic Island Writers Retreat, Townsville Writing and Publishing Centre, 2017
- Somerset Writers Retreat, 2021
- Gracewriters Podcast, founding co-host since 2020
- Editing on the Edges: National Editors Conference, Tasmania, 2021
- Beyond the Page: National Editors Conference, Melbourne, 2019
- Advancing Our Profession: National Editors and Indexers Conference, Brisbane, 2017
- Write | Edit | Index: National Editors and Indexers Conference, Canberra, 2015
- GenreCon Australia 2015, 2017 and 2019
- Co-presenter with Joanna Penn: How to Make Living with Your Writing – Books, Blogging and More, Brisbane 2017
- University of Southern Queensland, Beyond the Books Online Webinar Series
- Alliance of Independent Authors Indie Author Fringe, London Book Fair
- Society of Editors, Queensland
- Write Around Moreton Bay series and Meet the Author series, Moreton Bay Regional Libraries
- Writing events, Gold Coast libraries
- NPAC Women’s Dinner
- Association of Independent Retirees, multiple appearances
- Driving the Marketing Function in Professional Services, ARK Group, Sydney
- Australasian Christian Broadcasters Conference, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Pine Rivers Chamber of Commerce
- Thomson Adsett Architects InDesign Training Series
- World View newsmagazine program on Nine Television Network
- CMS Summer School, Mt Tamborine
- Roseville College
- Toastmasters Conferences
- Special events at churches in London, UK and in various Australian locations including New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.
Testimonials
“Belinda left us with a shed FULL of new tools, tricks, and techniques we can use across any genre … By far the best course in this field that I have ever done. Very highly recommended.” Mark Chay, historical fiction writer
“She presented a vast amount of information in such an enjoyable manner that the time just flew by.” Tracey Rosen, romance author
“Practical, informative, and I loved that you weren’t strict on writing laws.” Lystra Bisschop, young adult fantasy writer, 2018 winner black&write fellowship
“Belinda’s manner is relaxed and warm, which creates the necessary atmosphere for writers to open up and ask the ‘stupid’ questions they really need answers to.” Dr Toni Risson, social historian
“Schools teach us to edit our work by correcting spelling mistakes and grammar, but in creative writing, that’s not enough. Belinda offered some fantastic insight into the murky depths of the developmental editing world, where stories are really made and broken.” Chris Picone, speculative fiction writer
“Belinda is a master at explaining the importance of beta readers and how to use them effectively.” Natasha Ramm
“Brilliant advice and well presented. I got so much value out of the seminar and workbook. Can’t wait to put it to use!” Jodie Lane, jodielane.com
“I found it very helpful to help me with my next steps, as this is my first writing experience.” Sandy
“Belinda delivered an informative and realistic skill session. It has definitely improved my critiquing skills.” Lexcia Dalton, lgdaltonnovelist.com
“Belinda is an informative presenter who shares relevant information in an engaging way. Her presentations are well worth attending but are never long enough!” Rachelle Sadler, rachellesadler.com
“A highly informative and inspiring session.” Allan Nolan
“You hold a wealth of knowledge and experience. Thank you.” Debbie Flack
“Belinda… presented clearly, spoke fluently, and her audio visual presentation was engaging and humorous. Everything was easy to understand and … I believe that she has been the most professionally prepared guest speaker that we have had this year.” Cheryl Springer, President, Pine Rivers Chamber of Commerce
“Thank you for your concise and practical presentation … it was spiked with humour, underpinned by experience and very relevant.” Margaret Goody, Akyra Strategy & Development
“Belinda is a confident and engaging speaker and presenter. At the National Editors’ Conference in 2015 she addressed an audience of about 200 people and spoke well on topic, delivering sound and practical advice laced with humour and true-life anecdotes. She has an uncanny knack of establishing just what the audience needs to know and presents the information in a lively, memorable and inspiring way.” Kaaren Sutcliffe, Accredited Editor and conference MC, Fantasy Author
“Thank you for your excellent contribution last night to the seminar Going it alone … I enjoyed it immensely and learned a great deal.” Brian Robertson, Writer
“Belinda is a very capable speaker and communicator. She has considerable natural ability in this area, an academic background in communications and a high level of motivation to continually work on and sharpen these skills.” David Mansfield, Anglican Diocese of Sydney
“I have enjoyed being an audience member on two occasions at which Belinda gave a presentation on editing and the role of an editor. Both were brilliant! She was very generous with her knowledge and her manner is engaging and entertaining.” Kirsty Ogden, Epiphany Editing
“Very informative and entertaining. How to avoid the pitfalls by learning from Belinda’s mistakes and experience. Thanks!” Gail Cartwright, Wordwright Editing
“Belinda’s presentation was lucid and engaging. I especially liked the way she used suggestive screen images to make her points stick.” Alan Cockerill, Holistic Education Books
“Listening to Belinda Pollard speak about social media at the Queensland Society of Editors meeting was like having a conversation with a good friend over a cup of tea. Her laid back, down-to-earth style made the audience feel welcome and relaxed. Belinda shared her experiences openly and with a touch of humour. I would recommend her to anyone who needs the services of an engaging speaker.” Patrice Shaw, Freelance editor
“I was lucky enough to be at the meeting on Monday night where you spoke to us about social media. Thank you so much. Suddenly the prospect of tweeting isn’t so scary and it’s great to know that Facebook is not the doomed entity once predicted. I loved, too, that you underscored the things I already feel about other social media platforms, i.e. some the business, some for pleasure, some for both-and some just for ourselves. Your presentation was amusing, light and engaging. More please! Oh yes, and I love furry things too.” Margie Riley, Better Manuscript Editing
“Belinda is an engaging speaker who connects with her audience by mixing her knowledge with self-disclosure. By interspersing tips and tricks, humour, and the right balance of relevant visuals, Belinda leaves her audience with a fresh perspective and the confidence to put what she’s shared into action for themselves.” Kirsty Brunsden, someonewriting.com
“I attended a workshop Belinda presented for the Society of Editors (Qld) on online marketing for busy editors. Belinda drew on her own experience to explain why and how editors should be using social media. The content was just what I was looking for and Belinda’s delivery was friendly and engaging. Belinda was so well prepared and her handout has helped me summarise the ideas discussed during the workshop. I came away with a personal ‘To do’ list and feel much more confident about being out there on social media.” Robyn Kent RAK Editing Services
Event organisers:
For a bio in 3 different lengths and a headshot in 2 sizes, please check out my Media Kit.
I’d love to hear from you to discuss possibilities for your event!
