About Me
Hello from Vivienne Pearson, a freelance opinion, feature, content and copywriter who lives in the beautiful Byron Shire.
If you have a need for words that inform, delight, entertain or convert, I look forward to discovering how I can help.
And, if you’re keen to know more about me, please keep reading.
I’ve understood the joy and power of putting words on a page since I started writing birthday cards that made friends laugh. Or cry.
My earlier careers
Before I became a professional writer, I was an occupational therapist, a research assistant, a ballet teacher and an admin-whizz.
In all these roles, I was that person who wrote everything from meeting minutes to carefully-worded emails. I even wrote a picture book as my final university assignment.
Early writing
After starting to explore writing more seriously, I penned a couple of film scripts. These screenplays haven’t been filmed (yet), though one of them won me a gig as a Tropfest judge and they taught me a great deal about structure and character.
Then, after becoming a parent, I was thrilled to have my first paid pieces of writing published in Melbourne’s Child, my absolute fave publication of the early 2000s.
A sea and career change
A decade ago, a sea-change from Melbourne to Byron Bay prompted my career change to being a freelance writer.
I now write everything from hard-hitting opinion pieces to light-as-a-feather lifestyle blogs. I love every minute and every word.
Writing achievements
I’ve achieved writing goals that I would previously have been scared to articulate, like getting published in the newspaper I grew up reading (The Age, including the Good Weekend).
Despite what my Mum tells her friends, I haven’t (yet) won a Walkley Award. However I was one of the inaugural recipients of the Walkley Foundation Grants for Freelance Journalists. That opportunity resulted in a suite of pieces about the oft-slaved-over but rarely-critiqued topic of school fundraising.
My values
I’m a firm believer that freelancers deserve full respect and remuneration. To this end, I voluntarily contribute my time and experience as part of the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance’s Freelance Committee (MEAA).
You can read about my other values in some words I wrote about the importance of diversity.
My life around writing
I’m based in a sweet-spot between Byron Bay and the Tweed, where I live with my partner, teenage kids, cat and random numbers of chooks.
At my local café, I have a hard choosing between a mocha or a chai and I have a soft spot for boogie-boarding and river floating with an outgoing tide.
That’s enough about me. Over to you…
How can I help you? I look forward to hearing about your needs, hopes and goals.
My aim is to help you reduce your stress, maximise your time and enjoy the process of getting the words you need.
Let’s chat (chai drinking optional)!
My previous careers stand me in good stead.
As an occupational therapist, including for young people experiencing mental health problems, I’ve learned to listen closely and communicate messages in different ways.
I felt extremely nervous as this was my first interview, but as soon as I met Vivienne she put me to ease.
Natasha Fair, Owner Ayusha Tea
Work as an administrator, including for health research organisations, means I know how to keep projects on track.
Not only was her wording perfect, she helped me with time management and clarifying the direction needed.
Talula Hughes, Director and Founder, Alithia Inc.
Photography has developed my eye for a great image, helping me become adept at considering the visual elements of a story and, if needed, taking images to accompany my words.
My photos have appeared in publications including Sydney Morning Herald, ABC News online, delicious and Byron Shire Echo.
My past-life as a ballet teacher was the gateway to starting photography. Plus, it’s always fun to do the odd plié and pas-de-chat while taking a break from my desk!