Roxanne McCarty-O’Kane is a beautiful lady who is always cool, calm, collected even with a large work portfolio, the need to work erratic work hours with strict deadlines and juggling a young family. She always has a BIG smile on her face and is keen to learn, keen to participate and supportive of businesses, women and a huge advocate for the Sunshine Coast. Roxanne writes many of the articles that feature our amazing speakers and celebrities connected to SHINE Business Women with our print sponsor – the My Weekly Preview – and having recently launched a new website and new services, we were thrilled when she agreed to share her story.

So Roxanne, tell us a little bit about you and how you got into writing and journalism…

The first time I had my fingers stained by newsprint was as a 12-year-old Evening Post delivery girl in New Zealand. Fast-forward to today and I am a qualified journalist who has been writing for newspapers, magazines, websites and e-zines for close to 13 years and have been a successful freelancer for more than two of those. I am currently a regular writer for My Weekly Preview and Salt and I am also a ghostwriter of non-fiction books, which means I am a pen for hire for those who want to create instant credibility with a book that carries their unique personal journey or powerful business expertise.

What decision changed your life?

I have experienced so many pivotal points in my life, but my decision to pursue a career as a ghostwriter has changed the trajectory of my career. I established Roxanne McCarty-O’Kane – Writer and it was a bold step that I was only able to make with confidence and ease once I got to know myself better. As a busy mother-of-two who was juggling multiple freelance writing gigs at the time, shedding mother’s guilt and taking time to invest in my personal development and focusing on what I really wanted out of life has been empowering and none of it would have been possible without the support of my husband Chris.

You have worked as a freelance journalist in a number of areas, how to juggle all the deadlines for different clients in a variety of areas?

Variety is the spice of life and at one stage, I had five different clients with varying lead times. While common sense would dictate that I work in chronological order by due date, I have a much more creative approach. I often find that I am drawn to a particular piece at any given time and when I start to have a vision of how that story or book will read (sometimes I start to mentally write them in my head while driving or hanging out the washing), it just makes sense to follow the creative trail and let it unfold. Deadlines are still important, and I never miss them, but when you find that perfect angle, you can’t let it slip away.

Who has been your favourite person to interview and why?

My favourite was by far Johnathan Thurston in 2017 for MWP and that was largely because I am a huge fangirl. I impressed myself with my ability to uphold my professionalism despite the barely contained excitement bubbling underneath. I also loved interviewing Deborah Mailman earlier this year. She is such an iconic Aussie star, but she was so down to earth and warm. We spoke for 45 minutes and she was prepared to give me the entire day if that’s what it took to give me everything I needed for the story.

How do you manage hours that are not 9-5 and a young family?

Working hours that are not 9 to 5 has been a necessity for me to ensure that I maximise the time I have with my children. For me, that has meant working most evenings for the past two years. As soon as the bedtime stories are done, and the kids are tucked into bed, I head to my home office and work. Like anybody, my productivity can fluctuate and usually the cut-off point is when I can no longer construct a cohesive sentence! Some nights I smash it for a few hours, while other nights I complete one or two tasks before calling it a night. I’ve learnt not to push myself through fatigue as that doesn’t serve anybody. My youngest will be off to prep next year and I will be stepping into the brave new world of working solely in daylight hours.

What’s your favourite place on the Sunshine Coast and why?

I love Mary Cairncross Park at Maleny. It’s a beautiful place to connect with nature and the kids love searching for pademelons as we walk along the track.
 
Favourite travel destination?

Japan. So much culture and epic, consistent snowfall that gives you fresh runs on the board every time you get off the lift – what’s not to love?

What book has impacted you the most?

Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom.

What’s on your bucket list?

An interview with Sir Richard Branson or Pink.

What are you most proud of?

My beautiful family.

To find out more about Roxanne & the services she offers, check out:

https://roxannewriter.com.au

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@roxannewriter