Victoria Stirling, Freelancer | Canada

Kay Murphy: What led you to your current career?

VS: I've always been a writer, but didn't submit any of my works until the early '70s.

KM: What types of media do you use in your work?

VS: I use mostly the printed forms, but also like to research on the Internet.

KM: How has online journalism played a role in your career?

VS: Minimal compared to the printed form.

KM: Have you experienced any gender bias(es) in your career?

VS: No, can't think of any.

KM: How have international experiences impacted your career?

VS: As I was born in England my background, I know, does influence how I perceive certain issues.

KM: What do you think are differences in journalism between England and the United States?

VS: I don't think there is all that much difference, anymore, between English journalism and the United States format. Maybe how some words are spelt in copy; but nothing much else.

KM: What is the relationship between the press and the Canadian government?

VS: I know the Canadian government does help fund some publications with grants etc., but other than that I can't give you a better answer

KM: How do you balance job, family, social life, etc. throughout your career(s)?

VS: As my 'career' isn't full-time, I'm able to balance my life reasonably well.

KM: What do you feel is the best thing about your current job?

VS: I thoroughly enjoy anything to do with writing, and seeing my efforts published.

KM: What challenges do currently feel you face as a journalist, and do you foresee any in the future?

VS: Here in Canada there is a shortage of markets for freelance work; so the few have reams of submissions to face. This makes getting one's work accepted sometimes very difficult.

KM: What advice would you give to aspiring female journalists?

VS: First try and always write about what you know. However, if you're given an assignment on an issue you're not clear about, take the time to do thorough research before compiling your copy. Also remember rewriting is all part of any writing career.

KM: What has been the most rewarding or important aspect of your career?

VS: The most rewarding aspect for me has been seeing my bylines, and reading my words in a publication. Also getting paid for doing it is another plus.

Interviewee Victoria Stirling:

Victoria Stirling was born in Newbury, England before immigrating to Canada in 1966 with her husband Harvey and their two children. Stirling is a retired nurse, published freelance writer, WIP contributor, former columnist for the Annals of St. Anne de Beaupre', and the author of the book, "From the Other Side of the Bed" which was self-published. Stirling is presently on her second year of writing a monthly column for a local London paper and has also completed a second book, "Nurse Oh! Nurse." She is currently waiting to hear from a publisher. Stirling was formerly educated in England, but obtained her nursing diploma in Canada. She is also a lay-preacher for the United Church of Canada. Stirling enjoys walking, swimming, reading, spending time with her family and, of course, writing. She currently lives in London, Ontario.

Interviewer Kay Murphy:

Kay Murphy, 22, is a History major and Mass Communication minor in her final year at the University of Iowa. Murphy is an Iowa native, originally from West Des Moines, Iowa. She is a member of the sorority Pi Beta Phi and has held many leadership positions within the chapter as well as serving on the leadership team for The University of Iowa's Dance Marathon 16, held in February 2010. Murphy serves as a member of the Family Relations committee as the Family Programming Chair. Dance Marathon is The University of Iowa's largest student organization with over 2,000 student members and raises over one million dollars in donations to benefit The University of Iowa Hospital. Murphy hopes to learn more about the world of journalism and international communication while collaborating on the OurBlook.com project. She was interested in the class not only for the study of women in the media, but to strengthen her knowledge about journalism worldwide and apply it to future experiences. In addition, Murphy has studied French for five years and has a passion for traveling; having traveled to Canada, Mexico, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Caribbean and 42 of the US states. Murphy is still undecided about her future plans, but hopes to travel abroad next fall.