Poet, Author/Writer, Humorist, Self-Publisher, Public Speaker

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Name
Sue Macauley (but also known as that 'Green Frog Poo Lady')
Age
33 - or as I like to look at it, I am actually 12 years old with 21 years experience!
Job Description
Poet, Author/Writer, Humorist, Self-Publisher and Public Speaker. I also run an Aussie National website called the 'Green Frog Poetry Club' which encourages people of all ages to write and appreciate poetry and Australian slang.
Hours (per week)
Whenever I am awake really, I have on one or more of the above 'hats'.
What was your first job?
Ahh - my first job was working in a Betts and Betts shoe shop as a full-time sales assistant and spruiker (*one of those annoying people who announce specials on the microphone for the shoppers).
What inspired you to choose this particular career?
It all happened because I became too ill to work 'conventionally'. A disease meant that I was in and of hospital on a frequent basis and could no longer hold a full-time working position. I suddenly found myself at home and with time on my hands. I had recently moved to Townsville, North Queensland at the time and I decided to put together a newsletter for my family and friends back home in South Australia. I thought I could have a go at trying to explain to them about how different life was in the tropics of Oz. Actually it was kind of like moving to another planet in a parallel universe for a 'southerner' like me. Part of the Newsletter included poetry and my work was picked up by a local mag and suddenly, (much to my great astonishment), I was on their front cover and given my own regular page in their publication. After a lot of badgering from different groups of people, I self-published my work in a gift book entitled "There's Green Frog Poo in my Sneaker again". So I guess, really, this career chose me.
What qualifications/experience are needed to work in this field?
Most people can write Poetry for fun, but not all Poetry is (or should be) a saleable product. To make profit from Writing and Poetry you really need to team good solid writing skills with an ability to meet a niche in the market place. It requires a great deal of confidence, luck and high levels of self-esteem (Writers have their work rejected far more often than it is accepted). I highly recommend that people wishing to publish their own work have some Promotions and Marketing experience too and they must be prepared to research how viable their written material is as a product that can be sold.
What are the best aspects about your job?
Making people happy. Making them laugh and smile and knowing that my work sometimes inspires others to give writing 'a go' too. When I receive a fan letter from a young child or from someone here or overseas, I am so humbly grateful that I have had the chance to touch their lives in some way. There is also a wonderful 'buzz' when you write something you know is good stuff!
What are the worst aspects?
Ummmmmmm ..oh yeah Writers Block!
How many years' experience do you have in this field?
I have had lifelong experience as an Aussie Larrikin (Mum reckons that when I was born and the Doctor slapped me - I slapped him back!). I was always into creative writing and drama from a very young age and dabbled in radio announcing in High School. I've worked in the Promotions and Marketing field for Myer (4 years), run a Community Library and helped Manage a Bookshop (2 years) and started Public Speaking engagements about 7 years ago. My largest public speaking address was to 2000 people (I was so scared I was going to fall off my high heels in front of everyone). Up until recently I was also one of a comedy trio on a Breakfast radio show in Townsville.
Are there many employment opportunities?
I think you make your own employment opportunities in this particular field. If you have what it takes, you can make a living from writing and publishing but you must be prepared for the fact that this isn't a 9-5 job and the money you earn is often minimal and can fluctuate on constant basis. My advice is to do it for the sheer love of it - and if profit follows, count it as a wonderful bonus. Writing is often a wonderful side-line or part-time career.
What makes you angry (at work or anytime)?
Let's see. I don't have cause to be angry when I am working because I work for myself. Other issues that make me upset though include any mistreatment of people (especially children) and animals. I get riled over irresponsible drivers who pull out from side streets in front of me, cut me off and then sit and pick their noses at every traffic light. Cockroaches the size of skateboards carrying off all sorts of things from my pantry is a tad annoying too, as are the geckos that suction themselves to the ceiling above your head and then with very accurate precision - wee on you!!
What are you passionate about?
Writing, Books, Reading, Books, Self-expression, Books, my partner David, Australian Wildlife, Books, Poetry, Books, helping Aussie kids feel great about themselves and their future and did I happen to mention Books? My own personal library at home has over 4000 books, mostly old Australiana titles.
Your favourite place in the world, and why?
The Rural South Australia countryside. To me it is the most beautiful and scenic place in the world. I just adore the colours of the hills and paddocks, the majestic old gum trees and the red dusty roads and tracks. I'm such an Aussie girl at heart.
What is your idea of the perfect day?
Waking up to the smell of home brewed coffee and sizzling bacon and eggs (that someone else has made for me) and then enjoying my breakfast in bed with a wonderful or interesting book. Then, a long country drive out into the Clare Valley region with a whole day free to explore museums, antique shops, old stone buildings, second-hand stores and historical landmarks. A picnic under a gum tree for lunch, arvo tea in a beautiful cottage garden, and finally, I would finish the day at an old Bluestone self-contained B&B and sit by the fire sipping some fine red wine from the region and chat to my partner about the wonderful things we had seen that day.
Can you tell us 5 things required for a happy healthy & enjoyable life (that you believe)
- Honesty - to yourself and others
- Laughter - laugh as much, as hard and as often as you can!!!!!!
- Live in the present moment.
- Have appreciation and compassion for all living things
- Practice random acts of kindness on a regular basis, serve others at every opportunity and be a giving person

Visit the Green Frog Poetry Club at http://www.my-ed.com/protected/greenfrog.htm

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