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1) What is your advice on producing a piece that is memorable?
The most memorable pieces are always those involving real people with extraordinary stories. The trick is telling someone's story in a way that is neither underdone or overdone.
2) What pictures have inspired you to write a thousand words?
The photograph of a Melbourne womanmoments after giving birth to her first child inspired me to tell her story at great length. The woman,who was pictured with tears of joy rollingdown her face in a birthing suite,bled to death several hours later because of alleged medical negligence.
3) What role do you think journalism plays in the lives of people today?
I think the most important role of journalism today is uncovering information that would not have otherwise seen the light of day. ''Watchdog journalism'' is vital for a functional democracy. It allows people to question authority, uncover corruption and reveal the truth when it matters the most.
4) If you ever suffered from writers block how did you cure it?
Going for a walk and re-reading work by my favourite journalists for new inspiration.
5) What does your research process for a journalism piece involve?
Talking to people, searching public files, applying for information from Government organisations under Freedom of Information, and then talking to more people. The best information usually comes from sources who cannot be identified, because they might lose their jobs.
6) What women in history are in your opinion the most news worthy?
Those who have broken down barriers.The Suffragettes were an impressive group of women.It would have beenfun to cover theirmovements as a journalist.
7) Do you have a favourite piece of writing from your childhood?
Or an article that has inspired you in your career? Enid Blyton's books made my imagination run wild as a child. I particularly likedThe Magic Faraway Tree. Such skilful writingusing simple language is a good reminder of how to tell stories. Fantasy as a genre can free your mind too.
8) For you, what makes something news worthy?
New information that has implications for many people is news worthy.
9) What is the most important part of the visuals of journalism?
Capturing news in real time,that is images of people as an event is unravelling is becoming more important inthe digital age.
10) Do you have a favourite phrase or quote?
''News is what someone, somewhere, does not want you to know.''
Find Out more about Julie- http://www.yenmag.net/ywya/finalists_profile.php?name_id=20
Interview By Rhiannon Bulley
