MAJ Archives

A journalist's profile, stories and career in the field of journalism. Know a journalist who should be profiled here? Send and e-mail to Janet E. Bardon.

Updated March, 2004
September 14, 2000
Cathleen Fillmore
Writer & Speaker
Toronto, ON
cfillmore@idirect.com

Cathleen is the co-author of Going for Gold! A Complete Marketing Strategy for Speakers, author of Against All Odds, and the upcoming Amazing Journey of a Nova Scotia Loyalist (Altitude Press.) Cathleen is also the owner of Speakers Gold bureau (www.speakersgold.com).

I've always wanted to write but it wasn't until I moved to Toronto that I found the freedom and anonymity I needed. I began writing poetry and after the birth of my second child, I wrote an article for Great Expectations called "The Magic Touch".

My career was stop-and-start after that but writing has always been an aspect of it. I can never go very long without writing.

I have a BA from York University and took a couple of writing courses at UNB's Writer's School but aside from that, I'm self-taught.

The most wonderful thing about writing is that I can explore anything that catches my interest which ranges from database marketing to social issues, such as violence. Some things I do just for fun, such as book reviews.

Reading is the best preparation possible for writing. Convert yourself into a source of knowledge and information and your services will always be in demand. It's a great way to recession-proof yourself. While others are watching t.v., pick up a book and learn something. You'll soon distinguish yourself from others.

Once I learned to value my own skills, writing began to open doors for me.

Today I spend 40% of my writing time on articles for periodicals. I've gotten press passes to go to some fabulous conferences, met some wonderful people and got to phone-interview some top achievers.

After turning my attention to marketing, my writing became much appreciated in the marketplace. Marketing is so highly creative that I love it but if the day comes that I don't, I will turn my attention to something else.

My life these days is based on the pleasure principle and if I don't enjoy it, I don't do it. It has worked out very well for me.