Le Interview: Sarah Ayoub

UPDATED: December 13, 2010 11:17pm CT

I have to give Sarah Ayoub much credit. As I was preparing this interview one of the big things I wondered was how she keeps going? She blogs, writes for various Australian publications, and is in the process of writing a novel. She's also a doctoral candidate at the University of Sydney and planning her wedding! It fascinates me that she can still write brilliantly amongst the pressure of many a task.

I previously wrote about Wordsmith Lane in a separate post. If you haven't read it yet, I suggest you do. It's a great read!

Wordsmith Lane was born out of a simple decision. "I decided I was going to start writing full-time after the GFC forced a few job cutbacks in Australia," Ayoub says. "I figured the blog could chronicle that." Five months later, Ayoub resumed full-time employment, but continued the work. Ayoub calls it "a place for me to write stuff I wouldn't really pitch anywhere else, a place to interview writer's who've made it for the benefit of my readers, and a place where new writers can come together to learn more about the industry."

Her blog has got attention not only in Australia, but worldwide. "I didn't expect my readership to grow the way it did, but I am happy about it nevertheless." It's also to help aspiring writers see how the industry works, and what happens. "It's there to learn the things they wouldnt necessarily learn at uni or find out elsewhere. I hope the blog helps all writers, although sometimes it is just more about me as a writer and my journey."

I mentioned back in the beginning that Ayoub can still write brilliantly amongst the pressure of many a task. So what keeps her going? "Some days I am so overwhelmed," she says. "But others, it's the fact that I have wanted to write for so long and have a chance to do it keeps me going." Yet, Ayoub adds, "Writing is not really the inspiration. It's everything else that inspires writing, whether it is blog posts or other types of work I do. Anything can be a worthy event. It's life in general, and what happens in the day to day of working, living, eating, shopping, socializing etc that provides inspiration for writing."

As for what to write about? "It's a lucky dip, really!" she says. "Sometimes I decide a week in advance (that's usually with book reviews and interviews) and then when I write something myself, be it a skills post or a beauty write-up, it's usually that day or a day in advance. Life snapshots ( shopping trips and the like) I do on-the-spot."

So, does the future look bright for Wordsmith Lane? "Not sure to be honest. Wordsmith Lane is also a place where my professional portfolio is available, and my speaking gigs and the like, so it's always going to be there one way or another. I just don't know how long I will continue to write blog posts that are professional as opposed to general snapshots from my life."

Whatever that decision maybe, and whenever it is decided, Ayoub has already made a mark on the history of Australian journalism. Ayoub's ideas on fashion, literature, society, and culture are brilliant to read, as are her interviews. I hope more people can take notice of the brilliant work that she does.

EDITOR'S NOTE-1: GFC indicates Global Financial Crisis
EDITOR'S NOTE-2: As Sarah Ayoub plans her wedding, she's been writing a biweekly column for this bridal web site. I am grateful to Sarah for taking time to do this interview.
EDITOR'S NOTE-3: At this writing, there is a new address for Wordsmith Lane. You can access it here. In addition, it has been modified in the links section on the right side of this blog.