Almost always, creative writers have to support their art through myriad other jobs, both allied and non-related – some take up the teaching mantle, others become arts administrators. Many dabble freelance in a variety of ways, taking on gigs in proofreading, copywriting, school visits and journalism for instance. Turning to technical writing is one possible avenue to supplement your earnings. It can be a lucrative main (or side) gig, but its highly specialised language requirements mean it’s not for everyone. ArtsHub reached out to three writers who are working in this sub-sector.
Thuy On is the Reviews and Literary Editor of ArtsHub and an arts journalist, critic and poet who’s written for a range of publications including The Guardian, The Saturday Paper, Sydney Review of Books, The Australian, The Age/SMH and Australian Book Review. She was the Books Editor of The Big Issue for 8 years and a former Melbourne theatre critic correspondent for The Australian.
She has three collections of poetry published by the University of Western Australian Press (UWAP): Turbulence (2020), Decadence (2022) and Essence (2025).
Threads: @thuy_on123 Instagram: poemsbythuy