Years ago, I was watching the nightly news and saw a segment interviewing a woman – let’s call her Felicity – with a seemingly golden touch for winning things. She’d won movie tickets, stacks of toys for her kids, a car and even an all-expenses paid family holiday to Fiji.
Surely, this was the luckiest woman on the planet. How did she do it?
It turned out Felicity entered every competition she saw – on TV and the radio, in magazines, at the supermarket and more.
See Felicity knew most people never enter these competitions. They think the odds are too slim to be worth the hassle, but this only makes the pool smaller for eventual winners like her.
Inspired by Felicity’s attitude, I started to do the same thing. I entered everything I saw and soon I was winning movie tickets, books and dinners, but sadly no cars or holidays.
That was until September 2012. Lonely Planet announced they were looking for the best travel tips in the world and were giving $10,000 prize to whoever had the best idea.
The catch? Your tip had to be 25 words or less.
Brainstorming what to write, I looked across my cluttered study desk and saw a pile of rubber bands. A lightbulb moment later, this is what I typed out:
“Travelling somewhere with pickpockets? Wrap a rubber band around your wallet. The friction from the rubber in your pockets will warn you of any thieves.”
Weeks went by and I’d completely forgotten about it when an email landed in my inbox with a subject line: CONGRATULATIONS! You’ve won $10,000.
I deleted the email, and then dragged it back out of the trash for a closer look. I realised it was legit. I’d won the big bucks! That summer I used the money to fund a six-month backpacking trip across South America and Europe that changed my life.
That experience taught me one of the most important lessons I’ve ever learned: You need to be in it to win it.
It’s also inspired the name of this semi-regular newsletter – 25 Words or Less.
It’s my new advice and mentoring column where I’ll share personal anecdotes as well as insights about what’s it like to work with leading publications like National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, Lonely Planet and more.
This newsletter is perfect for:
New and seasoned freelancer creatives
In-house PR professionals of every stripe
Content marketers who want to level up their storytelling
So hit the subscribe button below to find me in your inbox.
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Safe travels, JM
Your questions answered
Granted this is my first newsletter but I’m eager to hear your burning questions or problems when it comes to the comms game. Get in touch and I’ll round up a few messages to answer in the next issue.
What I’m reading
Mexico’s cowboys struggle to maintain traditional lifestyle – National Geographic
I’ve covered many tragic funerals. These are the details I always jot down – The Age
The moment I knew I had to quit my job – Create Your Living with Lizzie Mulherin
What I’m listening to
Konrad Marshall’s commandments for good magazine writing – Good Weekend Talks
How Andy Griffiths Dads – Bum jokes, imagination and loving what is – How Other Dads Dad with Hamish Blake
Love this story - my sister went through a contest entering phase and won tonnes of stuff, sold it all and made a tidy profit 😂 And also welcome to Substack, can’t wait to read your words here!