#129: Anita Bhagwandas - Pitching And Crafting Viral Stories, Navigating ADHD, and Breaking Beauty Myths.
Jan 26, 2025
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Anita Bhagwandas is an award-winning journalist and beauty culture expert, recognized for her impactful writing in The Guardian and Vogue. She discusses her career journey, from passionate intern to celebrated writer, while sharing valuable pitching advice. Anita opens up about managing ADHD in her writing process and coping with rejection. The conversation dives into her book, "Ugly," unveiling the history of beauty standards and urging listeners to challenge societal ideals. Her insights blend personal narrative with cultural analysis, making a compelling case for redefining beauty.
Anita Bhagwandas emphasizes the crucial role of a compelling opening sentence in capturing attention, as writers have mere seconds to engage readers.
She reflects on her journey, highlighting the importance of persistence and networking in overcoming challenges and building a writing career.
Anita discusses her experiences with ADHD, stressing the significance of structure, accountability, and environmental changes in maintaining productivity.
Deep dives
The Importance of Captivating Openings
Anita Bagwandis emphasizes that the first sentence of any written piece is crucial for capturing the reader's attention, especially in an era where attention spans are fleeting. She believes that writers have only a short window, approximately five seconds, to engage the audience, so crafting an intriguing opening is essential. A strong introduction sets the stage for the article and leads the reader on a narrative journey. This approach not only aids in engaging readers but also encourages writers to continuously refine their opening lines to maximize impact.
Building a Writing Career Through Persistence
Anita reflects on her journey into journalism, highlighting her commitment to gaining experience from a young age, even when she didn’t have strong academic backing in English. Interning at local publications in her teens helped her build a foundation in writing and journalism, demonstrating her determination to carve out a niche in an industry dominated by others. Despite facing challenges, including rejection and navigating a competitive landscape, she continually pitched her work to different publications. Her experience illustrates the value of persistence, networking, and embracing every opportunity to grow as a writer.
Crafting Thought-Provoking Articles
When it comes to pitching and writing articles, Anita suggests developing a unique angle that resonates with broader societal themes. She mentions the importance of conducting thorough research to support claims, especially when discussing trends, and advises providing multiple examples to substantiate arguments. Writers should strive to think critically about the implications of their topics on society, as this can elevate their work beyond surface-level treatments. By emphasizing storytelling and depth, writers can connect with audiences on multiple levels, making their pieces compelling and impactful.
Navigating ADHD in the Writing Process
Anita candidly discusses her experiences with ADHD and how it affects her writing practices. She highlights the necessity of structure and deadlines to stay productive, often implementing regular checkpoints with an accountability partner to meet goals effectively. Changing her environment can also enhance focus, as she finds that working in cafes or libraries often leads to greater productivity than working from home. This adaptability and self-awareness have become key elements in maintaining her creative output amidst the challenges posed by ADHD.
Embracing Feedback and Criticism
Anita shares her relationship with feedback, recognizing that while it can be challenging, it is essential for growth as a writer. She acknowledges the emotional weight of criticism, especially given her sensitivity and experiences with rejection. However, she reframes feedback as an opportunity for learning rather than a personal affront, advocating for the importance of resilience. By valuing constructive criticism, writers can hone their craft and continue to evolve, ultimately leading to more impactful and refined writing.
Award-winning journalist Anita Bhagwandas on her journey from ambitious intern to a celebrated writer with bylines in The Guardian, Vogue, and Condé Nast Traveler. Anita shares practical advice on pitching as a freelance journalist, crafting impactful articles, and how she finds the hidden angle for a topic. She opens up about her experiences as a neurodivergent writer, offering insights into managing ADHD, navigating rejection, and staying creative. We delve into the research behind her groundbreaking book, Ugly: Why the World Became Beauty Obsessed and How to Break Free, revealing the hidden histories of beauty standards.
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ABOUT ANITA BHAGWANDAS
Anita is a renowned journalist and a leading voice in beauty culture. As a former Beauty Director at top publications like Stylist and Marie Claire, she has built a distinguished career spanning print, digital, and broadcast media. Her critically acclaimed book, Ugly explores the origins and impact of unrealistic beauty standards, blending personal narrative with insightful cultural analysis.