From Words to Canvas: Valerie Khoo's Path to Creative Joy

We all have financial responsibilities…but what do you do for your heart?

This week’s episode is a meeting of the mentors with Valerie Khoo, CEO of the Australian Writers’ Centre, sitting down to unpack creativity with our very own

Pamela Cook

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Through her work at the AWC, Val has had a hand in shaping the careers of some of Australia’s bestselling authors and writers—showing people you can make a living with your words and how to get started doing it.

In recent years, Val’s own creativity has bloomed (pardon the pun 😉) when she began exploring painting during COVID. She now has a thriving artistic practise, allowing her to create joyful, beautiful pieces. Believing it’s okay to be multi-passionate, Val’s chat with Pam will be inspiring to those of us who have trouble ‘staying in their lane’.

Pam and Val discuss:

• What it’s like to have your dream job as a writer

• Allowing yourself to explore different creative passions

• Balancing the things you do for your pay check with the things that feed your soul

• Being a multi-passionate creative

• Why morning pages might be too restrictive (and Val’s suggested alternative)

• Overcoming procrastination

• How to unlock creativity in anybody

Whether you’ve ever dreamt of resting the pen to try out the paintbrush or you’re just feeling a little creatively stuck, this ep will leave you feeling joyful and fulfilled.

🍿 For paid subscribers: In the bonus segment, Val shares insight into the characteristics all of the Australian Writers’ Centre’s most successful graduates have possessed. The answer might not be what you think!

Timestamps:

[00:00] – Pam’s intro & upcoming events

[01:33] – Introducing Valerie Coo

[03:04] – Valerie's Journey to Art and Writing

[14:37] – Freelance Writing and Founding the Australian Writers Center

[25:26] –Balancing Creativity and Responsibilities

[34:14] – Embracing Multiple Creative Disciplines

[44:00] – Procrastination and Creativity

[48:29] – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

✨ ABOUT VALERIE KHOO

Valerie Khoo is a writer, artist, and founder of the Australian Writers’ Centre, where she’s championed the careers of thousands of aspiring authors. She’s the author of Power Stories and a former journalist and editor who believes in the power of words to change lives (and sometimes careers). Also known for her vibrant visual art and role as Curator of the Sydney Lunar Festival, Valerie brings creativity to everything she touches—whether it’s a canvas, a story, or a startup. She lives in Sydney with a studio overflowing with ideas…and a determination to make time for the things that matter.

Step inside Valerie’s Art

🎤 ABOUT PAMELA COOK

Pamela Cook is a multi-published author, writing mentor, and the passionate voice behind the Writes4Women podcast. She’s an advocate for women’s voices in publishing and a generous champion of emerging talent. When she’s not chatting with incredible writers or coaching creatives, you’ll find her deep in her own writing or reminding others to trust their creative instincts. Her novels have recently been re-released - check out her gorgeous new covers.

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📝 New for Subscribers: Monthly Critique Sessions with Pam
Each month, paid subscribers can submit up to 3000 words for Pam to critique in a recorded video, where she reads your work on-screen and offers warm, practical feedback on everything from POV and narrative distance to writing style and emotional resonance. The video is shared anonymously with all paid subscribers—so whether it’s your work or not, you’ll come away with tangible insights to strengthen your craft. Make sure you’re subscribed to access the critique and learn how to submit your pages!

🍿 For paid subscribers: In the bonus segment, Val shares insight into the characteristics all of the Australian Writers’ Centre’s most successful graduates have possessed. The answer might not be what you think! Watch below.