Erin O’Dwyer – Good Prose Studios
Community and Background
Can you tell us a bit about your journey to the Coledale community? How did you end up here and what attracted you to this community?
I’ve lived in the Northern Illawarra for 20 years. I came here for work, and stayed. I love that we are between the beach and the bush, and close to Sydney for meetings and access to the arts.
Business and Entrepreneurship
Tell us about your work. How and when did you decide to start it, and what motivated you to take the plunge into entrepreneurship or remote work?
I started Good Prose Studios in mid-2023. I was working for myself as a freelance journalist and editor, and I had too much work for one person. We are now a team of 5, based variously in Sydney, the Illawarra and Melbourne. We are a writing and editing consultancy, and we help businesses and brands tell their stories. We are writers, editors, media strategists and story consultants. We also offer 1:1 writing coaching and writing workshops. If my 16-year-old self could see what I’ve achieved with Good Prose Studios, she would be very impressed.
What does work-life balance look like for you? How do you manage the demands of work while ensuring time for family and personal life?
I ran errands mid-morning after a meeting cancelled, went for a swim at Sharkies at lunch, now I’m eating dinner at my desk! Does that answer the question? In recent times, I’ve made it a daily practice to show up for myself, while also hitting targets at work and being there for my kids.
In your industry, what recent disruptions or transitions have had the most significant impact on your business?
The democratisation of the media. In the 2000s and 2010s, my clients were all media companies. Now they are almost all individuals, non-profits and corporates. The media aren’t the gatekeepers of great storytelling anymore. I’m fortunate I still get to help people tell their stories, just in different ways. That ‘democratisation’ applies to me too. In 2025, I am running a new year-long writing workshop for new authors who want to finish their manuscript. Once I would have offered that course via a university or writing centre. Now I can promote and run it myself, which allows me creative control.
Personal Life
Outside of work, what are your hobbies and passions? How do you like to spend your time when you’re not focused on business or family?
I love the arts. I love nothing more than ducking down to the Gala in Warrawong to catch an arthouse film on the weekend, or trekking up to Sydney to see a play. I love Sharkies beach and try to get down there every day for a swim.
Are there any books or podcasts you’ve found particularly inspiring or informative recently? Any recommendations for the WorkLife community?
I am a devotee of Dave Ramsey, a personal finance guru in the US. He has a daily podcast about money and a weekly podcast for business leaders. Dave is not everyone’s taste, he is an evangelical Christian and a Trump supporter. But he has changed my approach to money and running a business. When I meet him one day I will give him a big hug and say “thankyou”.
How do you maintain boundaries between work and personal life? Any top tips?
I work with an accountability coach to keep track of those things that fall down my ‘to do’ list when I am busy, like exercise and meditation.
Productivity and Time Management
What’s your go-to productivity hack? How do you stay organised and efficient, especially with multiple responsibilities?
Lists lists lists! And more recently, bulleted lists on Workflowy. Workflowy is a lists app. A friend introduced me to it about a decade ago. Now my team use it too.
Benefits of WorkLife Membership
Lastly, what’s been the most valuable aspect of being a member at WorkLife for you and your work?
I love my virtual membership and occasional access to the boardroom. Nothing says ‘client love’ like a F2F meeting at the Coledale WorkLife boardroom!
For more info about Good Prose Studios follow the LINK
