When you have an opportunity to hear an author talk, it pays to listen. Especially if that author is successful, as in some fifty published books or more – both traditional and self-published and has won awards for her writing. Today was such a chance for me. Fiona McArthur is on the hustings (at least … Read more
A good story creates an experience and puts you in it, living and feeling it as if you were there. Jerry Cleaver I wonder how many books you’ve read that you’ve sat alongside and said as you were reading – this is good, or, this is bad. If you’re like me, you either get pulled … Read more
Clive James. Another literary legend lost. His death last Sunday is punctuated by the volumes of words from this prodigious talent. A critic, intellectual, broadcaster, presenter and ever-improving poet James has left an indelible mark on Australia and the world. The ‘kid from Kogarah’ who traversed those suburbs a couple of decades before I lived … Read more
I love this piece by Anne Lamott. She encapsulates the simple challenge of writing and makes it sound effortless. Of course, it’s not. Lamott entreats us to ignore all the reasons and excuses and procrastinatory habits stepping in the way of our intention to write. Unless you make a conscious choice to make writing part … Read more
Self-publishing is entirely doable but it’s a hairy beast with lots of moving parts. Not everyone does it well. When you consider the fact that Australian authors earn less than $12,000 per annum from their writing, being able to keep more of the earnings rather than sharing royalties and rights with publishing houses is appealing. … Read more
Raised in a family of 5 children, money was in short supply. To entertain the children, Anna’s father created a make-believe world and made up stories. He invited the kids to name an object or element and he would weave a story to include that element. Combine that imagination with the discipline and skill involved … Read more