Adrift
They say pictures speak louder than words, and this picture of a boat adrift sums up my mood today. With Covid-19 running rampant across the world, the outlook feels bleak. Continue reading Adrift
Author: Andrea Barton
Award-winning author, Andrea Barton, writes the Jade Riley Mystery Series. She is Managing Editor at Brightside Story Studio and Vice President of Mansfield Readers and Writers Festival. Her other writing credits include The Winding Narrative blog, short stories, picture books and stage productions about contemporary social issues. She has co-authored and edited two anthologies about expatriate life.
The Importance of Understanding Novel Genres
When I first decided to write a book, I didn’t give much thought to genre. In blissful ignorance, I rejected the idea of ‘writing to a formula’ and merrily scribed whatever took my fancy. Years later, I see this has been my biggest mistake on the road to traditional publication. Continue reading The Importance of Understanding Novel Genres
Short Fiction: His Frosty Companion
I wrote this short piece for Australian Writers’ Centre Furious Fiction competition, the criteria included starting with the word ‘five’, something that needed repairing, and the phrase ‘a silver lining.’ Continue reading Short Fiction: His Frosty Companion
Writers Victoria Flash Fiction 2020 – Part Three
Writers Victoria held their second flash fiction competition in 2020, the perfect distraction for writers in isolation. Each day in April, they posted a prompt and we wrote a 30-word response.
Here are my last 10 stories. I eked out an honorable mention on the last day! Continue reading Writers Victoria Flash Fiction 2020 – Part Three
Writers Victoria Flash Fiction 2020 – Part Two
Writers Victoria have just finished their second flash fiction competition, the perfect distraction for writers in isolation. Each day in April, they posted a prompt and we wrote a 30-word response.
Here are my second 10 stories. Continue reading Writers Victoria Flash Fiction 2020 – Part Two
Writers Victoria Flash Fiction 2020 – Part One
Writers Victoria are running their second flash fiction competition, the perfect distraction for writers in isolation. For 30 days they will post a prompt and we have to write a 30 words response.
Here are my first 10 stories. Continue reading Writers Victoria Flash Fiction 2020 – Part One
Social Distancing the Melbourne Way
March 20th, 2020 I walked to my local shops today and witnessed people elbow-bumping instead of shaking hands. It looked natural, as if they’d been doing it their whole lives. I guess that’s part of our Covid lifestyle. Meanwhile, as I revise my latest novel, I’m struck by how many times my characters hug or shake … Continue reading Social Distancing the Melbourne Way
Cassie Lane on Writing Memoir
Cassie’s frank memoir about her life as a model explores how the fashion and beauty industries objectify and exploit women. She tells the story with insight, humour and self-awareness. Read on for our discussion about the impact of the memoir on her life, tips for memoir writers and what she is working on next. Continue reading Cassie Lane on Writing Memoir
The Winding Narrative Turns Two
The Winding Narrative has reached its second anniversary, so it’s time to review progress on my writing journey. In my second year, I wrote 38 posts and nearly 35,000 words. Here are some highlights: I joined the editorial team for literary agency, NAC. This gives me the opportunity to work with authors of fiction and … Continue reading The Winding Narrative Turns Two
Trevor McDonald, the Reptile Wrangler
Trev, otherwise known as the Reptile Wrangler, is the go-to snake catcher in the Mansfield district and beyond. In this interview he gives advice, shares snake stories and busts myths. A must-read for anyone, like me, who is afraid of snakes. Continue reading Trevor McDonald, the Reptile Wrangler
Brightside Story Studio 