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
I walked to my local shops today and witnessed people elbow-bumping. It looked natural, as if they’d been doing it their whole lives. I guess that’s part of our new lifestyle. Meanwhile, as I revise my latest novel, I’m struck by how many times my characters hug or shake hands. Will people read this and say, … Continue reading Social Distancing the Melbourne Way
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 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 … Continue reading The Winding Narrative Turns Two
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
After the atmospheric Half Moon Lake, Kirsten Alexander is back with Riptides, a novel that explores actions and consequences, and how personal deeds can have ramifications at a far greater level. Although this is her second published book, she actually wrote it first. In this interview, she shares the steps that led to its publication as well, insights to her writing process and thoughts about learning from the past. Continue reading Kirsten Alexander on Riptides
Wouldn’t it be great if we had a surefire formula for publishing success? Should you conform to genre conventions and write about topical issues, or remain true to your instincts? Well look no further – to answer this question, I’ve developed the Publishing Success Flowchart. Continue reading The Publishing Success Flowchart
In my last blog about Houston, I wrote about the first school production I did with The Woodlands Preparatory School. Being a mad sucker for punishment, and figuring that the first time you do something is always the hardest, I agreed to produce the next year’s show. We brought the whole team back together, including Jacquie Fox in her lead role. Continue reading Fire it Up!
Death isn’t easy to talk about, yet Claire tackles the topic with candour, insight and sensitivity. Her journey from property law to organic farming, through running a grocery store, has brought her to a turning point. With business partner Rose Gilder, she has launched Undertaking Grace, a not-for-profit organisation offering death literacy, funerals and bereavement care. Continue reading Claire Hoffman on Dealing With Death
Mansfield, gateway to Victoria’s high country, has a thriving community of local producers. Here is your guide to finding products made in or around Mansfield. Continue reading Produced in Mansfield
