Where Writers Write

We all have our favourite places to write. Some of us like comfy couchs and warm fires, others like the local café or park. Most of us also have a desk somewhere, either buried under piles of something or organized and clean. Me? I have a desk… but I don’t…

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#AurealisAwards – We Were Chuffed & It Grew!

Chuffed. Last night, at the 18th annual Aurealis Awards held in North Sydney’s Independent Theatre, the Australian speculative fiction scene was chuffed… and proud. It all started with Scott Westerfeld’s inspiring opening address. He spoke of speculative fiction as the revitalising force of the movie, television and literary industries, and…

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The Freedom of #Conflux9 Writers (Days 3 & 4)

How can I describe what it’s been like the last few days – being surrounded by 250 friends and like-minded people? The 52nd Natcon / Conflux 9 was just that. The layout of Rydges Capital Hill, Canberra, meant I could walk into any room, linger in any corridor, and be…

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The Generosity of #Conflux9 Writers (Days 1 & 2)

I never sleep well without Hubbie (ahh…). So what to do when I’m away as I am now and can’t sleep? I know… blog!! I’ve been at #Conflux9 – Australia’s 52nd Natcon – for two days now and it’s been so fantastic I can’t wait any longer to share it…

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How Writers Use Social Media

Lots of people have been talking with me lately about social media. Probably something to do with all the courses I’m running here and there on the subject (see my Event Schedule)! I love social media, it nullifies the existential loneliness I’d otherwise feel sitting alone at my computer all…

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Swearing In Fiction … is it realistic without?

Last month, I shared a photo on my Facebook stream about the universe. It had stars and mountains and a lot of swearing in it. As soon as she saw it, my mother called. She was surprised I would swear on Facebook. Wasn’t I worried what other people would think?…

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