Advice for writers.
This month, I was asked by Pittwater Life Magazine to share my thoughts on a book that inspired me, held a special meaning and/or taught me a life lesson. It was for a regular section of their magazine called ‘The Book(s) You Must Own’. What a great idea! I loved…
Last week was National Youth Week, the largest celebration of young people in Australia. Thousands of young people aged 12-25 got involved in events across Australia, and one of those events was a free writing workshop I organised for young writers at Manly Library. The NYW’s tagline never felt more…
When was the last time you received a letter? If not a letter, an email telling you the details of an event you missed, a way of life you cannot be part of though wish to be, or how someone is feeling and why? I expect it’s been a while,…
No matter what your vocation in life, music can inspire you. It can lift and comfort. It can embrace and acknowledge. It can nullify your existential loneliness in a way unique to any other art form. It can unite us and connect us, make us think differently about situations and…
Last week(ish), a fan knocked on my door. He was my school stationery delivery guy and, as he was handing over my order, he said: “I read your blog as well, by the way, follow all your awards and everything, what you’re doing. My wife’s a big reader and she…
Now that the new year is shaping up, it’s time to set some goals for the year… What do you want to achieve before 2016? What are your priorities? For me, I’ve been planning a new novel – a fantasy this time – which I’d love to finish before 2016.…
by Zena Shapter (originally written for the NSW Writers’ Centre Genre-Mash – where I had to mash together fairytales & social media) Once upon a time, there was an author called Jack, who lived with his wife. Like most writers, he was very poor. All he had was a kick-arse…
