Advice for writers.
When I was reading English at university, I had a pinboard above my desk. Aside from the odd postcard, I used it to display my favourite literary quotes, poems and stories. Fast-forward to last weekend and I was searching through some boxes for something – boxes that I haven’t peeked…
Readers often ask me: is the character you’ve written in this story / novel / flash fiction really, actually you? I like to take the question as a compliment – after all, it’s readers believing in my character so convincingly that they find it hard to believe that character isn’t…
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…
