Advice for writers.
Last week, I gave a talk at the 2023 Mosman Youth Awards in Literature about the value of the teenage mind. Thank you Mosman Library and Mosman Council for organising the awards night! As judge of the Senior Prose section, I wanted young writers to realise that their ideas, thoughts…
Australian Book Lovers supports and promotes Australian authors, believing that there’s nothing better than curling up with a good story. Their podcast is a mix of literary news, interviews, readings, discussions and contemplations. There’s also a handy search engine on their website, which helps you discover your next fantastic read!…
No matter how many monstrous creatures, villains or plagues we create in our imaginations, they are first and foremost reflections of what we most fear about society. Our evolving world might influence their shape and form over time, but they are still metaphors for our collective fears. Thus the 1830s…
Our desire to be loved drives us into relationships, families and communities – but not always the right ones. There may be predatory people waiting to take advantage, or we may simply believe deeper connections exist that don’t. Either way, when we open ourselves up to emotional connections with others,…
Change is slow, for people and places alike, because it’s in our nature to resist change. We don’t want to have to take a step back before moving forward. We fear the unpredictability of consequences. History teaches us that societal progress is inevitable, yet we often try to stick with…
As a fervent traveller, I know from experience just how much travelling into the unknown has the power to transform. Through it, you can test your skills and wit, face dangers of both the natural world and human kind, and you can return with greater wisdom and self-knowledge. Many times…
We have always told each other stories. Stories are how we connect with each other – sharing experiences to help others, emotions to better understand ourselves, and adventures for both entertainment and as warnings. Many such stories are repeated across the centuries, because they speak of universal truths or behaviours,…
