Advice for writers.
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,…
Wow, big thanks to Studio42 for this amazing interview! The incredible Jules Cavendish and Cale Hellyer asked me such interesting questions, including: We also talked about my novels Towards White and When Dark Roots Hunt. Studio42 interview individuals from around the globe, seeking truth, and discussing a variety of ‘Life…
Wow, what better way to get into 2023 than with some heart-warming praise! In my last post, I talked about the importance of praise as a professional love language, to inspire buoyancy, hope and motivation (read that post over here). So imagine my joy when I then received this amazing…
For those of you who follow me on social media (as @ZenaShapter), you may have noticed a few videos happening lately! It all started at a recent writing retreat, after I photographed some beautiful Australian flowers during my morning walk. I posted them online, then thought they might have made…
This Halloween has been a lot of fun! Not only did I enjoy my favourite chocolates while watching ‘House of the Dragon’ with my gorgeous family, but my horror flash fiction ‘Ocean Wolf’ was published in the glorious Etherea Magazine. Just check out this horrific cover! Plus, it’s only $5…
What does it take for a short story to win a writing competition? A lot. Not only does a story have to be incredibly well written, but the judge has to connect with it, and it has to be so memorable that they feel unable to turn away and award…
Of all the questions I ask my creative writing clients and students when mentoring and editing, this is the question I ask them the most. It generally has two manifestations, which I thought I’d share as insight into the storytelling process. 1. Studying Other Writers When reading and studying other…
