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…
Over the last few years, I’ve found myself asking this question more and more, because of where I live and why. In his early twenties, my Australian husband went on a working-holiday adventure to England, which is where we met. I was the souvenir he brought back, he he! I…
Last weekend, it was my birthday. It was a special birthday too, and I was so very lucky that my entire day was… perfect! Not only did family and friends join in to celebrate my special day, but I got to spend hours with bookish people whom I treasure. And…
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,…
Listening to a sequence of sounds has no obvious survival value for humans. Yet according to a 2001 study by neuroscientists at the University of Montreal, music has the same effect on our brains as sex and good food. Why? It could be because with music we get whatever emotion…
