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…
Who is David McDonald? David McDonald is a mild mannered reporter and editor by day, and a wild eyed writer by night. Based in Melbourne, Australia, he is the editor of a fortnightly magazine for an international welfare organisation, and divides his spare time between helping run a local cricket…
Who is Mark T Barnes? Mark T. Barnes was born in Sydney, Australia, in September of 1966. A strong athlete, he was also drawn to the arts at a young age, penning his first short story as a seven-year-old. He worked in finance and advertising before establishing himself in IT…
Who is Amanda Pillar? Amanda Pillar is an award-winning editor and author who lives in Victoria, Australia, with her husband and two cats, Saxon and Lilith. Amanda has had numerous short stories published and has co-edited the fiction anthologies Voices (2008), Grants Pass (2009), The Phantom Queen Awakes (2010), Scenes…
