Occasionally scenes write themselves. Most don't. As authors, we know this, and in the 'most don't' category, there are many sub-categories. So, for this blog I'm sharing the different dilemmas we encounter while writing scenes. 1. The scene we thought was perfect, until continuity raised its head. I can think of two recent examples with …
Do not start writing unless you love it! – Guest blog by Christian Baines
Christian Baines is an author friend who recently posted the rant below on Facebook. Like me, he is on the indie side of the author scale, and what he wrote here is full of truth. He gave me permission to republish his words. Do not start writing unless you love it and are willing to …
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The most sophisticated Book Club scam I’ve received
Authors get them constantly. Those AI generated flattering emails asking you to give permission for a book club to discuss your book. But one I received a few weeks ago made me do my research. This email came from a gmail account, asking if I'd like to be interviewed online for The European Book Club. …
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Book Review – Gravity Let Me Go by Trent Dalton
This was one my husband bought. We both purchased several novels to read for an upcoming trip, but as he was still reading the Liza Minnelli I was keen to read, while I finished both my Anita Heiss and my Holden Sheppard, I started reading the Trent Dalton he hadn't read yet. I'd only read …
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Book Review – Yeah the Boys by Holden Sheppard
It's risky writing a sequel to a popular novel. It could feel rushed. It may not reflect the same spirit. It may run out of fresh ideas. This sequel to Invisible Boys has none of these issues. Every novel Holden Sheppard has written is a page turner. His characters are well developed and very accessible. …
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Book Review – The Paradise Pact by Anita Heiss
This is more than a Romance novel. At its heart it is a comparison of indigenous issues in both Australia and Hawaii. It explores similarities and differences as three fifty-something female friends take a holiday. A trip which includes running a half marathon. I read this book at the start of my own long vacation …
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I’m away for a while.
This is just a quick note to say I'm taking a holiday. Our first extended trip since the Covid years. So they'll be no new posts for a couple of months as we leave before winter arrives and enjoy warmer weather in the northern hemisphere. I do have a couple of newsletters coming out if …
Book Review – Reckoning by Magda Szubanski
My favourite Magda Szubanski sketch is called Satan's Brides. From the comedy show Fast Forward, it features her female co-stars as suburban housewives coming together because they need to summon the devil. They have an important question they need to ask. You can click the link above to watch it. I knew before I read …
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The ingredients for a successful writing group
Over the past years I've been part of three writing groups. All had their merits, but the one I've rejoined this year is the best for several reasons. First off, it's small. There are only four of us so every week, we each have time to present a scene and get feedback. I've realised how …
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The angst of creating your own reality
I'm not writing about writing this week. Instead, I want to share several observations about a world where many live within the confides of their mind, rather than living in reality. It's interesting that I write this today as we are off to a party at a friend's place where no one is ever on …
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