I currently can't touch type. This blog is being dictated directly to my phone. I've had reconstructive surgery on my left arm so when I move it over the keyboard it hurts like hell. Why was I operated on? I snapped a tendon from lifting a heavy suitcase into a taxi during my extended travels. …
Getting a manuscript ready for submission
A father and daughter team were on the radio the other morning. Like me, dad obviously enjoyed the house party days of the nineties. He told his daughter (and us) about the Primal Scream track, 'Loaded'. Hearing people still affectionate about that decade is why one of my WiP's is set in that era. I'm …
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The first notes from my editor
Please note that I'm back home in Australia now, but this blog was written while overseas. I just got my first notes for my new ebook, Winter Masquerade. I'm working with a new editor so I wasn't sure what she might say. My usual problem is passive voice. So, the first thing I was asked …
Leaving my laptop behind
I'm about to leave on an extended break. As a writer I had already decided my laptop, Huey (yes, he has a name), was coming with me. My husband was also considering bringing his. We both have matching laptops, just in different colours. We weren't trying to be a sickly sweet couple when we bought …
Our first radio interview
Rebecca Langham and I were interviewed by Rhianna Patrick for ABC radio. This is the first of two major author opportunities for me this year, and although I have played radio presenter many times, being an interviewee was a little more daunting. I suggested a chat about queer literature to Rhianna over a year ago. …
My first draft is very first-drafty
My life has changed a lot in the past year. I don't have as much time to write as I used to, even though that issue will change by the end of the year. In one way, it's good. I'm concentrating on promotion more, instead of just writing. Where I feel this change most is …
Writers, take a walk at night.
I'm four week away from travelling again. At least I was when this blog was written. I've felt hesitant because of the state of the world at the moment, even though I've travelled extensively. But a friend helped, unknowingly. He wanted to show us his neighbourhood at night. It's been a long time since I've …
Eve of Eridu – a novel by Alanah Andrews
This week I want to talk about a novel I've just finished reading. Eve of Eridu is a tale written by Alanah Andrews that explores a future where emotions are forbidden. Like other dystopian works, the story is told in first person through the character that will eventually discover the truth about her reality. What …
I signed a new book contract.
The week before writing this blog I signed a book contract. It was for an eBook titled Winter Masquerade. At one stage I wanted to expand this book but after reading it for editing, I liked its pace. I didn't want to bloat the story. Someone asked me during the week which of my novels …
Selling Books at a Smaller Con
It's Sunday morning when I'm writing this. We're at Hubcon, the small pop culture con in the Blue Mountains. This is its inaugural year. There are only eight of us in Author Alley which means better sales for our books, compared to the larger festivals where there's more competition. Of course, I'm asking the best …
