I noticed something the other day. I was going to write a review of a favourite book for someone else's blog, but because it had been a while since I read the book, I checked its reviews on Goodreads to refresh my memory on elements of the plot. While pretty much everyone praised it, one …
Would you consider a hashtag to promote your most personal novel?
I was thinking about this in a spare moment, of which there are many. I've often written about what real life influences are weaved into my novels, but I haven't always talked about the storylines that come from more personal experiences. For example, one of my novels has a storyline that reflects feelings I had …
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Authors and algorithms
A Twitter post popped up recently about how interactions have diminished. I responded saying that I've noticed this too. Recently I asked #WritingCommunity if they've noted Twitter is behaving like Facebook (i.e. the same small number of regulars reacting to what you've posted). One person responded. For an author, this is not good. I already …
Authors in Cinema – Capote
"His voice is like what you'd imagine a brocolli to sound like, if a brocolli could talk." There's truth to that in the way Toby Jones plays Truman Capote in the film, Infamous. This quote is said by an actor portraying Gore Vidal, and yes, the voice has its own...um...appeal. I was never a fan …
Resurrecting an abandoned manuscript
Sequels never sell as well as the first in a series. It's something I've learnt through time. The final of the Actors and Angels trilogy has had lower sales than the first, even though it's won a Rainbow Award. More people have read Nate and the New Yorker than its follow up. So, quite some …
The Library, Reimagined
I've found a place to write. Those who follow my blog know that since my husband retired, my writing time has shrunk. Until now! The Marrickville Library has opened which is a short bus ride followed by an even shorter walk away from my home. And there are many cool aspects about this new building. …
Never read your reviews!
New book. Time to check for reviews. Because at time of writing this I was addicted to Google, searching said book title plus my name. All authors do it. We need the quotes for marketing while the novel is still fresh. No reviews on Amazon several weeks after release, but a few on Goodreads. But, …
Genrecon, Brisbane
In short, Genrecon was a blast! Held at the State Library of Queensland, it was three days of learning, participating and making new friends. This was the third writing conference I've been part of, and as well as listening to some amazing speakers, I was invited to be on two panels and got to present …
I physically can’t write at the moment
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. …
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 …
