Gothic literature can be dramatic, macabre, and weirdly insightful. To my tired eyes some examples of Gothic, like Castle of Otranto are also unintentionally and refreshingly hilarious. Yet Gothic tropes persist in popular culture even as they were interrogated centuries ago, and continue to be. Since it is Rare Book Week in Melbourne I took … Continue reading Review: Dark Imaginings
books
Rereading’s good medicine
I confess to being the kind of reader who will stop and never return to a novel if it's not to my taste or standards. I couldn't even really begin Cloud Atlas. Apart from a missing page, I just didn't get it and it didn't draw me in. On the other hand, I did go … Continue reading Rereading’s good medicine
The zine scene
The State Library of Victoria is an architectural marvel of Melbourne, and a pretty inspiring 'suppository of all knowledge' to use an actual quote by a former Prime Minister. It also regularly stages exhibitions. A recent one featured zines. I am fascinated by bookmaking, book art, book ephemera, publishing, and hands on making. Despite this, … Continue reading The zine scene
Marginalia Code
I'm not against eBooks or technology. In may ways they are preferable to bits of paper and cardboard. I remember thinking this the last time I moved, for instance. However, there are benefits to physical books for writers. One of my favourite second-hand book stores is cosy and full of interesting texts, but it does … Continue reading Marginalia Code
Stories/Literacy
This week a response to a video on reading. Kids with books are good, and I'm a big fan of books and always have been. I want to make that clear. Kate Forsyth is an interesting writer and she has much of value to say about writing practice but a recent video has put me … Continue reading Stories/Literacy
Investigating and some nonsense about writing
One of my favourite books is Foucault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco. No. Don't roll your eyes. I geddit. I have to let you know I have a deep and abiding love of The Wind in the Willows and reveal that I did waste a few teen hours in the alien realm of Sweet Valley High and many … Continue reading Investigating and some nonsense about writing
Some thoughts on American Gods: a review
Since completing my studies I've got a lil bit more time for recreational reading. Thus, I've made a start on my precarious pile of unread novels. It's largish as there are several handy places to pick up second-hand books near where I live. A while back I started on Cloud Atlas but couldn't get into it. … Continue reading Some thoughts on American Gods: a review
Ten-ish books that stayed with me…
Yet another list thing is going around and I'll do my bit by listing 10-ish books that have stayed with me in some way, but only because I should be thesising or something. So here goes: 1) Little Match Girl. First story I ever read by myself. It was in the school library. 2) Wind … Continue reading Ten-ish books that stayed with me…
First words of a green eyed girl
This is a story and the story is mine. It may explain why I’m interested in telling stories. It may even explain the title of this blog and why there were certain people in the world who once thought I could never have had a blog or a story published, or perhaps even a job. It's why … Continue reading First words of a green eyed girl
Writing Bec 