I took part in a flash writing competition. A genre was decided, and certain items had to be included, all to be presented in a predetermined setting. Participants got a few hours to come up with a story under 1000 words. My group got comedy. While I came up with a story, or a draft, I'm … Continue reading Un/funny girl
writing
Stop Crowd Sourcing Imagination
Hearken, ye. Herein dwells the frustrated rant of a writer. I think I'm reaching a critical impatience point with certain types questions some writers ask. Or I'm getting old and crotchety and not jiving with how newbies work their creativity. Social media is exceedingly useful for writers. There's endless advice and interplay of ideas and support. … Continue reading Stop Crowd Sourcing Imagination
Writer to the line
The great thing for me as a writer when taking up a new past time (or even talking to other people about their hobbies), is learning a new language. Today, I started an introduction to archery and it is an entire world, replete with a vocabulary, some of which is quite ancient. There is the fletch, … Continue reading Writer to the line
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
Navigating the forest of writing tasks
At best, addressing the other jobs a writer is required to do took up an occasional discussion in the writing courses I have completed. I don't mean day jobs either. I mean the promotion, blogs, virtual or real reader engagement and blurbs that take up so much time. Of course bios are ubiquitous and get … Continue reading Navigating the forest of writing tasks
Double take
In case you've missed updates elsewhere, my short story Thylaseen is out now on Kudzu House Quarterly. In addition, my review/think piece, called Winging It, is now on the Criticism Masterclass at the Emerging Writer's Festival is, voila, also available to read at The Writers Bloc. Everyone involved was courteous and easy to deal with, … Continue reading Double take
Review: The Paper House
A fragile thread Finally, I've finished reading The Paper House by Anna Spargo-Ryan. It could be the newly diagnosed a-typical asthma, but this novel has winded me. I had to pause while reading it, sometimes for a week, because it was painful, but also because I wanted to dwell in it in a way I … Continue reading Review: The Paper House
Winter of Content
It's been bitterly cold and dark in Melbourne, but the sun has been shining on me this week. I got a present in the mail from the Stella Prize as a thank you for their support. That was unexpected. Nicer still was a flash fiction piece being accepted by Fewer Than 500. After several years … Continue reading Winter of Content
Writer: Know Thyself
The process of becoming aware of your writing style, and more importantly, your mistakes, can take a while. Like poker players with tells, errors and odd phrasing, or word tics, can follow any wordsmith through their works. I have fall back phrases, and repeated words I make the effort to eliminate, even if I have … Continue reading Writer: Know Thyself
Mid Year Writing Stock Take
In Australia the end of June marks the end of the financial year. Retailers hold sales, and everyone works out if they need to make more deductions ahead of preparing tax returns. Then it is July and the pace slows a bit amid winter's chill, except for accountants. For me, it's time to take stock … Continue reading Mid Year Writing Stock Take
Writing Bec 