Laura Jean McKay (author of the brilliant The Animals in That Country) and I recently appeared on the Second Life Book Club, with Draxtor. The set was an incredible floating cloud. Laura was an orca and I was a Bowie-hawk. We talked animals, minds being invaded, taking years to write a novel, 'method' writing, genre … Continue reading The Second Life Book Club with me and Laura Jean McKay
New essay in Reading Like an Australian Writer
I have a new essay in Reading Like an Australian Writer, an anthology of writers examining the techniques, storytelling ways, and sometimes strange magic of other writers via a range of styles: personal, responsive, academic, analytical. It's aimed at emerging writers, writing students, but also fans of Australian literature and reading in general. It's an … Continue reading New essay in Reading Like an Australian Writer
Books that got me through 2020
I read fewer books than ever this year. I finished thirty-three books and will probably get through three or so more by the year’s end, now that I’ve given myself a little time off. (This, of course, does not include all the books I worked on as an editor!) It wasn’t just the broad-sweeping anxiety … Continue reading Books that got me through 2020
Newsletter for writers
I've started a free monthly newsletter aimed at emerging fiction writers. You can subscribe here, or check out the posts so far: Your writing goals for 2020 Why even write? Research your novel without leaving home Reading to write Open the door to your 'magician's toyshop' How to create memorable characters I'm also creating a … Continue reading Newsletter for writers
Reading (and dreaming) highlights of 2019
Every year I get on here at this time of year and say: 'Holy shit, it's been a big year...' I'm a bit bored of it, but, well, in 2019 my novel A Superior Spectre was published in the UK and was shortlisted for a bunch of awards, and I went over to the Edinburgh International … Continue reading Reading (and dreaming) highlights of 2019
Saltire First Book Award shortlist and freelance editing
It's been a golden, packed few weeks: panels and workshops (and whisky) at the Terror Australis Readers and Writers Festival in Cygnet, Tasmania; teaching a gorgeous group of writers in my Faber Academy class on 'how to edit your own writing'; finishing my full time job in publishing (bittersweet!); and being shortlisted in Scotland's prestigious … Continue reading Saltire First Book Award shortlist and freelance editing
Readings Prize shortlist and A Superior Spectre out now in the UK
I've just returned from a wonderful UK mini-tour for A Superior Spectre, which is now released there by Saraband. My first reviews, in the Daily Mail and The Herald Scotland (both linked here), have been positive, thankfully, and I'm still processing all the events, and the people I met and hung out with along the way. The Edinburgh International … Continue reading Readings Prize shortlist and A Superior Spectre out now in the UK
‘Nothing Missed’ published in War of the Worlds: Battleground Australia
I'm at this extremely satisfying point in my writing career where I'm being asked to contribute to both literary and genre publications. May it go on forever! Most recently, I have published a story, 'Nothing Missed', in the anthology War of the Worlds: Battleground Australia, edited by Steve Proposch, Christopher Sequeira and Bryce Stevens. My story … Continue reading ‘Nothing Missed’ published in War of the Worlds: Battleground Australia
‘Joan Smokes’ wins the Mslexia Novella Competition (UK)
The novella I wrote after finishing A Superior Spectre has won a big prize! Joan Smokes is set in the early 1960s and centres on a woman who attempts to escape the past by travelling to Las Vegas. It tackles themes of reinvention, grief, trauma and love. Prize judge and Galley Beggar Press co-founder Eloise Millar praised the … Continue reading ‘Joan Smokes’ wins the Mslexia Novella Competition (UK)
Online course: How to write your speculative fiction novel
It was a delight to be asked to develop an online course for literary journal Kill Your Darlings on how to write long-form speculative fiction: sci-fi, the fantastical and the supernatural. I have written and published my own spec fic, and have also acquired, edited and published speculative works in my day job. I have always read, … Continue reading Online course: How to write your speculative fiction novel
