This is cross-posted from Southerly, where I've been blogging in December. This post is partly a peek into my process. If you read more of my writing you may notice thoughts, imagery, themes popping up that originated from this trip and my recordings. But I like to think these carefully chosen ‘abstract extracts’ – deliberately taken … Continue reading Abstract extracts from my travel journal: June to August 2011
Thrustin’: Jamie Lee Curtis & John Travolta
Was suddenly in the mood to be disturbed by this clip from Perfect again. Seriously, how long does the thrusting go on for? Ah, the '80s. Such subtlety. And suppleness.
Etymology Monday: David Crystal on the word ‘gaggle’
Gaggle a collective noun (15th century) by David Crystal I think it went something like this. A group of monks, wondering how to pass the time on a cold, dark winter’s evening in the 15th century, invent a word game. ‘Let’s think up words for groups of things’, says one. ‘What do we call a group of cows?’ ‘A … Continue reading Etymology Monday: David Crystal on the word ‘gaggle’
Reviewing books
This is cross-posted from Southerly, where I am blogging in December. I thought, for this post, that I would share some of my own personal mantras/guidelines for reviewing books. I’ve been reviewing books for about 4.5 years. That means, really, I’m still pretty new at it. I started out with LiteraryMinded and mini-reviews in Bookseller+Publisher magazine. I have now … Continue reading Reviewing books
Recently read: non-reviews of The Chimps of Fauna Sanctuary, Flying with Paper Wings, The Cook
This is cross-posted from Southerly, where I am blogging in December. The Chimps of Fauna Sanctuary by Andrew Westoll, UQP (Aus), 9780702238468, July 2011 (paperback) This book has been near the top of my pile since July and I finally picked it up to start reading on a flight to Sydney recently. I am an … Continue reading Recently read: non-reviews of The Chimps of Fauna Sanctuary, Flying with Paper Wings, The Cook
Etymology Monday: David Crystal on the word ‘bodgery’
Bodgery word-coiners (16th century) by David Crystal The history of English contains thousands of words that never made it – coinages invented by individual writers that simply didn’t catch on. There is just a single instance of bodgery recorded in the Oxford English Dictionary. It is from the playwright Thomas Nashe, who used it in 1599. It means ‘bungling, botched work’. … Continue reading Etymology Monday: David Crystal on the word ‘bodgery’
Writers Victoria: a new name + the 2012 program
Writers Victoria is launching its new name (formerly the Victorian Writers Centre) and 2012 program tonight. Unfortunately I can't make it as I'll be out in the country for a wedding (of two writers!) but I had a chat with WV director Roderick Poole about the changes... The Victorian Writers Centre has changed its name … Continue reading Writers Victoria: a new name + the 2012 program
Tempeh matters: the launch of Janet De Neefe’s Bali: The Food of My Island Home
This is cross-posted from Southerly, where I am blogging in December. Recently I attended the launch of Janet De Neefe’s new cookbook Bali: The Food of My Island Home. De Neefe moved to Bali 26 years ago after falling in love with the place and with a local man. She has founded two restaurants in Ubud: Casa … Continue reading Tempeh matters: the launch of Janet De Neefe’s Bali: The Food of My Island Home
Etymology Monday: David Crystal on the word ‘mead’
Mead a window into history (9th century) by David Crystal Today we think of mead as a rather exotic alcoholic drink, made by fermenting a mixture of honey and water. In early history it was the alcoholic beverage of choice throughout ancient Europe, Asia and Africa. Some think it was the first fermented drink. It makes frequent appearances in the … Continue reading Etymology Monday: David Crystal on the word ‘mead’
Blogging for beginners: a short course at the NSW Writers’ Centre
Are you keen to give blogging a go but don't know where to start? I'm teaching a short course at the NSW Writers' Centre in March. The full description is here. I must stress that this is definitely a beginner's course and if you're already blogging you might get a bit bored in the first … Continue reading Blogging for beginners: a short course at the NSW Writers’ Centre
LiteraryMinded 