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
writing advice
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
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
Typecasting and narrative voice at the 2011 Emerging Writers’ Festival
The Emerging Writers' Festival, in its usual form, has thus far been about tequila shots and one long drunken conversation about The Wall. Yesterday I went to some actual sessions. Here's a write-up of two of those. Typecast The first session I attended yesterday was all about 'typecasting'. Do the authors on the panel agree with … Continue reading Typecasting and narrative voice at the 2011 Emerging Writers’ Festival