Photo by SharkBite on Pexels.com At the moment I'm in the limbo period between finishing the first draft of a novel manuscript and embarking on the editing process. As a rule, I try to leave a manuscript alone for at least a month at this stage, preferably several months, in the hope of being objective … Continue reading Don’t limit yourself: the case for juggling multiple writing projects
How to support Australian creatives this financial year
Photo by Khoa Vu00f5 on Pexels.com In Australia, the end of the financial year is rapidly approaching. If your level of organisation is anything like mine, you may still be deciding which charities to support with your tax-deductible donations prior to June 30. When so many people are in need, especially in the context of … Continue reading How to support Australian creatives this financial year
Eight things I wish I’d known when I started writing
Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com I've been playing at being a writer for nine years now, almost a decade. It came as something of a shock when I calculated the time since I first put fingers to keyboard, because I often feel like a beginner. To be fair, the first four years were a … Continue reading Eight things I wish I’d known when I started writing
How to build an author platform (and still find time to write that book)
Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels.com A writer I follow on Twitter recently tweeted about a rejection she received from a literary agent. Apparently the agent loved her story but didn't feel she had enough of a platform to take her on as a client. While there are authors who wow agents and publishers with … Continue reading How to build an author platform (and still find time to write that book)
Pitch perfection: finding the spark to hook an agent or publisher
Photo by Matheus Bertelli on Pexels.com Pitching a passion project should be easy, shouldn't it? After all, you've dedicated years of your life to writing a book, to polishing your precious words until they gleam. Surely everyone will appreciate your efforts and clamour to read your story, won't they? Unfortunately, the answer is often 'no', … Continue reading Pitch perfection: finding the spark to hook an agent or publisher
Self-confidence is a decision
Photo by Jeffrey Czum on Pexels.co When you set your sights on traditional publication, at every stage of the process your success relies on convincing others of your worth: agents, publishers, reviewers, readers. You are constantly seeking external validation. And most of the time, when hundreds apply for every opportunity, that validation is not forthcoming. … Continue reading Self-confidence is a decision
The superpower you need to become a published author
The shadowy path to the ocean at my local beach Life is punctuated by highs and lows, no doubt about that. But some weeks are more tumultuous than others. In the space of a week, I've experienced the extraordinary high of a rare writing win (making the longlist for the prestigious Richell Prize - woo … Continue reading The superpower you need to become a published author
Free online resources for writers
Photo by Julia M Cameron on Pexels.com There's no skirting around the fact that 2020 has been the year from hell. So many people worldwide are dealing, quite literally, with life and death. Heartbreak and devastation. Overwhelming grief. In the midst of this global tragedy, it can be hard to find the will or the … Continue reading Free online resources for writers
Should you use American English for submissions to US agents and publishers?
Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels. Over the years, I've submitted many short stories to international literary journals. Most of the work I've had published overseas, though, has been in the UK and Ireland. As I contemplate approaching overseas agents for representation of my psychological suspense novel, I've been wondering about expectations for manuscripts submitted … Continue reading Should you use American English for submissions to US agents and publishers?
The importance of kindness in the #WritingCommunity
Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels.com In the last few months, we've all been affected by the global pandemic. Not one of us has escaped. Some have lost jobs or loved ones, some have faced the stress of exposure to the virus at work, and others are dealing with disrupted routines and the nightmare juggle … Continue reading The importance of kindness in the #WritingCommunity
