Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com I came across the concept of manifestation relatively recently. My ignorance might have something to do with the fact that as a medical practitioner I value empirical evidence over blind faith. My friends are aware of my scepticism when it comes to anything remotely woo and tend to exclude me…… Continue reading How I manifested a book deal (or did I?)
Category: Creativity
How to write through rejection and silence
Bouddi National Park A good friend and glorious writer admitted this week to being ‘at sea’ with her writing. Traditionally published with no shortage of accolades or experience, she is currently pitching her new novel—her baby—to agents and publishers. And so far she’s had to deal with several rejections and worse: silence. In an attempt…… Continue reading How to write through rejection and silence
Eight writing prompts to fire up creativity
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com I have a love-hate relationship with writing prompts. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that I don’t like being told what to do—remind me never to sign up for a boot camp! In all seriousness, I love writing prompts that produce free, unselfconscious writing. Overly constrained tasks,…… Continue reading Eight writing prompts to fire up creativity
Don’t limit yourself: the case for juggling multiple writing projects
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
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
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
Write what hurts, but only when you’re good and ready
Photo by Vidal Balielo Jr. on Pexels.com Recently, as the COVID-19 pandemic arrived and swamped everything else, my day job and my writing world collided. As I work as an anaesthetist (or anesthesiologist, depending on where you live), I found myself preparing for work on the front line of this crisis. My email inbox was…… Continue reading Write what hurts, but only when you’re good and ready
The joy of artistic collaboration
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Pexels.com As I write this, I’m listening to Christopher Dicker’s atmospheric instrumental music, and am transported to the moody mudflats of Ben Hobson’s wonderful literary thriller, ‘Snake Island’. The album was conceived as a soundtrack to accompany Ben’s novel, and enriches his story in the most unique way. The two…… Continue reading The joy of artistic collaboration
How to write a new novel when you can’t remember where to begin
My writing desk. New year, new notebook. For the last two years or so, I’ve been writing, rewriting, editing and polishing my latest manuscript. My baby is finally ready to pitch—exciting times—and I’ve tentatively started to send it out. Now that the manuscript is out of my hands, though, I need to decide on the…… Continue reading How to write a new novel when you can’t remember where to begin
Lisa Kenway 