Writers are often categorised by their planning style – plotters or pantsers. Plotters are those writers who meticulously map out their characters’ motivations, fears, wants, showing the internal growth against the external narrative drive – set out in spreadsheets, taped on walls. They need to know all of this before they can start writing. J.… Continue reading Loose writing
Category: Writing
Springfield writing retreat
Dear blog readers, It’s been a while! I intended to take a three-week blogging break after Christmas. Then four of the five of us came down with the flu, then I caught up on my missed editing work, and then I went away for a week. So it’s been a while. I want to tell… Continue reading Springfield writing retreat
Naming – a short story
A couple of years ago, I had an adult short story published by Stringybark Press in one of their anthologies. It’s part of the collection of modern fairy tales I’m working on. I thought I’d share it here for you to enjoy! Naming I watch them every morning from my bedroom window at the front… Continue reading Naming – a short story
Different ways of thinking
There are so many different types of creativity and different ways to harness it. There’s also different ways to be logical and methodical and as many permutations as there are people for combining creativity and practicality. I am a blend of inspirational and practical thinking – I do love to be organised because it means… Continue reading Different ways of thinking
Quest writing workshops
A vial full of unicorn tears, an old book with a hand drawn map, a pack of potion recipes, a feather, a baby dragon … these were just a few of the treasures found in my quest box for our writing workshops. But really, the treasure was the dozen or so kids I taught writing… Continue reading Quest writing workshops
KidLitVic opportunities
There’s something about the way we measure ourselves from one year to the next by going to the same place at the same time of year. I’ve only been to two KidLitVic conferences – this year and last year – but it’s enough to make me reflect on what has changed in the twelve months… Continue reading KidLitVic opportunities
Waiting and writing, then waiting and writing some more
While I’m waiting to hear news about my first book which is under submission to a publisher, I’m working on my next book. My first book has taken about five years to write, starting from when it was initially a picture book. I will never, ever, ever write a book like that again! I had… Continue reading Waiting and writing, then waiting and writing some more
Character arc – in fiction and life
Although the word ‘journey’ has become synonymous with reality television shows, it’s an important part of stories. The journey a character goes on during the course of a novel is often what attracts us to the book. How does a man who has lost his memories reconnect with the people in his old life? What… Continue reading Character arc – in fiction and life
Writing act three
I’m about ten thousand words away from finishing my book. It’s not the actual writing which worries me – I could write that ten thousand in a week. But to write those words, I need to feel crystal clear about what’s going to happen in the last act. And I’m not quite there yet. Many… Continue reading Writing act three
Van Gogh – ‘arrive at the truthful’
Last weekend – because there was no sport in the school holidays – hooray! – we all went to the Vincent van Gogh exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria. It was beautiful and crowded. Beautiful because the paintings were amazing. I loved seeing the brush strokes and the vivid colours. I must admit, I… Continue reading Van Gogh – ‘arrive at the truthful’