Writing in New Zealand is a tough business. I’ve recently started reading a lot more New Zealand fiction and as a country, we are producing some great work. I’ve discovered some talented authors in the Twitter writing community. These hard-working creatives should get more exposure. The idea for this segment grew from a desire to …
Every now and then, a reader emerges from a story surprised that the world around them still exists. How can the world still be turning when everything has changed? How can my house still be standing when the walls of my consciousness have been shaken this much? This book honestly changed my perspective on everything. …
Silence. Well, not really. The dog’s ears are pricked, alert for the scrabble of rodents in the roof. A lonely possum calls. The fire cracks and I catch my breath. The echo of hot words stirs again like the spoon in my fingers. The baby sleeps for now. I lean in, reach out, sensing only …
When it comes to research, a picture is worth a thousand words. I search Pinterest for inspiration and ideas on how everyday life would look for my characters. This week, I have been researching 18th century chatelaines and etuis. Read on to find out why French mistresses of the household would have made a clinking …
What is it about the shortest day that makes you ponder where you’re at? I’ve been reflecting on how life has changed this year (to distract from my freezing toes) and I think my writing has been a big learning curve not just for me, but for my kids. Reading My son eats books. By …
Each month, around the 20th, I publish a Top Three. I am so happy about all the great writerly types I’ve met through blogging. Who else will understand the torture of plotting at 1am, the flirty brush of 1st person POV and the morning-after hangover of misguided ideas. There are finite words in the universe …
I think I discovered this gem at the exact right time. It comes at a point when I am roughly 75% through my first draft and I alternately swing from writing doggedly on to throwing up my hands in despair at the large pile of dog faeces words I have created. Note: This post contains …
He found her outside, pegging pants like he counted clients. He longed to sell himself to her. She curled her toes into the grass and watched clouds scudding to the finish. How much did you get done today? Enough, and she stretched to pin up his smalls. Success for her was sunshine hours. The door …
As a writer you try to listen to what others aren’t saying… and write about that silence. This is a quote from NR Hart. This says a lot about writing great characters, getting into their heads to find what they secretly most want and what they’re most ashamed of. I really enjoy the psychogical side …
I’ve been challenged to the Three Days Three Quotes game. Thank you so much to Finding French Charming. Her blog is so entertaining. You should go check out her stories about finding love. The Rulebook: Thank the person who nominated you. Post a quote for three consecutive days (1 quote for each day). Nominate three …