Cassie Hamer: After the Launch
I suspect every author who’s ever been published will relate to today’s post. Publishing a book isn’t all champagne launches and book signings and glowing reviews. Those moments happen, and they’re incredible, but there are the thorny times,...
Amanda Curtin: On Knowing Your Own Name
I’m honoured to be joined in the attic today by Amanda Curtin. Not only does she know how to turn a beautiful phrase, and not only is she one of the most beloved writers in the country, and not only have I long admired and respected her work, but she’s...
Alice Nelson—Losing the Key: Letting Go of Our Novels
Gosh, I have some amazing writers visit the attic! I get such joy out of reading the sometimes heartfelt, sometimes practical, but always different and always special pieces that authors pen for this series. Today, I’m thrilled to share another beautiful piece,...
Varuna 2019
So I’ve returned home from Varuna, a writers’ house in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains of NSW. I’ve spent time at Varuna before (see here and here), back in 2014 when I was the recipient of a residential fellowship, so I knew it was exactly what I...
Annabel Smith: Finding (the Right) Reasons to Write
So very happy to have Annabel Smith grace the attic with her presence today. She was one of the first authors I met when I started writing and she has more wisdom about books, writing and publishing in her little finger than I’d hope to attain in a lifetime....
12 Tips on Giving a Good Author Talk
As a published author, you’re expected to speak at writers festivals, libraries, book clubs and to writing and community groups. But, if you’re anything like me, the notion of public speaking might fill you with terror. I’m not, by nature, a public...
Kelly Van Nelson: From Blank Canvas to Colourful Dreams
Today, I welcome Western Australian poet and fiction writer, Kelly van Nelson, to the attic for a Q&A. Kelly’s powerful poetry collection, Graffiti Lane, celebrates freedom of speech and the underdog rising against all odds. Her poetry and short stories...
Lee Kofman: On Imperfection and Writing
As I read the first memoir penned by today’s guest, I remember thinking, When I grow up, I want to write like this. I was underlining phrases and making notes in the margins, such was the beauty of the prose. But, even better, there was a searing honesty about...
International Women’s Day 2019
I wrote these words in honour of International Women’s Day. It’s a passionate piece for which I make no apologies, because everything I’ve written here has been drawn from my experiences since girlhood. This is why we need International Women’s...
Laurie Steed: The Short Way Around
I’m thrilled to welcome Laurie Steed to the attic today. Laurie and I first met at a blogging workshop back in 2013 and, over the years, have become firm friends. Last year, after our début novels were published within a few months of each other, we not...