Nigel Featherstone: My Heart is a Little Wild Thing
I’ve been eagerly awaiting this post from one of my favourite writers, Nigel Featherstone. Nigel’s latest novel, ‘My Heart is a Little Wild Thing’ has been described as, ‘Powerful, tender, visceral and sublime–a must-read piece of...
Sharron Booth: The Myth of ‘Follow Your Dream’
I loved this gorgeously wise post by WA début author, Sharron Booth. I know writers, and readers, will love it too, as we all resonate with the struggles of writing a book and getting published. It’s never straightforward and Sharron’s post, with its truth and...
Portland Jones: Turning Family History into Historical Fiction
It’s with great joy I welcome Portland Jones back to the attic today. She visited back in 2019 – read that post here – but our friendship goes back to 2014, when we were both shortlisted for the City of Fremantle – TAG Hungerford Award. Portland has just...
Dinuka McKenzie: Just an Everyday Woman
I’m thrilled to welcome crime writer, Dinuka McKenzie, to the attic this week. Dinuka’s crime-fiction novel, The Torrent, won the 2020 Banjo Prize, and its publication was much-awaited. She’s recently signed with Harper Collins for a further two...
Fiona Robertson: Walking Away for Inspiration
It gives me more pleasure than you can possibly imagine to welcome Fiona into the attic. It’s not the first time she’s visited (read her first post from 2017) and these days Fi is an almost daily visitor to the attic, as I am to her office, when we write...
David Allan-Petale: From Fact to Fiction
Well, I could say the locusts have taken over the attic this week: David Allan-Petale has come in to talk about his book, Locust Summer, and his metamorphosis from journalist to author. On the face of it, the two seem similar – both are writing, both tell stories –...
Natasha Lester: These Are the Times for Stories
This week’s guest in the attic is my very good friend, Natasha Lester. Ten years ago when I started writing, Natasha was one of the first authors to offer me a helping hand, an encouraging word or an answer to a question. Over the years, we’ve become...
Claire Varley: Realistic Fortune Cookies for the Discerning Writer
Varuna Writers House is possibly my favourite place to write. It’s writerly history seems to shroud and uplift you as soon as you enter, and it’s location in the Blue Mountains, with majestic views from every window and a national park on the doorstep,...
Robyn Cadwallader: The Angel Among the Chaos
I’m always deeply grateful to the writers who contribute to Writers in the Attic. Their words never fail to give me something to think about, or bestow a nugget of wisdom or just make me feel less lonely on this torturous journey to a novel. Robyn’s piece...
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...