jaynemcintyre

Gift ideas for the book lovers and writers in your life

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… Here are some of my top gift ideas for the book lovers and writers in your life. Of course, nothing beats unlimited writing time and a decked-out office space, but when you’re looking for something easy to wrap and pop under the tree, this list might provideContinue reading “Gift ideas for the book lovers and writers in your life”

Getting organised: planners, labels and stationery to brighten your home office & inspire creativity

Planners, calendars, wall organisers and more for the home and office. Colourful designs to help you get in control of your life. Perfect for the bookish lovers out there and busy mums & dads.

School holidays at the library – programs, free activity packs, and story seat adventures

It’s that time again – school holidays! Not only do I write middle-grade books (and love reading them) but I have two primary school-aged children. Needless to say, school holiday programs at the library are the first thing on my list when I hear the dreaded: “I’m bored – there’s nothing to do!” (Yes, we’dContinue reading “School holidays at the library – programs, free activity packs, and story seat adventures”

It’s a journey: Celebrating the wins along the way

I had three personal goals this past month: submit my latest middle grade manuscript for a chance at a Varuna Residential Fellowship, promote my workplace in the leadup to the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network Awards, and compete in the Sunshine Coast Marathon (10km event). I approach my writing, fitness, and career goals in aContinue reading “It’s a journey: Celebrating the wins along the way”

School holiday fun at your local library

School holidays are here – in Queensland, at least. As a busy working parent, you usually fall into one of two groups: jumping for joy at the prospect of having the kids home for two weeks (I applaud those with the energy to pack up the tent and go camping) OR racking your brains forContinue reading “School holiday fun at your local library”

Story Dogs: The paw-fect combo for building confident readers

It’s official. I’ve become a dog person. I don’t know exactly how or when, but I’ve gone from that child begging for a cat, to an adult having an exuberant Staffy and even fostering additional dogs. Not that I’m complaining. So, it only seemed fitting that this month we became involved in the Story DogsContinue reading “Story Dogs: The paw-fect combo for building confident readers”

Top bookish podcasts and blogs to follow: why connections are so important in the arts

Writing can often be a lonely gig—at home, late at night or early morning, snippets of time between day jobs and school pickups. There’s also a fair amount of ‘waiting’. Waiting to share news about signing with an agent, waiting to reveal a book deal, waiting to hear the outcome of a writing grant… However,Continue reading “Top bookish podcasts and blogs to follow: why connections are so important in the arts”

I run. I read. I write.

Last month, I wrote about goal setting, and how my approach to running training is similar my outlook on writing – ‘It’s a marathon, not a sprint’ and all that. I also shared my milestone moment of signing up for my first ever Ultra-Trail. Yes, it was only 15km (not quite a marathon…yet) but itContinue reading “I run. I read. I write.”

It’s a marathon, not a sprint: how my running training reflects my writing goals

In the writing game, there are a lot of setbacks. Or, at least, a fair bit of ‘limbo’ time where you’re waiting for a response (from an agent, editor, publisher) and wondering if you should start something shiny and new to funnel that creativity. There are inevitably rejections and disappointments along the way, which isContinue reading “It’s a marathon, not a sprint: how my running training reflects my writing goals”