If you’ve ever wandered down a leafy street and spotted a colourful little box filled with books, you’ve already met one of Australia’s best community treasures: the Street Library. These free mini libraries are dotted all over the country, inviting readers of every age to take a book, leave a book, or simply enjoy aContinue reading “The hidden book nooks in your neighbourhood: Street Libraries in Australia”
Category Archives: Hints & Tips
Things About Being a Children’s Author That Just Make Sense
From chocolate stashes to animal trivia, here’s what fuels the middle-grade magic. Being a children’s author is a little bit like living in a storybook yourself. It involves imagination, a dash of magic, and more notebooks than anyone really needs (but buys anyway). Whether you’re writing about owls, wild adventures, or mysterious forests, there areContinue reading “Things About Being a Children’s Author That Just Make Sense”
Unlocking your creative potential: top reasons to go on a writing residency
For one productive (and very blissful!) week in October, I had the pleasure of staying at Varuna The Writers’ House in Katoomba, Blue Mountains. This was part of a Residency Callout Program for authors to work on their project of choice. I was in the company of some fantastic writers from right across Australia, allContinue reading “Unlocking your creative potential: top reasons to go on a writing residency”
‘Showing up’ for your ideal reader/customer
Authentic content is one of those buzzwords/phrases that has been thrown around a fair bit over the past couple of years. But when you break it down, it’s about being there for your ideal customer/reader/client and giving them not only something of value but insights into the everyday. Do people really want to see myContinue reading “‘Showing up’ for your ideal reader/customer”
What inspires my writing: mystery & magic for middle-grade readers
Emerging voices, new voices, fresh voices… What do these things actually mean when it comes to book writing? Many authors talk about honing their voice and finding their voice; making their story stand out from the various others on the shelf. In this instance, I’m talking about the author voice, not the character voice orContinue reading “What inspires my writing: mystery & magic for middle-grade readers”
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.
Top 10 ‘best bits’ of Canva Pro: How you can tap into your designer side AND write books
I want to preface this blog with the opinion that Canva does not replace graphic designers or the work they do. Throughout my many years in journalism and marketing, I have used the Adobe suite and worked alongside in-house graphic design teams and agencies. Designers are incredibly skilled. Illustrator is the go-to for creating high-qualityContinue reading “Top 10 ‘best bits’ of Canva Pro: How you can tap into your designer side AND write books”
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”
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”
Where I write: How to create a productive and inspiring WFH space on a budget
From having enough storage for your notepads and pens to boosting your mood with a houseplant or two, here are some top tips for sprucing up your writing space. And it doesn’t have to cost a thing! Limit distractions: The latest episode of your Netflix binge may be calling, but it’s important to distance yourselfContinue reading “Where I write: How to create a productive and inspiring WFH space on a budget”
Jayne McIntyre Author 