Tag Archives: author

The travel itinerary of a debut middle-grade book manuscript: from Brisbane to Vancouver and back

If you take a peek at my Instagram, you’ll see me sipping hot cocoa, warming myself by the fireplace, and squirrel-spotting in the maple leaf-strewn streets of Vancouver and Toronto. These are not my usual end-of-year activities. November marked more than sightseeing in Canada as part of my ‘day job’ work trip. I was alsoContinue reading “The travel itinerary of a debut middle-grade book manuscript: from Brisbane to Vancouver and back”

‘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”

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”

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”

Consistency is key, content is king: My TOP 5 TIPS on websites & social media management

When you first embarked on your writing journey, you may have thought that finishing the manuscript/book would be the hard part. *Insert laughter here* Social media is now so ingrained in everyday life that first-time (and, in many cases, established) authors must also take into consideration their online brand. If the querying trenches, writers’ block,Continue reading “Consistency is key, content is king: My TOP 5 TIPS on websites & social media management”