Tag Archives: writing

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”

Cover Reveal: The Feathers of Farwood – The Gripps Curse by Jayne McIntyre

I’m so excited to finally share the cover reveal for my debut middle-grade fantasy, The Feathers of Farwood – & The Gripps Curse! This beautiful cover was illustrated by the incredibly talented Tamlyn Teow, and it perfectly captures the heart of the story — lush Australian forests and landscapes, a hint of magic, and oneContinue reading “Cover Reveal: The Feathers of Farwood – The Gripps Curse by Jayne McIntyre”

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”

Shortlisted for the Text Prize 2024

Exciting update in my journey to publication as one of my middle grade manuscripts is shortlisted for the 2024 Text Prize! Text prize shortlist – new Aussie authors Five manuscripts have been shortlisted for the 2024 $10,000 Text Prize. The winner will be announced in mid-June. The Feathers of Farwood by Jayne McIntyre (Middle grade)When Eva Feather’sContinue reading “Shortlisted for the Text Prize 2024”

You’ll find me in the mountains…I’ve been accepted for a Varuna Residency! Time & space to work on my children’s books

Thrilled to be sharing this news… I have been accepted into the latest round of Residency Callouts from leading literature institution, Varuna. Located in the Blue Mountains, Varuna offers highly sought-after residencies and professional development programs for writers throughout the year. I will spend one week (later this year) at Varuna working on my latestContinue reading “You’ll find me in the mountains…I’ve been accepted for a Varuna Residency! Time & space to work on my children’s books”

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”

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”