From Hook To Book

Jan
31

Freeing the Poet Within

January has proved a fantastic and fun writing month for me. I’ve absolutely loved participating in Month of Poetry organised by Kat (Katherine) Apel. Each poet, or aspiring poet, commits to writing a poem a day throughout January. The more conscientious, confident poets upload their poem/s a day for critiquing … Read More

Jan
21

Where Writers Write

There’s nothing like the sound of graders and diggers jack-hammering into rock to send a  writer out of the house and into the “real”. They’re laying new pipes and digging up old drains in the land across from our street. Tearing at my solitude and banging in my headspace. Sending … Read More

Jan
12

The Culprit

The house is quiet. Perfect writing solitude. My bliss. BUT… what is that noise? Again, and again, and again. Three times I’ve thought hubby home with a clatter of keys on the bench, but no one was there. Three times I’ve called out ‘hello’, but no one was there. Three … Read More

Jan
11

Writing time for Writers

Time to write. Huh? It’s all very well to be ready, willing and able to sit your writer’s bum on the chair and position your fingers on the keyboard. With your next chapter in mind and your ideas parading as the best plot ever thought up, first you take time out … Read More

Jan
01

Hello 2011. Welcome, welcome, welcome

Welcome 2011. I’m so glad to see you’ve arrived safely, and wearing a fresh coat of hopes ready to be realised. I love your free flowing scarf of possibility. And is that the scent of determination? It’s reassuring to see you so bright with promise, daisy fresh like a pristine page waiting to be … Read More

Dec
23

Wrapping up, Winding Down and Looking back

What a year it’s been? Some exciting highs mixed in with too many sad goodbyes. Writing-wise it all kept ticking over. Though I can see now, looking back at the professional goals I set myself at the beginning of the year, that I was a tad ambitious, particularly for the year … Read More

Nov
26

Cloud Gazing with Maggie

I’ve discovered cloud gazing. Of course, I’ve always known clouds were there, but I can’t think how long it is since I took time out to watch their intricate swirls shape-shifting and sky surfing. It’s not only therapeutic but creative, and while I watched one cloud jigsaw merge and meld … Read More

Praise for No Small Shame

Christine Bell’s No Small Shame is impossible to put down. Her writing is wonderful, wise and empathetic. No Small Shame is a masterful debut novel, and an excellent addition to Australia’s historical fiction genre. Full review.

- Better Reading

Bell’s evocation of setting is an outstanding feature of the novel. Her social and physical landscapes of the years 1909 to 1919 are vivid with sensory and historical colour. Full Review.

- Westerly Magazine

Once I started reading No Small Shame, I could not stop. I was utterly swept up by Mary’s story and her refusal to settle for the life she is expected to lead.

- Kate Mildenhall, Author (The Mother Fault, Skylarking)

This is a novel of darkness and hope, full of insight, and written beautifully, with intelligence and sensitivity. A wonderful debut … Full review.

- Robyn Cadwallader, Author (The Anchoress, The Book of Colours)

Be prepared to be transported into the past, to be caught up in a slice of Aussie history but, mostly, swept away in a completely relatable and beautifully told tale that will move and, in the end, fill you. Outstanding. Full review.

- Karen Brooks - Author (The Chocolate Maker's Daughter, The Darkest Shore ...)

An absorbing, convincing and heartbreaking picture of a woman trapped in an impossible marriage. I ached for Mary and grew to love the defiant spirit shining through her doubts and fears.

- Jane Sullivan, Literary Critic and Author (Storytime, Little People)

Mary O’Donnell’s journey to self-awareness will have you turning the pages until the heartbreaking climax.

- Lauren Chater, Author (The Lace Weaver, Gulliver's Wife)

Mary’s compelling journey and her indomitable spirit are heartbreaking, moving and inspirational. This novel is a well-researched examination of the roles and rights of women at that time, the struggles and discrimination they faced, the hardships they were expected to endure and the small victories they celebrated, often silently.  Full review.

- Cass Moriaty, Author (The Promise Seed, Parting Words)

No Small Shame is a beautiful and inspiring story about female power. Christine Bell gives us a brilliant story of female heroism and shows us that women are capable of much more than we could ever really know. Full review.

- Courtney Dyer, TheBookSlut.com

Compelling and addictive. … a rich and absorbing experience. Full Review.

- Angela Wauchop: Backstory History Journal

What distinguishes the novel is its rich characterization. Each character in this carefully drawn work lifts off the page, evoking our enduring interest and empathy.

- Nadine Davidoff, Freelance Book Editor

An epic tale of a woman who finds her voice and ultimately, her agency. Meticulously researched, ambitious in scope and compelling in realisation.

- Christine Balint, Author (Salt Letters, Ophelia's Fan)

My heart hurt, my heart soared, and I was left thinking about the amazing women who paved the way for women today. Full review.

- BJs Reviews

No Small Shame is an important reminder of how far we have come in Australia … and how much we need to protect. It is a story crafted with great empathy – and immense believability. Full Review.

- Dr Wendy Dunn, author/poet (Dear Heart, How Like You This? Falling Pomegranate Seeds: The Duty of Daughters)

Upcoming Events

Recent Blog Posts

Subscribe