Month of Writing
Today I begin a “Month of Writing”. A writing retreat if you like with a fixed deadline and word count aim. But it?s all self-imposed and self-inflicted! And necessary. Of course I would love to go off on a fully-fledged writing retreat in some idyllic setting, meals laid on and … Read More
Inspiration, Imagination and an Operation
I?ve been thinking a lot about inspiration and imagination of late. This has been an unusual year for me, as it?s mostly been taken up with editing and rewriting and not a lot of new writing. After a spinal surgery last December, I gave myself time out to rest and … Read More
My New Favourite Thing
Move over notebooks. I think I?ve just found my new favourite thing ? for a writer. I feel a bit odd gushing about a gadget in this terribly material age, but my new favourite thing is a fantastic tool of trade ? a shiny new iPad Pro (the small 9.7 … Read More
The Art of Story and the Narrative Game
A few months ago, on the hottest day of summer, myself and five other fearless?writers gathered in an (unairconditioned) artist space in Mornington to participate in a documentary with a difference. The Art of Story gives an inside view into the creation of stories and the stories behind the stories. … Read More
Writer Meets Research
From the instant the wheels of the London train began to cross the twenty-four arches of the Ribblehead viaduct, it seemed everything Mary had?ever known fell behind and no one seemed even to care. Every thud served a stab to her heart like each span were crumbling, blocking her way … Read More
Dangerous Research on The Burning Sea – Sean McMullen
Today I?am?delighted to welcome Sean McMullen?back to?From Hook to Book?to celebrate the launch of his latest fantasy novel?The Burning Sea,?the first of six books in?The Warlock?s Child?series,?co-authored by Paul Collins and published by Ford Street Publishing. Fans will be thrilled to learn that?they won’t have to wait long for the … Read More
Not All Writers are Born, Some are Made in Writing Courses
I find the current TAFE arts funding cuts and fee increases so sad and disappointing. Fifteen years ago, I drove past a sign down on the Mornington Penninsula with a screaming headline, DO YOU WANT TO BE A WRITER? Yes, yes, yes, I had always wanted, dreamed, aspired to be … Read More
Wonderful to see Lazy Daisy now in paperback! Such fun and funny stories of Daisy’s adventures.
I’m thrilled that Lazy Daisy has been reprinted and is now available in paperback. #LazyDaisyKoala @HardieGrant @HGEgmont @littleharebooks @Ashillustrates #kidsbooks #littleharebooks #picturebooks #koalas #read #childrensbooks #SCBWI
Poignant. Moving. Heartbreaking. A literary wound: how do we staunch the bleeding? Brilliant essay by Steven Amsterdam and winner of the 2020 @SatPaper #HornePrize https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/2020/12/19/the-horne-prize-there-and-here/160829640010889
Dear @DanielAndrewsMP I think we should close the border. Breaks my heart - I was meant to be in NSW over new year. But we really really really really really really don’t want to go back into lockdown 😳😬 yours anxiously, SP.