Non-writers make strange comments sometimes. When I tell people I am currently writing a book about Surviving Childlessness, they often say things like, “That must be wonderfully cathartic.” “I think you misunderstand me,” I do not reply. The catharsis theory is a popular one. It presupposes that writing is inherently therapeutic. I guess that it […]
General writing
Tips and skills in writing generally
Thank You
I am not accustomed to being thanked. As a writer, I typically sit on my lounge or in my writing ball chair, iPad perched on my knees, tapping madly away, happily oblivious to the outside world. I can sit like that for hours. I might take a break at some point, eat some food, pat […]
Resolutions
I hereby resolve not to make any New Years’ Resolutions. Ok, maybe just one. It’s so easy, isn’t it? We make these promises to ourselves with the turn of the year. We commit ourselves to a worthy cause or new endeavour or old dream and vow to make it happen. There is something about a […]
I’m An Average Author – and Ok With It
It seems to me there is substantial pressure on all of us to be above average. We are encouraged to “get a head start” early in life, to excel at school and in our careers, to be great, to be awesome, to be exceptional. All of this pressure creates a problem. And it has nothing […]
The Outsiders (A Writers Conference Review)
I went to a gathering of outsiders last week. Ok, technically it was a writers conference. But it was essentially a place for misfits and melodramatics to meet and learn and muse. It was a great conference. I made new friends and caught up with old ones. We sang songs to God together. We prayed […]
When Compromise Works
I have always loved writing. From an early age, I wrote short stories about magical happenings and clever kids. I wrote about animals, superpowers and fantasy kingdoms. As an adolescent, I filled book after book with journallings of teenage angst and woe. I loved reading and studying English at school. Shakespeare was fathomable and even […]
To Conference, To Conference
With only a month until the Omega Christian Writer’s Conference, the excitement and anticipation is quickening. Our lives are so busy and there are so many demands on our time that taking three days out to talk about writing can seem like a countercultural luxury. This year, the conference is located interstate for me, so […]
Breadcrumbs
From time to time, I get asked about writing and songwriting. People want to know how I keep coming up with ideas for blogs, songs and books in a series. Sometimes I wonder where all the ideas come from and if I will ever run out. Every writer is different. They may source their inspiration […]
Good Enough
This is not a self-esteem blog. This is not about flattery or inflating your ego. This is not even about you. It’s about your creative work. Most artists are perfectionists. They develop and hone their art. They practice it over and over, trying to get it right. Even when it is perfect, they are often […]
Surviving Procrastination
Most creative people have experienced procrastination at some time in their lives. Whether it be the allure of the washing up, the beckoning of social media or the temptation to engage in consumer-based activities (shopping), procrastination can become an art-form. What’s your favourite kind of procrastination? Mine is what I have come to call “real […]