Category: GENERAL

Posted on by — 1 Comment

A wild ride

Wow! What a few wild weeks. It’s been a bit crazy. I’ve been crazy (it’s called having a thyroid disorder!) But I am back into it and writing up a storm (or revisioning up a ???)

To bring you up to speed on my news:

  • I attended my first RWA Annual Conference in Melbourne (a 1920’s theme). I was able to put faces to names who have, to date, been nothing more than an email addy. Read more
  • I met my agent for the first time too, although we had one of those “one of us shoud have worn a pink carnation” moments in the hotel lobby. But I pretty-much picked her and she was lovely and motivating and inspring.
  • I collected my 3rd place award for the Little Gems Short Story Contest and saw my words in print in the anthology (as well as finding myself on the organising committe for the 2012 RWA conference. Note to self: stop saying ‘yes’.
  • I came home to to a full-page article on my ‘other’ life – my dog-friendly B&B in Coffs Harbour. The reviewer called me ‘schoolmarmish’ because I like to write signs. Humph! But all publicity is good publicity. It’s still a great review .

Okay, back to my manuscript. I have 30 days to polish both of them – starting…NOW.

Posted on by — 4 Comments

Will I be a human fly catcher?

It’s been a long time coming, but I’m finally heading to the RWA Writers’ Conference in August (Melbourne this year). And my going is only possible through with the support and generosity of others who believe in dreams and who want to help me realise mine. I am very lucky and plan on making the most of every minute.
How do I feel? Excited, terrified, and everything in between.
It’s all rather daunting: hundreds of like-minded authors and industry gurus, all talking about craft and professional development. What worries me most is being able to keep up, keep focused and keep awake! I am sooooo not used to late nights (unless it’s sitting at the computer), nor am I used to chatting all day (unless it’s via the computer – and I can nod off in the middle of online chats without anyone knowing! Shhhh!)

I also worry about not recognising someone I should. (Let’s face it, none of us look like our promo headshots.) Or that I will look just plain goofy standing on the sidelines in absolute awe and catching flies in my gaping mouth.

So I figured it was a good idea to start training. Here’s my 4 ‘S’ Tips.

Smile – looking demure, knowledgable and keeping gaping mouth closed at all times.


Speak – preferably in coherent sentences and say ‘hi, good to see you’ to everyone whether you recognise them or not.


Start conversations – the old ‘What are you reading?’ is apparently a good one.


Self-control – refrain from throwing self at feet of visiting publishers. (Not a good look!)


And finally, enjoy, share, learn.

Posted on by — 1 Comment

To Retreat Victoriously!

Just over 12 months after our inaugural meeting (March 2010) the eight members of our face-2-face writing group, Points Author Network, held our first weekend retreat during April 8-10, 2011. (Made possible through the support of RWA’s Group Grants Scheme.)

Our logo depicts the large geographical spread we cover and the journey we are taking together, finding our way and charting a course for that elusive place called ‘success’.

With our original retreat destination (Smokey Cape Lighthouse) no longer an option (they closed for 6 months for renovations) the group used our compass to find the way to Bellingen, coinciding our first retreat with the inaugural Bellingen Writer’s and Reader’s Festival.

What a fabulous weekend. Aside from spending hours sharing, laughing, enjoying great company, food and wine (and in that order!) I got to spend 3 hours – just me and the fabulous Bronwyn Parry – talking about writing good emotion. I also met Pippa Masson of Curtis Brown Literary Agency and picked up a few interesting insights into the book business.

All-in-all a very successful event.