Category Archives: writing non-fiction
The advance copies arrive
The wonderful moment when I first hold the book which represents years of obsessive pleasure. Thank you to LaTrobe University, my PhD supervisor Professor Sue Martin, Cambridge University Press, family, friends and most of all, my husband, Damian. All that … Continue reading
It’s finished – a strange feeling of loss
I have sent back the page proofs. I have done the last correction. After seven years of nurturing my baby every day, there is nothing more I can do. The book is now completely under the control of Cambridge University … Continue reading
MonsterTalk interview on my beloved spiders
I am a recovered arachnophobe. I now adore spiders. Absolutely adore them and am endlessly fascinated by their incredibly varied lives. I told that story in my book, Spiders: learning to love them, published by Allen & Unwin in 2009. I … Continue reading
Feminine Magic – another theme, another genre
“I held out the deck of cards, a bicycle deck. I had said nothing. I had done nothing beyond holding out a deck of cards in dealers’ grip. The teenager turned to his friends and said ‘I know this one’. … Continue reading
Arts Victoria grant for Ancient Memory Spaces
Some days are just so significant they become milestones in your life. I have no doubt last Wednesday will be one. An email arrived headed Arts Victoria funding outcome, and I could see the opening words “I am pleased to advise … Continue reading
The Writing Process Blog Hop
The Writing Process Blog Hop is a movement which asks that writers answer the four Writing Process questions and then nominate a few others to do the same. You then thank the writer who nominated you, pointing to their blog. So, thank … Continue reading
Non-fiction – long, short and very very short
Writers aiming to pitch a book to a publisher are advised to prepare a 25 word description to attract attention.* If asked for more, they should be ready with a 125 word expansion. Then, having raised the interest during a query … Continue reading