I have written a guest blog for fellow writer Gabrielle Wang, who has asked a number of writers to write about where they write and how they write. So if you want to see a photo of my very messy desk, go to Gabrielle’s blog. While you are their you can see how other writers … Continued
This is an interview I did recently with author Carole Wilkinson. Me: So…you’re writing a new book. CW: Yep. Me: Going well is it? CW: Not especially. Me: Another historical novel? CW: Yes. Set in ancient China again. Me: So, you’ll be seeking out lots of information about the time when the book is set. … Continued
I’m grumpy. Most of the time I like being a writer, but sometimes it isn’t much fun. I’m having one of the “not fun” times at the moment. I’ve been stuck in my writing for weeks. Just can’t seem to get it right. It makes me very cranky, ask my husband, ask some of my … Continued
Guest blogging seems to be all the rage at the moment. I haven’t had time to do anything on my own blog, but I did do a guest spot on Gillian Polack’s Blog for Women’s History Month. It’s about how Sharon Penman inspired me to become a historical novelist. I sent it off to Gillian … Continued
So I’ve started writing a new novel. It’s a Dragonkeeper novel. But it doesn’t follow on from Dragon Moon. It’s set about 400 years later. This is my fifth Dragonkeeper book. I suppose I thought it might be a bit easier, fifth time round. It isn’t. I spent about two months last year working out … Continued
I have received my copies of the book I have written about the World War I Battle of Fromelles. It is part of the black dog books non-fiction series called The Drum and the book is titled Fromelles: Australia’s Bloodiest Day at War. It is about the first battle that Australians took part in on … Continued
So getting inspiration is one thing. Having an idea, even a detailed idea is great, but then you have to write the story. There are so many things you can do to procrastinate. Here are a few I did today: Skype Lili, make an appointment at the hairdressers, chat to a friend on the way … Continued
I’m back in front of the computer this week after a few weeks break. My book about the Battle of Fromelles went off to the printers two weeks ago. Now I am starting to think about what I will write next. I get quite a few letters and emails from people wanting to know where … Continued
Those of you who have read any of my Dragonkeeper books will know that the leaves, fruit and bark of the chinaberry tree are one of the few things that Chinese dragons don’t like. It poisons them. This information was recorded in an ancient Chinese book called the Er Ya Yi, written about 1000 years … Continued
About 25 years ago, when we were renovating our house, my husband John carved a dragon to put on the roof. This was a long time before I even started thinking about writing about dragons. The dragon has watched over us ever since. John is painting the outside of the house at the moment and … Continued