I recently had a query from Tristan Bancks (writer of the Mac Slater, Cool Hunter books) about how I keep my research in order. Actually, I’m not very good at keeping my research in order. I lose things all the time (eg. this morning). So I thought if I did a blog about it, someone might have suggestions … Continued
This is the third in a series of blogs about the way I write books. So assuming my publisher didn’t hate my synopsis, it’s time to start writing. For me, this initial draft is the hardest part of the process. I can easily talk myself into doing a bit more planning or a bit more … Continued
Like many people I am worried about climate change. I got so angry about the Australian Federal Government’s pathetic Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, that I have joined my local climate action group, Yarra Climate Action Now (YCAN). The targets are way too low and will not result in the emissions reduction that scientists tells us … Continued
This is the second in a series of blogs about the way I write. It’s not the only way to write a book. It’s just my way. So I’ve already got a premise, a story idea. I’ve worked out when and where the story is set. I’ve got a main character. That’s when I start … Continued
I’m writing a book at the moment, and it’s going to take me about a year. I don’t like talking about my books as I’m writing them. It’s a superstitious thing. So I thought that I might do a series of blogs about my writing process. How it works for me. I usually start with … Continued
Last night my daughter Lili and I made mincepies. We do it every Christmas. We make dozens of them. This was the first batch, for my bookclub Christmas meeting and for Lili’s Christmas dinner with her friends. Lili has done a blog that includes the recipe and photos of us making them. We alternate between … Continued
Since Dragon Moon was published, I’ve had quite a lot of emails and blog comments asking me to write a fourth Dragonkeeper book. I always say the same thing. It’s not going to happen. I don’t want to write a fourth book. After all her adventures, I think Ping should have a nice quiet life. … Continued
I get quite a few queries from readers around the world who want to know when my books are going to be published in their country. Unfortunately, I usually don’t know! I have very little contact with my publishers in other countries. I can tell you all about the Australian releases, but if you want … Continued
I have just returned home after a hectic week or so in New Zealand at the Storylines Festival. I appeared at free Family Days in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, along with well-known UK author and illustrator Babette Cole and many NZ authors and illustrators including Margaret Mahy, Joy Cowley, Gavin Bishop and Kyle Mewburn. The … Continued
I’ve recently had a number of emails from young writers asking for advice on how to improve their writing. They seem to think that because I write books, and some of them have been successful, I can explain how to write a successful book. If only it were that easy. The truth is, I can’t … Continued