You’ll find me in the mountains…I’ve been accepted for a Varuna Residency! Time & space to work on my children’s books

Thrilled to be sharing this news… I have been accepted into the latest round of Residency Callouts from leading literature institution, Varuna. Located in the Blue Mountains, Varuna offers highly sought-after residencies and professional development programs for writers throughout the year. I will spend one week (later this year) at Varuna working on my latest

‘Showing up’ for your ideal reader/customer

Authentic content is one of those buzzwords/phrases that has been thrown around a fair bit over the past couple of years. But when you break it down, it’s about being there for your ideal customer/reader/client and giving them not only something of value but insights into the everyday. Do people really want to see my

Night of Notables: CBCA longlist announced

If there’s one thing I like as much as writing children’s books, it’s seeing Aussie writers and illustrators celebrated for their incredible and varied works. This week, the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) announced its longlist for the 2023 CBCA Notables. The list acts as the longlist for the CBCA Book of the Year

What inspires my writing: mystery & magic for middle-grade readers

Emerging voices, new voices, fresh voices… What do these things actually mean when it comes to book writing? Many authors talk about honing their voice and finding their voice; making their story stand out from the various others on the shelf. In this instance, I’m talking about the author voice, not the character voice or

Gift ideas for the book lovers and writers in your life

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… Here are some of my top gift ideas for the book lovers and writers in your life. Of course, nothing beats unlimited writing time and a decked-out office space, but when you’re looking for something easy to wrap and pop under the tree, this list might provide

Getting organised: planners, labels and stationery to brighten your home office & inspire creativity

Planners, calendars, wall organisers and more for the home and office. Colourful designs to help you get in control of your life. Perfect for the bookish lovers out there and busy mums & dads.

School holidays at the library – programs, free activity packs, and story seat adventures

It’s that time again – school holidays! Not only do I write middle-grade books (and love reading them) but I have two primary school-aged children. Needless to say, school holiday programs at the library are the first thing on my list when I hear the dreaded: “I’m bored – there’s nothing to do!” (Yes, we’d

It’s a journey: Celebrating the wins along the way

I had three personal goals this past month: submit my latest middle grade manuscript for a chance at a Varuna Residential Fellowship, promote my workplace in the leadup to the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network Awards, and compete in the Sunshine Coast Marathon (10km event). I approach my writing, fitness, and career goals in a

Top 10 ‘best bits’ of Canva Pro: How you can tap into your designer side AND write books

I want to preface this blog with the opinion that Canva does not replace graphic designers or the work they do. Throughout my many years in journalism and marketing, I have used the Adobe suite and worked alongside in-house graphic design teams and agencies. Designers are incredibly skilled. Illustrator is the go-to for creating high-quality

School holiday fun at your local library

School holidays are here – in Queensland, at least. As a busy working parent, you usually fall into one of two groups: jumping for joy at the prospect of having the kids home for two weeks (I applaud those with the energy to pack up the tent and go camping) OR racking your brains for