I wrote a review of Nike Sulway's beautiful book, Dying in the first person, for the Newtown Review of Books. Published today. NRB is a fabulous publication for all people who love books. And it's from my favourite part of Sydney. I'm hoping to keep writing for them, so stay tuned.
Nike Sulway on the changing face of publishing
This interview was first published in an edited form in the May 2017 edition of the Jessie Street National Women's Library newsletter. Publishing, the production and dissemination of books and the written word has been turned on its head by the digital revolution. I had the opportunity to talk with Dr Nike Sulway, an author …
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We need to talk about depression
We need to talk about mental health. I have just read Rosie Waterland’s book, The anti-cool girl, which captures the half-life of a person with mental illness with such precision. Amidst the laugh out loud moments of life as a ‘houso’ in North Ryde, the pressing, the closing in, the self-sabotage resonates. It needs to be read, widely.
Self-publish?
The digital age has turned publishing on its head. Writers now have more options than ever before to get their voices out into the world. A writer can now publish a book professionally, find a respectable readership and be reviewed in mainstream media, all without the imprimatur of a publishing house. Whether or not they …
Taekwondo: a discipline for life
My taekwondo school, the Australian Martial Arts Academy, has been in operation for 35 years this month. I've been training there for six years and have a few ideas about its staying power. I was asked recently whether taekwondo gave me a ‘workout’. The quick answer is yes! But you can answer that question on a …
Writing for outcomes
Here are the four parts of my persuasive writing masterclass in one article. Mix it up, take what you need. Your situation is unique and your appeal will be too. #1 Facts It was astonishing to hear a spokesperson from the Donald Trump camp question whether a ‘fact’ even existed anymore. Her argument that ‘truth’ is in the …
Structure and tone—Persuasive writing #4
Structure and tone How you put your pitch together is crucial. You need to get the structure and the language right if you want to turn your reader’s head and then keep them looking. If you have the other elements in play (facts, understanding and motivation), you don’t want to blow your opportunity for a …
Jeffrey Eugenides and Marilynne Robinson
I am drawn to writing about these books, Home, (Robinson, 2008) and The Marriage Plot (Eugenides, 2011) which portray the truncated half-life of a person suffering depression and the stress it brings to their carers. Allowing entry to those darker places is part of being seen, being understood. It’s why I read fiction.
Motivation—Persuasive writing #3
Motivation—yours and theirs The core of any half-decent piece of persuasive writing is the why. If you are looking for an outcome, you have to keep this front and centre. What will make your reader do what you’re asking? It’s both carrot and stick. These things will keep you on track. Where is the power? Even …
Understanding—Persuasive writing #2
The second lesson in my persuasive writing masterclass is about understanding. Once you know what you want to say and can support it with the right facts, demonstrating understanding is critical. Your words need to ring with confidence. You are building trust with your reader. If you are going to persuade, expect to defend. And …
Your Second Draft 