Wherever I am, my early morning walks are usually peaceful affairs. At home, I wander or powerwalk up to the high water tank and back again. I know the five people I usually meet; I recognise their casual wear; I know their dogs’ names. None of them poses a threat to my blood pressure. It's a gentle kind of happiness I take for granted. When I'm in Brisbane, it‘s the same. Peaceful. I take the riverwalk: a zephyr of breeze, a lone rower slicing quiet circles into the water,

The Cover That Took An Insta-village (and a pirate) Remember these? When I put up sixteen possible covers for Son of Hydra and asked you to vote, I had no idea what I’d started. Hundreds of you took the trouble to send really thoughtful responses—and the results were—well, enlightening. There was no outright winner. Just a list of ones that had more votes than the others. The top choice was Number 6, the beautiful orange and blue woodcut. Unfortunately, when I showed it to a

After I wrote that last blog post I knew what you were thinking—I was a dill. I knew it was time to stop mucking around. No more...

Hello again, my lovely literate legends! Yes, I'm back from the writing trenches, towing a dumpster of mixed metaphors to describe the...

Seems about a million years ago I decided to write a novel. Very much like seeing ...

Right. Flowers on the desk. Pen and paper. Yep. It's 12.04 pm and it's taken me all day to get ready to start writing. First I lolled...

Holy schemoly where did 2022 go? And now 2023 is almost gone??? And does it matter? Good health is the only thing that matters a toss,...

I'm sorry I haven't updated you about the novel lately. I thought you'd think, Oh for goodness sake, aren't you published yet? And now...

Where Shelley goes back to the drawing board and a dual narrative...

I hope nice things have been happening in your life since I wrote to you last. Anything could have happened! Tell me, tell me, in the...

It's been a while. The journey continues...

Just a quick update on my novel..... Last September when I wrote my last blog post, I'd finished the first draft, about the lives of two...

A few of you have asked me when my novel will be finished. Good question. Poor answer: I don't know! Let me explain by sharing my...

I just love this place where I sit to write. I'm not distracted by the huge fig trees at my back.....

Thank you so much for being interested in the process of my novel writing. It's been a journey (both physically and mentally!), and some...