Vocabulary Schmocabulary

After coming across this article on Daily Writing Tips about a particular online vocabulary test I had to take it. I’ve never taken a vocabulary test before so was curious to see how I’d go. You can find the test here and take it yourself if you like. I don’t consider myself a language sponge, … Continue reading →

literary theory and criticism

As a writer, it’s all very interesting to be able to brag about Baudrillard, Cixous, Bhabha, Spivak, or any other fancy-panter out there. But is it actually helpful to your writing to know about literary theories and criticisms? I’ve been exposed to lots of new and confusing ideas at uni, most of it going in … Continue reading →

taking your car apart

I’m a writer, not a mechanic (although the similarities are striking). But I understand what Norman Mailer meant when he said that It’s too disturbing to read a writer with a good style when you’re in the middle of putting your work together. It’s very much like taking your car apart and having all the pieces … Continue reading →

The 39 Steps – review

Late last night I finished The Story Mechanics adaptation of The 39 Steps. I’ve written previous posts on the nature of interactive novels and what it may mean for the publishing industry, and having now finished my first ever interactive story, I can honestly say: everything is going to be alright. I hadn’t read John … Continue reading →

is your library sexy enough?

That was the all-important question that one Scottish library asked itself. And the answer was no. So what do you do when your library is being forgotten? You put in a pole. Because everyone knows that pole-dancing makes us want to read. I’ll be honest, most libraries are in need of a make-over, something to … Continue reading →

read this aloud

I’m not sure what difference it’ll make to a blog post, but apparently the effects of reading stories (and even poems) aloud is huge. Most people’s first experience with reading aloud would be as kids: being read bedtime stories, or learning how to sound out words. This article says that even as adults, having someone … Continue reading →

Read your Poems at Viva la Gong

I’m heading to Wollongong City Gallery on November 4 for a sweet Sunday poetry reading run by the South Coast Writers Centre. As part of Viva la Gong, SCWC put on a competition called ‘Poetry of Place’ and asked poets to get inspired by artwork in the gallery’s ‘You Are Here’ exhibition. Submissions are closed for the competition, but … Continue reading →

near the beginning

I once had a dream that I was scrambling for a pen so I could write down a single sentence. I knew this sentence was important, so I woke myself up, scrambled for a pen and wrote it down while I still had hold of it’s ankles: “If we were little rockets we would roar, … Continue reading →