The role music plays in writing
The absence of music in writing, especially fiction, is as unimaginable to me as the absence of music in life. This might sound a little bizarre, but the first thing I typically hear when I listen to a new sound …
A glimpse of domestic travel
The first thought that usually enters my mind after I board a domestic plane, especially if I’m travelling alone on a work trip and sitting in the aisle seat is: I hope there’s a free seat next to me. I …
Of course you should
In writing, as in any craft, people like to use the word ‘should’ fairly often. Your novel should be at least x amount of words in length to meet the requirements of most publishing houses, you should attend at least …
Those types of scenes
A few days ago, someone asked whether my novel contained any love scenes. Naturally the blood raced to my face straight away as I struggled to imagine a question more awkward. I already knew the answer, of course. I had …
No one writes letters anymore
Every time I visit the Barossa Valley I almost feel compelled to write a letter, not an email, to someone far away. Although I’m surrounded by Wi-Fi and more than one electronic device, I am reminded of a different time …
Romance novels and the happy ending
An unwritten rule has been doing the rounds for quite some time, suggesting that a romance novel should always have a happy ending. Where did it come from? Who said it first? Who knows? I suppose that is the point. …
The music words make
This is my first blog post. I’m late, I know. I have to confess that it usually takes a while for me to commit to something new and starting a blog is in no way different. Where is the fun …