My son is studying descriptive writing at high school. For homework he was asked to write a paragraph on the view from his window. It’s a tough call when there’s not much going on out there. But that, of course, is the whole point of the exercise – to note what generally goes unnoticed, and toContinue reading “6 key ingredients for Descriptive Writing”
Category Archives: Writing
Writing a news story
As part of the Queensland State Library’s Summer Reading Club I was asked to put together some tips on writing a news story. Here they are, but you can also check out the SRC here for more tips, stories and competitions. A news story gives readers the facts of an event. It is different from narrative writingContinue reading “Writing a news story”
The temples of Angkor
It’s seventeen years since I last visited Cambodia’s sprawling temple complex of Angkor. So, it’s no surprise that the UNESCO World Heritage site is a bit busier than it was last time I was here. Bus loads of tourists pour into Angkor Wat and the other famous temples of Bayon and Ta Prohm. Yet, thereContinue reading “The temples of Angkor”
Tips from publisher and author, Paul Collins
Phew! I am just recovering from an exhausting but fantastic week visiting libraries in the Moreton Bay area. My head is still spinning after doing talks at twelve libraries in four days. Luckily I had a gorgeous staff member from the Moreton Bay Region Libraries to keep me on track, remind me where I wasContinue reading “Tips from publisher and author, Paul Collins”
Learn how to start a story
When I started out writing, my stories were just a series of quite interesting events. A lack of experience and planning meant that I didn’t have enough structure in my story, so the characters meandered through the pages without a clear purpose. A problem, at the beginning of the story, changes all of that. It isContinue reading “Learn how to start a story”
Snorkelling on Great Keppel – just part of the Capricorn Literary Festival
I have just rediscovered Great Keppel Island, nearly thirty years after my last visit – and it hasn’t changed a bit. (Shame I can’t say the same for myself.) Last time I was here with uni friends – a freshly minted journalism graduate – camping, swimming, snorkelling and on one occasion coming face to faceContinue reading “Snorkelling on Great Keppel – just part of the Capricorn Literary Festival”
The Voice
I am loving the blind auditions of The Voice – not just because the talent is so outstanding, but because the whole message is so positive and inspiring. Even the singers who don’t turn any chairs are sent away with great professional advice and an explanation for why they didn’t move the coaches. Standing out from theContinue reading “The Voice”
How to get published
It’s very exciting to finally see my two new young adult novels – Tall, Dark and Distant and Lust and Found in bookshops. The novels are part of a hot new romance series called Smitten, published by Hardie Grant Egmont. It has been a rewarding experience working with the very talented staff at HGE who have helped transform my stories into novels.Continue reading “How to get published”
Anthology from Ford Street
I am very excited to be included in a new anthology put together by Ford Street editor, Paul Collins. Trust Me Too hits bookshops next month. It’s jam packed with great Aussie authors and illustrators. I have departed from adventure for this one and have contributed a high school romance, The Bridge. Find out allContinue reading “Anthology from Ford Street”
A year on
It’s a year since the first stories in the Hazard River adventure series hit bookshops. Phew, I have learned a thing or two in that time … Securing a publishing contract for your first book is a little like giving birth to your first child – you spend so much time preparing for the actualContinue reading “A year on”
Julie Fison 