Category Archives: Blogwax

The Chemistry of Reading

It’s the best and absolute worst thing about reading. You find a book that absorbs you from the very first page and devour it in a single sitting, ignoring ‘real life’ responsibilities like preparing for that important meeting or feeding … Continue reading

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Teens Don’t Like Vampires – Just Ask Cassandra Clare

Guest post by Vanessa Monaghan In 2004, Harry Potter still ruled the world of young adult fiction and publishing houses were cashing in. From Eragon to Inkheart, teens were devouring books about magic and not much else. In New York … Continue reading

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Winner, ‘Hero’ challenge, and more..

Congratulations to Greg Doolan, winner of the 500-word ‘hero’ challenge with the poignant innocence of Mother’s Little Superhero. Greg wins a copy of Stephen King’s On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. Thank you to all who entered this round. Many … Continue reading

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New 500-Word Challenge, Best Word Blog and more…

The ‘hero’ challenge has now closed and our guest judge is hard at work reading the entries. Good luck and gushy thanks to all who entered – we really appreciate your support in this establishment stage of the competition. Didn’t … Continue reading

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Writing – A Poor Choice

Warning: Explicit Content  (Look away now if you wish to preserve dreams of rich and successful authorhood) You know that romantic notion of the impoverished artist in a garret? Turns out it’s pretty close to the truth. And far from romantic. … Continue reading

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The Structure of a Novel

In the very short time I have been festival-stalking authors and inflicting my newby questions on those nice enough to not run away, I have absorbed two very clear and consistent pieces of advice: If you want to write, just get … Continue reading

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Let’s Write About Sex

There isn’t a ‘throbbing member’ or ‘honey cave of love’ to be seen. But they are definitely on my mind during the ‘Writing Sizzling Sex Scenes’ workshop at Swancon 36/Natcon 50. And not just mine. I haven’t written a story yet that requires … Continue reading

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Finishing The Story

You get a great idea, throw yourself at the keyboard and tap away enthusiastically. The characters, action and dialogue flow quickly through your fingertips, living and breathing on the screen almost before you are aware of them.   That first rush of … Continue reading

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Winner, ‘Woman’ Challenge, and more..

Congratulations to Adina Pelle, winner of the 500-word ‘woman’ challenge with her modern take on a classic tale, Romeo No Longer Loves Juliet. Adina wins a copy of Write Great Fiction – Dialogue by Gloria Kempton. Thank you to all … Continue reading

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Fantastic Australian Voices – Part 2

Hello? Is that the Australian fantasy voice? What’s that? You’re an Australian writing fantasy? No, that’s not what I’m looking for. Not at all. Oh yes, there’s most definitely a difference. Some argue it doesn’t mean very much. But today it’s … Continue reading

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