How I Wrote My First Novel
My writing journey has been slightly different to most. I like to think of myself as a bit of a crackpot writer (hence the name of my website), but once I explain this, you may understand why.
The Fear of Failure is Real
No matter whether you publish one book or twenty, The Fear of Failure is Real.
Self-Publishing – Frequently Asked Questions
With the assistance of the Tasmanian Indie Author group, the Self-Publishing FAQ was created. The questions are varied, and cover all aspects of self-publishing.
Reflections: 2022 was the Year of Learning!
2022 has been an interesting year of learning. I've dug deep into my business practices along with my writing process, and can now move forward with a clear vision.
Tara’s Favourite Books of 2022
Here are my favourite books for 2022. It was a year of literary surprises...
43 Life Lessons I Shared With My Daughter
When my daughter left home, I gave her this “Life Lesson” list. Shockingly, she's listened! Humorously, I share those Life Lessons with you.
We need to talk about depression
Why am I, as an author, talking about a depression? Because I write about mental health in my novels & it's something we NEED to talk about.
My Camino Wander: The Why, The When and The Challenges I Faced
Walking 15-25km a day across a country is a little nuts. Naturally, people are curious about why someone would deliberately volunteer to undertake such self-abuse. Ah, but walking the Camino is a magical experience.
Camino Playlist
Many who’ve walked, or plan to walk the Camino de Santiago, create a "Camino Playlist" for their wander. I was no different.
Books To Inspire Your Travels
Books can unlock the world to us. They can put us exactly in a time and place and explore surroundings along with the characters. We can almost taste what our characters are eating. Smell the flowers around them. Feel the pain of loss when they leave. I don't know about…
How Do Authors Get Paid?
It's an interesting question and one that's in media a lot these days. The easy answer: royalties. But the real answer is a little more complicated than that. And how we benefit is not always financial.
What Has Influenced My Writing
A writing instructor once asked me: What influences your writing? The question threw me. Here is my answer to that question... now I've figured it out.
Women’s Packing List for the Camino de Santiago
There are so many packing lists out there for the Camino. So much advice. So why is this any different? For plus size hikers, there is not a lot of information. Here's my list after walking the Camino Francés twice.
7 Recurring Motifs in My Novels
After writing three books, certain topics are emerging in my novels. Some are intentional, but others are born through the writing process. Some you may have noticed, some you may not...
Learn from My Lesson and Use a Book Outline!
I’ve been writing novels now for over two years and learning about the importance of an outline has been an eye opening experience for me. It’s a lesson I’d like to share with you, plus tips I learned along the way.
Deep POV: What it is, and Why It’s a Game-Changer!
I have an embarrassing confession: I wasn’t aware of ‘POV’ as a writer until five years ago. It's a ‘Writing 101’ technique all authors need to know - and master - before writing a novel. Deep POV? It's a GAME CHANGER for authors!
I’m a workaholic. The Internal Push to Always Be Working.
I am a workaholic. There, I said it. But it's the work now that drives me. Not unrealistic deadlines.
Tara’s Favourite Books of 2021
After joining a '52 books in 52 weeks' challenge, I share what were my favourite books for 2021 and why.
Reflections: 2021 was (surprisingly) an incredible year!
This is usually the time when we humans like to think about all the nutty stuff that happened over the last year. A lot happened in 2021!
Frequently Asked Questions about NaNoWriMo
It's NaNoWriMo! 2021 is my third year of participating and since I've been asked by a number of people what’s it about, I’m going to write this post as an FAQ and share my experiences so far. So if you're curious, read on!
The Fear of Book Signings
Most writers love nothing more than to hole up in their special space and simply write. But public appearances? Ooh, that’s a form of torture all on its own. I tell you about my own fears with book signings.
Tara Marlow – the Backstory
One of the key parts before writing ANY story for me is knowing who my characters are. And I realised, maybe you don't know THIS character... I share a little of my own backstory.
Reflecting on my own Camino Wanders…
After walking the Camino twice, I wrote a novel. To get to the novel stage though, I had to do a little Camino reflection of my own.
The Secret to Writing Books and Staying Focused
No, that’s wrong. Writing a draft is easy. Easy-ish anyway. Thoughts flow like water and the words magically appear on the page. But a solid outline helps.
Name TWO characters in My Next Book!
With COVID posing challenges for charity's to raise money, a friend approached me for help. This was the solution - naming 2 characters in next upcoming book. It was very successful for MPower Alliance and I was stoked to help!
37 Kick-Ass Tools & Resources for Authors
Here are 37 resources that I love as an author. Maybe there is one that you've not discovered yet which you'll find just as helpful?
This App Saves Indie Authors HOURS!
I love this app. I couldn’t do what I do without it. It saves me countless hours with marketing, and design. Here's why...
10 Tips on Creating a Book Cover
One of the most important things when self-publishing is to create a compelling book cover. Here are my 10 tips. (Learn from my mistakes...)
25 Realities of Walking the Camino de Santiago
After walking the Camino Francés in 2018 and again in 2019, I thought I'd share my list of 25 Realities of Walking the Camino de Santiago, a post I wrote over on my travel blogging website.
7 Steps to Self-Publish a Book
I'm sharing the business side of being an author, offering 7 steps on how to self-publish, including discounts to tools I use.
A Day in the Life of an Author
What does my daily life look like as an author? Pretty boring really, but I’m living the dream. I share my reality.
7 Apps All Indie Authors Need to Write a Novel
Here are the 7 Apps I believe all Indie Authors need to write a novel. It's time to get those thoughts from your head, on to the page!
Must Have Marketing and Writing Resources – plus Facebook Groups – For Indie Authors
As a new Indie Author, it’s hard to know where to go to find great information. These are the marketing, writing and support resources I find the most useful.
What’s With The “Virtual Camino” Social Posts?
An explanation of my random social media posts: What is a “Virtual Camino” and why am I talking weirdly about the characters in my book, Camino Wandering?
Camino Books Written by Women Authors
The majority of Camino books are written by men. That surprised me. So I share with you, a list of Camino books written by WOMEN AUTHORS.
How To Write a Book Outline
It’s one thing to say, “I’m going to write a book” but once you have a book outline, that book then has the chance of not only being written, but a chance at being published.
Creating Complex and Believable Characters
Knowing who the characters are before I write is imperative. I need who they are before I can tell their story.
How To Find and Work Successfully with Beta Readers
Beta readers are GOLD. Here's my insight into finding the right people, and working with them, through this part of the writing process.
Traditional vs. Self-Publishing: Determining My Publishing Path
As I inch closer to the cliff edge to publishing, I am finding myself at a crossroads. I write about determining the right path for my book.
How Grief Has Guided My Writing
This post is about death and grief. It may be a trigger for some, so please consider this the warning label. In this post I talk about what grief has brought to my life. It can be many soul breaking things, but it can also be inspirational.
Dealing with a Pandemic as a Writer
I avoided writing about this topic. Avoided it like it’s a hot fire, ready to burn my fingertips if I even broach it. But really, how can writing about this pandemic be avoided? Writer's write about what’s going on in our lives, whether that’s through memoirs, on a social media…
Being a Better Writer: Going Back to Basics
It's amazing what can come out of going back to basics. I have learned a lot over the years: Trust your instincts and listen. Oh, and edit. A lot.
How To Write A Novel
I share my process of writing a novel. Maybe you’ll find a bit of magic in here to help with your process? It can be arduous process, so I hope to help.
The Power of a Writer’s Group
Unless there's a deadline, I let responsibility take over my life. A writing group changes that. I focus. I am kept accountable and I get shit done!