Interview with an Author: Mark Mannock
My interview with Mark Mannock. Mark is an interesting guy, with some great stories from his days in the music industry (let’s just say the guy has connections). But he’s a Tassie writer of thriller novels now – and we’re happy to have him.
Using Writing as Therapy
I believe that writing is just as good – if not better – than any therapy I’ve ever received, and I’ve had my share of therapy over the years. When you hand your pain over to a character, you can let all that anger, grief, denial, etc free. It can feel like a weight has been lifted.
Camino Wander: Loves, dislikes and lessons learned
After walking the Camino de Santiago solo in 2018 and again with my partner in 2019, I spend a lot of time reflecting on my Camino Wanders. The Camino is a part of me. And it’s true what ‘they’ say – the Camino does not end when you reach Santiago de Compostela.
Interview with a Pilgrim: Sue Swain
Meet Sue Swain – the woman behind the magic of Casa Susi, in Trabadelo, Spain. I’m so honoured to bring you this interview with Sue, and how the Camino changed her life.
When I was 48, I left my husband to travel the world.
After travelling through Australia with my husband for ten months, I announced one early November morning that I was leaving. For me, our marriage was over.
“Karen” or Menopause?
Are people accusing women of being stark-raving bitches simply a misunderstanding? Is it a quick judgement without thought to what ‘women of a certain age’ are dealing with?
Interview with an Author: Georgina Makalani
My interview with Georgina Makalani. She is a prolific author/publisher, with over twenty-eight fantasy and science fictions novels and novellas, a result of dedication and strict discipline.
I deliberately walked 800km across Spain – solo.
Like Aubrey, Pam and Georgina in CAMINO WANDERING, it took a walk across Spain to learn who I was, and what I was made of.
Interview with a Pilgrim: Grant Long
I love this interview with Grant Long. Grant has walked a Camino twice now and through his answers, we see how different pilgrims are: What they walk in. What they appreciate most. What they’ve learned after walking the Camino de Santiago. So grab your favourite beverage and enjoy Grant’s interview!
They said it was menopause. It wasn’t.
My doctor told me I had menopause because joint pain is a major symptom. Turned out to be much more serious than that.
Getting sneaky with ‘Easter Eggs’
Someone finally explained how my brain worked when it comes to writing. I’m not a series writer. I incorporate ‘Easter Eggs’.
Rain, Excitement and Anxiety. My First Camino Wander.
Today, I’m sharing my first journal post from my 2018 Camino wander, as I arrived into St. Jean, then walked to Roncesvalles. It’s rough, short, but you’ll get a sense of how I was feeling.
Interview with an Author: Carolyn Gillespie
My interview with Carolyn Gillespie. Kari is a Sturdy Girl, a lover of mushrooms, a long distance walking, and an incredible writer.
Interview with a Pilgrim: Jerry Everard
I’m so excited to share my interview with Jerry Everard, who is seriously one of my favourite people. Jerry is a philosopher, historian, writer, musician, and photographer. Oh, and he also has two PhDs. Walking the Camino with Jerry and Sharon was one of the best experiences of my life. We laughed across Spain until our faces hurt.
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 over 90 Camino books written by WOMEN AUTHORS.
Interview with an Author: Kate Solly
My interview with Kate Solly, author of TUESDAY EVENINGS WITH THE COPETON CRAFT RESISTANCE. Kate is delightful, effervescent and an Australian author to watch out for.
Why There Are Heavy Themes in my Storylines
All of my main characters centre around women overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges as they reveal who they are and what they’re made of. While my storylines may be heavy, they reflect real life.
Interview with a Pilgrim: James Sage
I met James Sage at the 2023 AFOTC conference in Melbourne. When I asked to interview him, little did I know it would be such a comprehensive and insightful interview. Grab your favourite beverage as this is a long one, but I PROMISE it’s worth the read.
What does your dream life look like?
Some dream of a house in the suburbs. Others dream of travelling the world. Everyone’s dreams are different – and all are valid. Let me tell you about my journey, then I want to turn the question to you – what makes YOUR heart sing? What lights YOU up?
Interview with an Author: Emma Grey
I am excited to interview the amazing Australian author, Emma Grey. I loved her latest novel, THE LAST LOVE NOTE. You can find my interview with Emma, plus links to her latest book and her recommended reads.
Interview with a Pilgrim: Sharon Boggon
Sharon Boggon walked with her husband, Jerry Everard, in 2016, 2018 and again in 2022. Sharon shares her answers to my Camino questions. I met Sharon and Jerry on the third day of my first Camino in 2018 … boy, did I get lucky!
How ‘Camino Wandering’ Came to be Self-Published
CAMINO WANDERING did not start out to be a fiction novel. It was originally intended to be a memoir of my own Camino wanders. But frankly, it was boring.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.