By: Sophie Constable Sometimes it seems that the only part of my writing brain that is exercised at my desk job is that concerned with grammar and punctuation. Sure, all those hours fund my writing courses and book habit, but meanwhile I can only sit at my desk waving goodbye to fabulous plot bunnies speeding … Continue reading
Stella Schools Ambassador, Sarah Ayoub, chats with Blogger in Residence, Nalini Haynes, about writing, diversity and representation. Can you tell us a little bit about your novel The Yearbook Committee? In an inner-western Sydney private school, five students work on the school’s yearbook; most come from wealthy families except one scholarship student. It kicks off … Continue reading
By: Nalini Haynes, Blogger in Residence Juliet Marillier, writer of historical fantasy, has won Australian and international awards for her novels. She is also very active in the writing community, mentoring aspiring writers, teaching workshops, serving on the Literary Board of the Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers’ Centre and contributing to Writer Unboxed. Here she chats writing, representation, and … Continue reading
By: Penny Hanley, Blogger in Residence Tapping into hidden creativity In dreams we find ourselves on a bridge between realities. We can tap into hidden wells of creativity, with access to wisdom not available in our waking lives. In dreams we regain or maintain our mental health as our brain files information, consolidates memories and … Continue reading
Blogger in Residence, Sophie Constable, shines the spotlight on two wonderful websites that are enriching our understanding of the world through international literature. Have you ever gone into a bookshop in another country only to find school textbooks? Or writing pads? Maybe pens. But no novels? It has dawned on me, slowly, how hard it … Continue reading
Rosalind Moran, Blogger in Residence Both as readers of fiction and in the real world, we have been conditioned to judge by appearance. Clean and collared in a boring suit? Public servant. Wearing a puffer jacket? Taswegian. Greying prematurely and drinking caffeine with abandon? Author. Sometimes we construe people’s identities based on what seem like … Continue reading
Our Blogger in Residence, Nalini Haynes, sat down with Zana Fraillon to discuss her hauntingly beautiful, timely, heart-wrenching novel, The Bone Sparrow, about a refugee in an Australian detention centre. What can you tell us about The Bone Sparrow? A young boy, Subhi, was born in an Australian detention centre. He imagines the sea comes up to … Continue reading
As writers, we spend copious amounts of time glued to our screens, lost in the world of our words. Blogger in Residence, Penny Hanley, reminds us of why we should all take a time-out, familiarise ourselves with proper posture and give ourselves a little bit of TLC. Don’t do what I do; do what I … Continue reading
[Feature image: Christine Napanangka Michaels’ painting “Lappi Lappi Jukurrpa” © Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation] What makes a good story? Blogger in Residence, Sophie Constable, explores storytelling, intercultural perspectives and tradition. In 4th grade I was taught a story has a beginning, a middle and an end. And a good story has a mountain shape: an … Continue reading
Words by Rosalind Moran, Blogger in Residence The world is full of impenetrable questions. Who is responsible for the word ‘flibbertigibbet’? Why is one sock always missing? And could the Pavlova really be as Australian as Crowded House? Yet one issue repeatedly proves itself to be even more complex: that of Australian culture and literary … Continue reading
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