ADVICE FOR WRITERSSo you want to be a writer? Read on! I've been a professional writer, in one form or another, for 25+ years. Buried deep in this website are hundreds of blog posts and articles that are all about writing. Whether you're interested in writing novels,...
Industry Insider: How to make an editor happy
Today's addition to the Industry Insider series is a guest post by Maxabella – managing editor of Mumtastic Australia, experienced blogger, freelance writer and, full disclosure, related to me from birth. She works with freelancers and bloggers every single day and...
Ask the writer: 5 more questions answered
I thought it was time for another 'Ask The Writer' post, part of my irregular series in which I answer random questions thrown at me on Facebook... Hi Allison, Wondering if you would be able to give me any tips or advice on pitching a children's chapter book to a...
Industry insider: How to promote a book
Today we are again delving into the now-deep archives of the So You Want To Be A Writer podcast for some gems of wisdom on book promotion. I think there are three key things to remember about how to promote a book, whether it be fiction or non-fiction: 1. Start early...
6 skills you need to make it as a copywriter
Copywriting can be a great additional income stream for writers, and it's one of the areas of writing about which I'm asked most often - most specifically, "how do I get into copywriting, Al?" Copywriting is definitely something I do. I write websites and brochures,...
The End: the best (and worst) words in the English language
On Saturday, I typed 'The End' on the first draft of book three of The Mapmaker Chronicles. Book one (Race To The End Of The World) is at the printers, almost ready to fly the nest. Book two (Prisoner of the Black Hawk) arrived back to me this morning in the form of...
Social Media for Writers #5: Pinterest
This week, the Social Media For Writers series moves beyond words. I've written about my experiences with Pinterest before, but I have to say that I have moved on a little from 'why would I do this? I'm a words girl'. For starters, I find that it's an excellent place...
Starting Out #10: How to make the time to write
One question I am asked more often than any other, more than 'do I need an agent?', more than 'should I self-publish?', more than 'where do you get your ideas?', is 'how do you find the time to write?'. Regular visitors to the Fibro will know that I don't believe...
Industry Insider: Charlotte Wood on literary fiction, branding and all that junk
I love Charlotte Wood. There, it's out there. I feel so much better. I read her novel The Children a few years ago, as part of one of my ill-fated ventures into the territory of Book Clubs (I am not a fan of book clubs, but that is a whole different post), and when...

















