Melbourne Writers Festival 2016 Review: The Best & Worst of Literary Culture

Melbourne Writers Festival 2016 Review: The Best & Worst of Literary Culture

I can’t believe it’s already been a year since the Melbourne Writers Festival 2015. As a writer, I can look back on a year of growth and connection since last September, and it was #MWF15 that inspired large parts of my journey. This year’s festival featured dozens of outstanding writers, and it was fantastic to once again join the massive line snaking its way into […]

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Diversity in Fiction: A Conversation with ZB Simpson.

Diversity in Fiction: A Conversation with ZB Simpson.

Hi folks. Early on in my writing career, I had an epiphany: I was really terrible at writing diverse characters. I embarked on a mission to improve the diversity of my characters, and it’s this topic that I sat down to discuss with ZB Simpson, a writer who I have a lot of time for. Ian: Hi! First off, thanks for making time to chat […]

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Status Update.

Well, it’s been a while. Last time we talked, I was busy reviewing the ASA’s Literary Speed Dating event. Since then, I’ve been working on a bunch of projects, but wanted to give a quick update on new work that’s in the writing pipeline. The biggest news is the launch of my new mailing list! Now’s the time to sign up and be one of the first […]

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Doing and Dreaming: an Interview with Emerging Author Cassandra Frances.

Doing and Dreaming: an Interview with Emerging Author Cassandra Frances.

Hi folks. During this past week I’ve been reflecting on the fact that there are two types of writers when it comes to publishing: those who do, and those who dream. Not everyone makes the leap from thinking about writing and publishing a work, and actually taking steps toward making it happen. Someone I know who’s taking bold steps towards her publishing dream is Melbourne emerging YA […]

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Three Reasons why the State Library of Victoria is the Heart & Soul of Melbourne.

Three Reasons why the State Library of Victoria is the Heart & Soul of Melbourne.

I love Melbourne. Having moved here six years ago from New Zealand, I can testify to the warmth, diversity, and life this great city exudes. Melbourne’s famous for its coffee, sports, and arts culture, but if you really want to experience the heart and soul of Melbourne, you’ll find it sitting at the top of Swanston street, nestled between La Trobe and Little Lonsdale Streets. That’s […]

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