Book review of Sharp Objects written by Gillian Flynn

I listened to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo on audiobook and, at 18 hours, it was a big commitment. It's definitely a slow burn, but once the story found its footing, I was hooked.

A fantastic mentoring style book that will have you engaged from start to finish.

This was only my second Dervla McTiernan novel, and I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised. The Murder Rule is very much a slow-burn thriller, taking its time to build the story and develop the characters. While I felt there was a slight dip in the middle where the pace slowed, it more than made up for it with an exceptional final act. The twists towards the end were fantastic; clever, well-earned, and completely changed the way I looked at everything that had come before

Writer's block is something I think every writer struggles with at some point, and it's certainly something I've experienced over the years. That's why I decided to listen to the audiobook of Conquering Writer's Block and Summoning Inspiration by K.M. Weiland. Having been writing for over 30 years, I have to admit that around 90% of the advice wasn't new to me. Most of the strategies were things I'd encountered before in one form or another. But honestly, that wasn't surprisi

I thoroughly enjoyed Three Reasons for Revenge. Dervla McTiernan has crafted an incredibly well-constructed thriller that keeps the story moving from beginning to end. The plot is intricate without ever becoming confusing, and although all the clues are there if you're paying attention, the ending still manages to deliver a genuine surprise. One of the book's greatest strengths is its subplot, which is just as compelling as the main storyline and adds real depth to the overal

I’ve been away from the blog for a little while, but I’m finding my way back to the page. In the weeks ahead I’ll be revisiting some of my favourite moments from The Watcher’s Prey, sharing updates on the Twisted series, and talking about the new project taking shape on my desk.

When life throws everything off balance, creativity does not always show up on cue. This week taught me that sometimes the words come later, after the feeling, after the release, after we have had a moment to breathe.

I picked this up at the Avid Reader launch event and was really looking forward to reading it. This is a warm, engaging story that really leans into the complexities of relationships and how people navigate life’s more personal challenges. I really enjoyed how the different perspectives were woven together, giving a broader view of the characters’ lives and how their experiences intersect. The story explores themes of communication, identity, and moving forward in a way that

After 20 years of writing (and rewriting) the Twisted series, I took a break, wrote something completely unexpected, and ended up self-publishing my first novel.

When an ARC reader told me they didn’t finish my book, I felt like the air had been knocked out of my lungs. Months of work suddenly felt fragile. But a few days later two five-star reviews arrived, and the lesson became clear. Stories connect differently with every reader, and that is part of the journey.

One of the lines in my debut novel reads, “I’m a mouse cornered by a clowder of cats.” It might sound dramatic, but the inspiration came straight from real life. My cat occasionally catches a mouse, releases it, and chases it again while I sprint around the house trying to rescue the poor thing.

Being a writer is a constant balancing act of passion, responsibilities, and self-doubt. From procrastination and the inner critic to finding time amidst family and work, the struggle is real. Yet the joy of creating characters, telling stories, and claiming small victories keeps me writing. It’s challenging, but it’s also deeply rewarding and fulfilling.

Writing every day can boost your creativity, improve your skills, and even reduce stress. In this post, I share the benefits of a daily writing habit, tips for overcoming writer’s block, generating ideas, and expressing yourself authentically. Whether you write for yourself or for an audience, small daily steps can transform your writing journey.

Writer’s block can strike anyone, leaving your creativity frozen and the blank page staring back. From freewriting and prompts to reading for inspiration, people-watching, or simply taking a break, there are proven strategies to reignite your flow. Learn practical tips to overcome writer’s block and get back to producing your best writing.

Feedback is essential for writers who want to grow and improve. In this post, we explore how to get constructive feedback from peers, editors, and readers, as well as how to give feedback effectively. Learn practical tips for receiving criticism gracefully, refining your work, and helping other writers while enhancing your own skills.

Today is Launch Day for The Watcher’s Prey!

Every author dreams of having readers who believe in their work from the very beginning. My ARC team has become exactly that. They are the first to read, respond, and support each new story. Building this team wasn’t just about sharing early copies, it was about finding a group of people who truly care about the journey.

Amazon Prime - The Watcher's Prey: They came to break her. She learned how to fight back. eBook : May, Ruth P: Amazon.com.au : Kindle Store Kobo The Watcher's Prey eBook by Ruth P May - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo Australia Amazon - The Watcher's Prey: They came to break her. She learned how to fight back. - Kindle edition by May, Ruth P. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com . Apple books The Watcher's Prey by Ruth P May on Apple Books Barnes & Noble The Watcher's

Improving your writing starts with effective editing and revising. This guide offers practical tips for Australian writers, including taking breaks, reading aloud, using tools, and seeking feedback. Learn how to refine grammar, style, structure, and clarity while leveraging recommended textbooks. With consistent practice, these strategies help turn your drafts into polished, high-quality work ready for publication.