Aspiring authors often wonder whether to find an agent or submit directly to publishers. In Australia, both routes are viable. This post explores the benefits and drawbacks of each, offers practical tips for researching agents or publishers, and explains how to navigate the local and international publishing landscape. Persistence and preparation are key to success.

Expected Publication Day: 23 February 2026 Forgotten is one of those rare novels that tackles difficult subject matter with honesty, nuance, and a deep sense of humanity. Alison Lyle doesn’t shy away from challenging themes, yet she handles them with such authenticity that the story never feels sensationalised, just real, raw, and deeply affecting. Julia, in particular, is a standout. I found myself connecting with her almost immediately. Her struggles feel lived‑in rather th

Finding the right literary agent is crucial for Australian writers seeking publication. This guide covers researching agents, creating a shortlist, writing a compelling query letter, following submission guidelines, and evaluating offers. With patience, persistence, and careful preparation, you can connect with an agent who understands your work, supports your career, and helps your book reach its audience.

The Watcher’s Prey (eBook edition) is now officially available for pre-release orders on Amazon, Kobo, and Apple Books.

Feeling overwhelmed by the publishing options in Australia? This guide offers practical tips for finding the right publisher for your book. Learn how to choose between large and independent publishers, research submission opportunities, follow guidelines, and stay patient and persistent. Perfect for Aussie writers seeking their first publishing deal.

Marketing your writing is just as important as creating it. From building an online presence with a website, social media, and newsletters to attending local events, book fairs, and writing groups, authors have many ways to reach readers. Consistency, creativity, and connecting with your audience are key to growing your fan base and getting your stories noticed.

Rejection and criticism are unavoidable parts of being a writer, but they don’t define your talent. Learn how to separate feedback from self-worth, use constructive criticism to improve, seek supportive voices, and, most importantly, keep writing. By embracing these strategies, you can grow as a writer, strengthen your craft, and maintain confidence in your work.

Some books entertain you. Others invite you to sit with their characters, to walk beside them through moments of quiet hope, deep uncertainty, and unexpected renewal. Sacred Seventh does exactly that. Each voice feels distinct and real, revealing how lives intersect, fracture, and mend in ways that are both ordinary and extraordinary. Set against the familiar rhythms of Brisbane, the novel gently reminds us that it’s never too late to begin again.

Discovering your unique voice and writing style is essential for standing out as a writer. It takes practice, experimentation, and feedback. This post explores practical tips to develop your signature voice: read widely, write consistently, experiment with genres, seek feedback, and most importantly, be yourself. Your distinct style will engage readers and make your writing memorable.

The Dice Method is a creative writing tool I developed using tabletop gaming dice to generate character roles, settings, conflicts, and plot ideas. By assigning attributes to each die, you can mix and match elements to spark unique story concepts. This playful, flexible approach even helped inspire my debut thriller, The Watcher’s Prey, and can unlock endless possibilities for writers.

Absolutely fantastic story. Highly recommend.

For years I believed reading was stealing time from my writing. Then life intervened. Children, work, moves, and self-doubt all shifted how and when I wrote. What never left was reading. Eventually I learned that reading is not a distraction from writing, but one of the most powerful tools a writer has.

The Lakewood Legacy  by E. Denise Billups is a small-town mystery that blends family secrets, past trauma, and modern technology in an ambitious attempt to unravel a decades-old tragedy. The novel opens with a striking hook, particularly a line that immediately establishes emotional stakes and moral tension, and the premise itself is intriguing. The story explores how the past continues to ripple through the present, and there are moments where the atmosphere of a tight-knit

The opening chapter of The Watcher’s Prey  immediately grips the reader with its tense atmosphere and unsettling sense of anticipation. It drops you into a world where danger hides behind every ordinary moment, where trust feels like a gamble, and where one decision could change everything. This sneak peek sets the tone for a dark and captivating thriller.

Blood and Gold  by Michael Trant delivers a grounded, atmospheric story anchored by strong character voices and a vivid sense of place. The dialogue feels authentic throughout, giving each character a distinct presence on the page. I was especially drawn to Gabe, whose arc adds real emotional weight and kept me invested even during the quieter moments. This is a slow-burn novel, but one that ultimately rewards patience. Once the central plot resolves (without giving anything

When I first wrote Hunted Shadows, something about it never quite fit. The words worked, but the feeling didn’t. As an intuitive writer, I’ve learned to trust those creative instincts. A title, after all, is part of a story’s soul. Changing it wasn’t just renaming, it was rediscovering what the story truly wanted to be.

The best villains aren’t simply evil; they’re human. They make impossible choices for reasons we can almost understand. A truly great villain evokes empathy, not hatred. They remind us that darkness often grows from love, loss, or desperation. When a story lets us glimpse that complexity, it becomes unforgettable, and so does its so-called villain.

This year has been one of reflection, growth, and creative fire. After taking six weeks off in January, the first draft came together faster than I ever imagined. Since then, rounds of edits, beta reader feedback, and new story ideas, like Three Little Lies, have kept me busy.

This gripping courtroom thriller blends clever misdirection with relentless pacing. The tension builds steadily before racing toward an unexpected twist that redefines everything you’ve read. Smartly plotted and rich in suspense, it’s the kind of book that keeps you guessing until the very last chapter. Readers who enjoy intricate thrillers will find this an absorbing and rewarding read.

Editing is both art and discipline. While digital tools promise speed and convenience, I find clarity in the rhythm of paper and pen. My editing process is a tactile experience, crossing out, circling, and rewriting by hand. This post shares my honest reflections, favorite resources, and why the printed page still feels like home.