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.

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.

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.

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.

Love women’s fiction? The WFWA Star Awards are looking for reader judges for the 2026 awards! Judges will read three recently released novels (provided in Kindle or EPUB format) and help celebrate the very best in women’s fiction. No need to be an author, a WFWA member, or even identify as a woman — just bring your love of great storytelling. Books arrive in early March, with evaluations due by May 31st. A wonderful opportunity for passionate readers and book clubs alike!

Aspiring authors often wonder whether to self-publish or pursue traditional publishing. Both have unique advantages and challenges, from creative control and speed to professional support and market reach. This guide explores the key differences, including costs, royalties, timeframes, and market statistics in Australia, the UK, and the US, helping you make an informed decision about your publishing path.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.