tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69013699949373219472024-03-13T18:22:15.847+11:00Sally Hall - Writing and other stuff...Writing tips and observations of an emerging writer.Sally Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629169447480755080noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6901369994937321947.post-56889428412737850522019-03-24T18:12:00.002+11:002019-03-24T18:16:18.180+11:00Great YA Reads<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Book Review – Stone Girl by Eleni Hale<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stone Girl is a powerful and confronting story about the
Australian out of home care system. It is heavy and honest and draws on
elements of the authors own experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LzVsc5WBTZtx39JB5OEjxzaLlc1DFJ6h-cAooYbohpTjStqfK3UL_EZXpZv8FKajjCB-AXy6lP761kJXLCf_sYlVKqmfqmwiWrSPOxo9aGItsK5p_k5lxtou5f8bX6xDGUW6IB8RV_Q/s1600/Stone+Girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LzVsc5WBTZtx39JB5OEjxzaLlc1DFJ6h-cAooYbohpTjStqfK3UL_EZXpZv8FKajjCB-AXy6lP761kJXLCf_sYlVKqmfqmwiWrSPOxo9aGItsK5p_k5lxtou5f8bX6xDGUW6IB8RV_Q/s1600/Stone+Girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="150" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LzVsc5WBTZtx39JB5OEjxzaLlc1DFJ6h-cAooYbohpTjStqfK3UL_EZXpZv8FKajjCB-AXy6lP761kJXLCf_sYlVKqmfqmwiWrSPOxo9aGItsK5p_k5lxtou5f8bX6xDGUW6IB8RV_Q/s320/Stone+Girl.jpg" width="208" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When her mother dies, twelve-year-old Sophie is moved into a
foster home. Some of the other children there are troubled, damaged individuals.
Sophie’s world has crumbled and now she has to deal with violence,
unpredictable personalities and the oppressive uncertainty of her life. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As time passes Sophie’s is over being disappointed by adults
and begins to rebel against authority. She caves to peer pressure to feel like
she belongs to something. To someone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The characters are so real it makes you ache for them. Their
hurt and vulnerability are covered up with bravado and sass. Really, they need
stability and love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The novel is gritty and raw. It shows the reality of the system
that desperately needs more resources to help these children whose parents have
died or of those not capable of fulfilling their responsibilities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stone Girl is an exceptional first novel for author Eleni
Hale. I can’t wait to read more of her work in the future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For more information see </span><a href="https://www.penguin.com.au/books/stone-girl-9780143785613"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">https://www.penguin.com.au/books/stone-girl-9780143785613</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Inside the Tiger by Hayley Lawrence</strong></span></div>
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<tr><td colspan="2" style="font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="readable reviewText" style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; line-height: 21px;"><span id="freeTextreview2761354207"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This YA novel has it all...drama, complicated relationships, romance and intrigue. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When Bel writes to Micah, an Australian on death row in a Thai prison, it's for a school assignment. When he writes back she's drawn into his world.<br /><br />Letter by letter they reveal to each other pieces of themselves that no one else gets to see but the deeper Bel falls for Micah, the more her relationships at home are put at risk. Her father, a politician set to increase prison sentences would never understand and Eli, the boy next door, has feelings for Bel that he can no longer hide.<br /><br />This story draws you in until you can practically feel the clock ticking between letters, the desperate tug of wanting something you can't have and Bel's hope that Micah could eventually be transferred home to Australia.<br /><br />I couldn't put this book down. I had to keep reading to find out what happened to Bel, Micah and Eli. It made me cry and smile. It made me think about prisoners in a new light and I really cared what happened to the characters.<br /><br />I highly recommend reading the 'From the Author' section to understand how this story came about. Hayley Lawrence is a brilliant author and clearly has a big heart too! </span><br />
<span class="readable reviewText" style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span class="readable reviewText" style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For more information see <a href="https://www.penguin.com.au/books/inside-the-tiger-9780143788959">https://www.penguin.com.au/books/inside-the-tiger-9780143788959</a></span></span></td></tr>
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Sally Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629169447480755080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6901369994937321947.post-80575066283081609582017-06-01T11:38:00.000+10:002017-06-02T11:10:11.213+10:00The magic of Varuna and Writing RetreatsI've said it before and I'll say it again... there is something magical about Varuna <a href="http://www.varuna.com.au/" target="_blank">http://www.varuna.com.au/</a>.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgJvrym8Ss7UUoA8grnL_cGBl-_BlztqRArR6A46fFpw0ROs2Fvl3jfX9Dt6LcMDAK4lUu-2KwZU2tBIKendZw-sG2_EnxomKSj-QjZebRltw6D6ifoOBbaWU2v64AhF-wV34YimRuls/s1600/20160615_123046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgJvrym8Ss7UUoA8grnL_cGBl-_BlztqRArR6A46fFpw0ROs2Fvl3jfX9Dt6LcMDAK4lUu-2KwZU2tBIKendZw-sG2_EnxomKSj-QjZebRltw6D6ifoOBbaWU2v64AhF-wV34YimRuls/s320/20160615_123046.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I originally came to Varuna after winning a Publisher Introduction Program Fellowship and I have come every year since.<br />
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So, what's so great about it?<br />
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<ul>
<li>You are away from home and all the associated responsibilities (work, kids, washing, cooking, cleaning, pick-ups and drop-offs etc).</li>
<li>You are given your own room and writing desk.</li>
<li>You meet like-minded people at dinner each night and have wonderful discussions about your creative endeavours.</li>
<li>The house was built by the Australian writer Eleanor Dark and husband Dr Eric Dark in the late 1930s and is now recognised as a site of cultural significance. There are also beautiful gardens and surrounds.</li>
<li>When you need a break you can walk into the nearby town of Katoomba.</li>
<li>You can write morning, noon or night without distraction or disruption. I swear a week here is equivalent to months at home.</li>
<li>The dinner every night is amazing thanks to Sheila.</li>
<li>You leave feeling energised and ready to take on the writing world.</li>
<li>Most importantly when you are here you feel like a 'real' writer even if you are as yet unpublished.</li>
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<strong>Other Writing Retreats on Offer</strong><br />
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There are many other writing retreats on offer around Australia.<br />
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Romance Writers' of Australia Retreat in Bawley Point, NSW<br />
<a href="https://romanceaustralia.com/writers-retreats-program/" target="_blank">https://romanceaustralia.com/writers-retreats-program/</a><br />
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Fiona McIntosh's masterclasses in South Australia<br />
<a href="https://fionamcintoshmasterclasses.com/masterclasses/writer-retreat/" target="_blank">https://fionamcintoshmasterclasses.com/masterclasses/writer-retreat/</a><br />
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Sunshine Writers' Retreat in Queensland<br />
<a href="http://www.greenleafpress.net/sunshine-writers-retreat.html" target="_blank">http://www.greenleafpress.net/sunshine-writers-retreat.html</a><br />
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Society of Women Writers' Retreat in Wilton NSW<br />
<a href="http://womenwritersnsw.org/events/writers-retreat" target="_blank">http://womenwritersnsw.org/events/writers-retreat</a><br />
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Tasmanian Writers' Retreat with author Maggie MacKellar<br />
<a href="http://metimeexperiences.com.au/event/tasmanian-writers-retreat-with-best-selling-author-maggie-mackellar/" target="_blank">http://metimeexperiences.com.au/event/tasmanian-writers-retreat-with-best-selling-author-maggie-mackellar/</a><br />
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Two day workshops (with nearby accommodation) at Gondor Writers' Centre, Queensland<br />
<a href="http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/workshops.html" target="_blank">http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/workshops.html</a><br />
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Winter Writers' Retreat (South Coast of NSW)<br />
<a href="http://www.writersfsc.org.au/" target="_blank">http://www.writersfsc.org.au/</a><br />
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Here's a list of 2017 writing retreats all over the world. Check out the comments section for even more suggestions.<br />
<a href="https://thewritelife.com/writing-retreats/" target="_blank">https://thewritelife.com/writing-retreats/</a><br />
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<strong>Do it Yourself</strong><br />
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If an organised group writing retreat doesn't appeal to you why not create your own? Lots of accommodation on Airbnb and Facebook advertise themselves as Writing Retreats. Or you could just hire a cabin the bush somewhere for some peace and quiet.<br />
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However, I have met some wonderful writers through my years of coming to Varuna and I think that definitely adds to the experience. I've kept in touch with a few and we workshop ideas or complain about rejections and celebrate wins together - that kind of connection in the writing industry is priceless.<br />
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Good luck. Happy writing.Sally Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629169447480755080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6901369994937321947.post-75399101650249248442016-03-28T09:06:00.004+11:002016-04-08T13:46:17.053+10:00Great posts about writing & meeting Rachael Johns<a href="http://www.rachaeljohns.com/books/outback-sisters/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Out Now" border="0" src="http://www.rachaeljohns.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Outback-Sisters-final-cover.jpg" height="369" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On Good Friday we went to the Sydney Royal Easter Show. It was crazy, with so many people that you ended up just going where the flow of the crowd took you because it was too much effort to navigate away. We had fun but it was hard work! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The highlight for the kids was, of course, the show bags full of lollies. For me however, it was meeting Rachael Johns, author of many rural romance books including <em>The Patterson Girls</em> and recently released <em>Outback Sisters</em>. I really enjoy Rachael's writing because there is always a strong story line or action element to her books so that the romance factor almost becomes secondary to the drama unfolding. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rachael was friendly, approachable and seemed genuinely happy to meet people at her stand. She even gave me some tips for my own writing including joining the Romance Writers of Australia who have helped her enormously over the years. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(</span><a href="http://www.romanceaustralia.com/p/1/Home" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://www.romanceaustralia.com/p/1/Home</span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I heard about Rachael's visit to the Easter Show via her facebook posts </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RachaelJohnsRomance?ref=ts&sk=wall" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">https://www.facebook.com/RachaelJohnsRomance?ref=ts&sk=wall</span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> so it pays to <em>like</em> authors you admire on facebook and keep up to date with their appearances.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<a href="http://www.rachaeljohns.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://www.rachaeljohns.com/</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lately, I've seen a heap of posts with writing tips and so I thought I'd share in case you missed them:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ten things that editors don't like </span><br />
<a href="http://www.elawreads.com/blog/2014/7/15/finishing-the-hat-ten-things-that-make-an-editor-stop-reading-your-manuscript" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://www.elawreads.com/blog/2014/7/15/finishing-the-hat-ten-things-that-make-an-editor-stop-reading-your-manuscript</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Alisdair Daws reviews writing software packages</span><br />
<a href="http://www.agdaws.com/2016/03/software-writers-part-1-scrivener/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://www.agdaws.com/2016/03/software-writers-part-1-scrivener/</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Alison Tait's top ten posts about writing</span><br />
<a href="http://allisontait.com/2015/11/my-top-10-posts-about-writing-as-voted-by-you/?utm_content=buffer02426&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://allisontait.com/2015/11/my-top-10-posts-about-writing-as-voted-by-you/?utm_content=buffer02426&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">How to stick with your writing by Natasha Lester</span><br />
<a href="http://www.natashalester.com.au/2016/03/16/3484/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://www.natashalester.com.au/2016/03/16/3484/</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To plot or not from Kate Forsyth </span><br />
<a href="http://www.kateforsyth.com.au/kates-blog/writing-to-plot-or-not?utm_content=buffer9d250&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://www.kateforsyth.com.au/kates-blog/writing-to-plot-or-not?utm_content=buffer9d250&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wildcare Tasmania Nature writing competition ($5000 first prize)</span><br />
<a href="http://www.taswriters.org/natureprize/?utm_content=bufferbdbbd&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://www.taswriters.org/natureprize/?utm_content=bufferbdbbd&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Happy writing! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sally</span>Sally Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629169447480755080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6901369994937321947.post-52388842855361114442016-02-18T07:41:00.002+11:002016-02-20T07:47:00.868+11:008 reasons why entering competitions is so important for emerging writers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are many writing competitions out there and I believe it is vitally important for new and emerging writers to enter them regularly. Why? Well, let me tell you...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>1. Competitions teach you to work to a deadline</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">This is a skill you will need if you want to be a writer. There's no point being brilliant if it takes you forever to finish a paragraph because no one will ever get to read it. Set goals for your word counts and really try to stick to them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong>2. Competitions often have word limits</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Word limits can be frustrating but they teach you to make sure that every single word earns its place in your story. You may have to start the action in a different way than you originally wanted just to save on the word count but more often than not your story will be stronger for the cut. Make sure you stick to the prescribed word limit for competitions though, most will immediately disqualify your entry if you go over.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong>3. Competitions stretch you as a writer</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Many competitions have themes or a phrase that you must incorporate into your entry. A theme that you wouldn't normally deal with might give you an idea for a new full length manuscript in the future or a different style of writing than you would normally go for.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong>4. Feedback</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Some competitions offer feedback as part of your entry. One such competition is the CYA Competition (for YA and children's writing) <a href="http://www.cyaconference.com/program/competition/aspiring-unpublished/">http://www.cyaconference.com/program/competition/aspiring-unpublished/</a>. At the conclusion of the competition entrants are emailed the judges score sheets which include comments and suggestions for improving your story. So, you might win, you might not but at the very least you'll have some industry feedback to improve your writing for next time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong>5. Exposure</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Entering competitions exposes your work to new people. Judges are often published writers, publishers or industry insiders who know what they are talking about. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong>6. Writing Resume Credits</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">If you win or are shortlisted for a writing competition it is an entry you can record on your writing resume. When you submit a manuscript to a publisher or agent you will be asked what your writing history is. If you have some competition wins or anthology entries to your name it will look like you are dedicated to becoming a published writer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong>7. Having your work published</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Some competitions include the winners (or top 10 entries) in an anthology that is published at their expense. You are usually sent a copy for yourself but can purchase additional copies for friends and family. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong>8. Endorsement of your work</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Writing can be a frustrating and lonely occupation sometimes so it's nice to have your work acknowledged by a third party who doesn't know you or worry about hurting your feelings. If they picked you as the winner, it's because your work is genuinely the best.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong>How do you find these competitions?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Join your local or state Writers' Centre and they will email you opportunities and competitions</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Google</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Industry newsletters e.g. Buzz Words <a href="http://www.buzzwordsmagazine.com/">http://www.buzzwordsmagazine.com/</a></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I recently was placed on the shortlist for the 2016 Varuna Publisher Introduction Program. <a href="http://www.varuna.com.au/varuna/index.php/programs/varunanews/item/508-pip16-shortlist">http://www.varuna.com.au/varuna/index.php/programs/varunanews/item/508-pip16-shortlist</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The winner is announced in April. I was lucky enough to win a PIP in 2014 and it was an amazing experience to work with Stephen Measday and spend a week at Varuna. Keep your fingers crossed for me!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Keep writing. Sally x</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />Sally Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629169447480755080noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6901369994937321947.post-36218383696015976572015-11-18T14:28:00.000+11:002015-11-18T14:32:06.346+11:00Writers Unleashed Festival <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Writers Unleashed Festival this year was held on 14th November at Gymea Tradies. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAbrmIJC4Bl2TZXIK1AnHz-UOkSC_oK9_rBbuej8HIqxFifAlX71F-Vu4GEyC8iq6jtGJ3tsL2i8t1cc-KtNCIEkHzhrDMZPXvSkLc7gFhXB3vpB6S5Ifxsjl1QcG1aK6vxC2V5giicY/s1600/Piecesofsky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAbrmIJC4Bl2TZXIK1AnHz-UOkSC_oK9_rBbuej8HIqxFifAlX71F-Vu4GEyC8iq6jtGJ3tsL2i8t1cc-KtNCIEkHzhrDMZPXvSkLc7gFhXB3vpB6S5Ifxsjl1QcG1aK6vxC2V5giicY/s320/Piecesofsky.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are always lots of good points about attending festivals but let me tell you what I love the most.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">The freedom of picking which sessions you want to go to. There's always more than one though...sometimes it's a very hard decision to make.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Being exposed to new authors. This year I discovered YA author, Trinity Doyle. I bought Trinity's debut novel <em>Pieces of Sky</em> at the festival (and got it signed). I started reading it almost the second I got home and it is an amazing book. It's about Lucy, a girl who has recently lost her brother in a surfing accident and she's dealing with her sudden fear of water, a new boy in town and the fact that her brother's phone is getting weird, mysterious text messages. It was uplifting and tear producing and I loved it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Hearing from the Publishing Panel. This year there were four publishers who gave us an insight into the publishing industry and generously answered any question the crowd members asked.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Meeting new people, networking, catching up with old friends. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Learning things! Ber Carroll's session on characterisation was thought provoking and I also enjoyed Pamela Cook's presentation on getting published.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Buying books! The speakers usually have their books for sale should you wish to purchase them. You can even get them signed (to yourself or for a gift).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Having a day off from washing, running kids around etc.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Sitting in the crowd and secretly (don't tell anyone...) imagining myself giving the presentation one day.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I had a great time and I will definitely go back again next year. Thanks to all the organisers who donate their time to make this wonderful festival a reality. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<a href="http://shirewritersfestival.weebly.com/">http://shirewritersfestival.weebly.com/</a><br />
<br />Sally Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629169447480755080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6901369994937321947.post-45478954983871343072015-08-20T10:20:00.001+10:002015-08-20T10:25:29.043+10:00Varuna, I love you...I have recently returned from my second visit to Varuna (<a href="http://varuna.com.au/" target="_blank">http://varuna.com.au/</a>). It was just as magical as the first time! I got so much work done that I estimate it was equivalent to three months of work I would have got done at home.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4G6sNByHP68cIytQHgI9IQfQoFoKkYpSPGl4Hs1mlGU6CaxP5UDHwhySbwwDWLe9tN-AR5vvq9lweRzLswc5TxIZv1bdfBTr49fzirZ2UDH1lEz_vSsm8ETogWMCgs0rCjKzwnCF67g/s1600/TypewriterLaptop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><strong><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4G6sNByHP68cIytQHgI9IQfQoFoKkYpSPGl4Hs1mlGU6CaxP5UDHwhySbwwDWLe9tN-AR5vvq9lweRzLswc5TxIZv1bdfBTr49fzirZ2UDH1lEz_vSsm8ETogWMCgs0rCjKzwnCF67g/s400/TypewriterLaptop.jpg" width="400" /></strong></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Typewriter in Eleanor Dark's studio with my laptop in the background</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So what's so great about Varuna? Well, let me elaborate...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>It's a beautiful, historical home full of character, books, amazing vintage treasures and gardens</li>
<li>You have your own room and writing space</li>
<li>A delicious meal is prepared for you every night so that means no time wasted on grocery shopping or food preparation</li>
<li>There are four other writers there each time meaning you will meet some amazing, like-minded people</li>
<li>There are huge bookshelves of works by writers who have visited Varuna House in the past</li>
<li>It's close to the quaint and quirky town of Katoomba and walking tracks</li>
<li>You can write, write, write all day and night if you so choose!</li>
</ul>
I would encourage any aspiring writers out there to apply for the programs offered by Varuna House. I was lucky enough to win a Publisher Introduction Program last year (and hence my first visit to Varuna). It is truly an amazing place.<br />
<br />
I hope to go back again next year!Sally Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629169447480755080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6901369994937321947.post-33340433417590126992015-07-16T07:30:00.002+10:002015-08-27T21:10:47.850+10:00Time Out<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsg8T5kEB2_DR01L49LMEhdK3yodCGL29m1k_vm7f6YAhaSkvkL4ae3eZ_6-508crdM0U_w0b2KZZWLMPYOuApZh7IT9eW_WoZzkw_OhNpEy8NIr4sSYSuqjBmiKk_YYgWsCRplMNG4U/s1600/DSCN0600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsg8T5kEB2_DR01L49LMEhdK3yodCGL29m1k_vm7f6YAhaSkvkL4ae3eZ_6-508crdM0U_w0b2KZZWLMPYOuApZh7IT9eW_WoZzkw_OhNpEy8NIr4sSYSuqjBmiKk_YYgWsCRplMNG4U/s400/DSCN0600.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from my hotel in Dubrovnik. Yep, absolutely gorgeous.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</h3>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was recently lucky enough to have some well deserved and highly needed time out with a holiday to the UK and Croatia. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was totally amazing, although not that relaxing with all the things I managed to fit in to such a short break... anyway I'm slowly recovering from the jetlag and it's time to get seriously back into my writing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's some interesting blog posts I've found this week. Hope you like them!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Social media tips for new authors from Tess Woods </span><a href="http://www.natashalester.com.au/2015/07/15/social-media-for-authors-tips-from-an-author-who-started-with-nothing/"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.natashalester.com.au/2015/07/15/social-media-for-authors-tips-from-an-author-who-started-with-nothing/</span></a></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Literary 'Cooties' by Rachael King </span><a href="http://soundofbutterflies.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/literary-cooties.html"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://soundofbutterflies.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/literary-cooties.html</span></a></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Answers to 14 questions you are too afraid to ask about Literary Agents </span><a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/literary-agents-unleashed-answers-to-questions-youre-too-afraid-to-ask?et_mid=722310&rid=239363476"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/literary-agents-unleashed-answers-to-questions-youre-too-afraid-to-ask?et_mid=722310&rid=239363476</span></a></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope you have an amazing day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Writing.</span>Sally Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629169447480755080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6901369994937321947.post-73150885491854247952015-06-17T12:01:00.000+10:002015-08-27T21:08:00.494+10:00The importance of membership and subscription to industry newsletters and magazines<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxjvywNZlkYKqkmC66nVH0xxf0nRHrImq0HivXobSH7xVB3DUzJvY0aKPPHwS7lFqAEpwBDmeF8sbX-qiUaI_NuCvsqdN6Jm98GNoJTgTRlaZWDt5yP5G6XpS4vjYaGrZCLtdwMXeSpw/s1600/pigeon+pair+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxjvywNZlkYKqkmC66nVH0xxf0nRHrImq0HivXobSH7xVB3DUzJvY0aKPPHwS7lFqAEpwBDmeF8sbX-qiUaI_NuCvsqdN6Jm98GNoJTgTRlaZWDt5yP5G6XpS4vjYaGrZCLtdwMXeSpw/s640/pigeon+pair+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When I first started writing I felt guilty about spending money on anything but in particular on memberships and subscriptions until I realised that they are not only interesting but essential for your growth as a writer. If your passion was collecting coins or snow skiing you'd be investing in pieces or equipment so this is no different. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Benefits of joining your local writers' centre could include:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Receiving a newsletter which usually contains information about courses, lectures, writing competitions.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Gives you a chance to meet like-minded people and possible critique partners (maybe even a new great friend or two!).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Facilitates writing and critique groups.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Invitations to industry events and book launches.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Some writers' centres even publish anthologies of members work which is great for your writing resume.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Provide opportunities for volunteering your time on events or projects sponsored by the centre.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Similarly subscribing to industry magazines is also important. One that I love is the Buzz Words Magazine which is for writers of young adult and children's stories. It contains industry news, competitions, articles, book reviews, industry updates etc. It is delivered as a pdf twice a month to your inbox. It costs $48 for 23 issues and is very informative, keeps you motivated and aware of any competitions you could enter. For more information or a free sample copy see the website <a href="http://www.buzzwordsmagazine.com/p/about-buzz-words.html" target="_blank">http://www.buzzwordsmagazine.com/p/about-buzz-words.html</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Happy Writing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />Sally Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629169447480755080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6901369994937321947.post-59542726840000590612015-06-08T11:24:00.000+10:002015-08-27T21:08:26.597+10:00Interesting posts for aspiring authors...<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIRj3stpTKo0uiJzTChzsB9jUnfL-yfJ1juWxHNILnaU6yMdv62Zo6wkCdwCfcUIOQxd-6GTHvYGRMu4IxIvEr3E8US8eRZTNoOrJLRRB6tNldLvrLKkfX81w38c5sRgyuZLJCk0nLBE/s1600/Windang_0116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIRj3stpTKo0uiJzTChzsB9jUnfL-yfJ1juWxHNILnaU6yMdv62Zo6wkCdwCfcUIOQxd-6GTHvYGRMu4IxIvEr3E8US8eRZTNoOrJLRRB6tNldLvrLKkfX81w38c5sRgyuZLJCk0nLBE/s400/Windang_0116.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></h2>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi everyone, I hope you are enjoying the long weekend. It's very cold and windy here on the South Coast of NSW. Perfect writing weather!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been busy concentrating on two writing projects and having a lovely weekend catching up with things on my to-do list. It feels great to put a line through each task as it is completed. Shame I keep thinking up a heap more... Anyway here's some</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> links to a few interesting articles and blogs I've read lately. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The one super power that all published writers have by Alison Tait</span><br />
<a href="http://allisontait.com/2015/05/the-one-superpower-that-all-published-writers-have/?utm_content=buffer6bc64&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://allisontait.com/2015/05/the-one-superpower-that-all-published-writers-have/?utm_content=buffer6bc64&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 Secrets to kick start your writing by Karen Tyrrell. You may have heard these tips before but it's good to remind yourself of the basics now and again. </span><a href="http://www.karentyrrell.com/"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.karentyrrell.com/</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's some happy writing tips from Gabrielle Wang </span><a href="http://gabriellewang.com/happy-writing-tips/"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://gabriellewang.com/happy-writing-tips/</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Natasha Lester, author of several adult fiction books tells us about a day in the life of a writer and how she uses her time most productively. While you are there have a look around Natasha's blog, she's had some interesting articles lately about what happens when you get a manuscript accepted and wether or not you need an agent. </span><a href="http://www.natashalester.com.au/2015/06/04/a-day-in-the-life/"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.natashalester.com.au/2015/06/04/a-day-in-the-life/</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more news on what children's and YA authors are up to check out Sandy Fussell's OZKYAI blog which scoops up articles from various authors and illustrators. </span><a href="http://www.scoop.it/t/australian-children-s-authors"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.scoop.it/t/australian-children-s-authors</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And to finish off a quote from Dr Suess... “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Writing.</span>Sally Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629169447480755080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6901369994937321947.post-57522136512621900542015-02-25T11:20:00.000+11:002015-02-25T11:32:36.197+11:00Writers reacting badly<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How not to handle a bad review</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Check out this interesting article on writers who reacted badly to a review </span><a href="http://listverse.com/2015/02/15/10-writers-who-took-themselves-way-too-seriously/?utm_content=buffer60440&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://listverse.com/2015/02/15/10-writers-who-took-themselves-way-too-seriously/?utm_content=buffer60440&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So if you ever get famous, remember everyone is entitled to their own opinions and even though they might give you a negative review you need to be the bigger person. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Probably easier said than done, I know, but any reaction can be copied and go viral. The replies in these cases obviously got more attention than the books.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqV7q9Keh2NLRYUMjMWDhkG4SR8BerekGz_fJ2v2T8UP6yhXbLsnkwKLKdKk8heXusOpWdNlXd5F2gaTIQd_nxI2934m-KZSzYN_ud0CAlww1NvrNCWRcx8geOB-xWAoyI2ZUePszUB0/s1600/DSCF9823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqV7q9Keh2NLRYUMjMWDhkG4SR8BerekGz_fJ2v2T8UP6yhXbLsnkwKLKdKk8heXusOpWdNlXd5F2gaTIQd_nxI2934m-KZSzYN_ud0CAlww1NvrNCWRcx8geOB-xWAoyI2ZUePszUB0/s1600/DSCF9823.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Mobile book store in Bali</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Want to know where the phrase 'There's no such thing as bad publicity' originated? Check out this link </span><a href="http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/there-is-no-such-thing-as-bad-publicity.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/there-is-no-such-thing-as-bad-publicity.html</span></a><br />
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Sally Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629169447480755080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6901369994937321947.post-43787456779536071892015-02-08T08:15:00.002+11:002015-02-08T08:39:15.840+11:00How to write a novel, 15 minutes at a time<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZH9sAHkfYtEQz5fQSy3EXrZiTIqLCwT-4brKcriAl0iFXaWLJEq7UXSBKJpVzgC3S6Yw7kPkE9Ls3uhcuCZnew9zIzBNslrZgyVTQ40r7RqusDKsuONNt4bcMbQ4UdMC5VVNoaABx9IY/s1600/P1020653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZH9sAHkfYtEQz5fQSy3EXrZiTIqLCwT-4brKcriAl0iFXaWLJEq7UXSBKJpVzgC3S6Yw7kPkE9Ls3uhcuCZnew9zIzBNslrZgyVTQ40r7RqusDKsuONNt4bcMbQ4UdMC5VVNoaABx9IY/s1600/P1020653.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Library made of lego</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How to write a novel, 15 minutes at a time</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People often say to me 'I don't know how you do it'. They are talking about my writing of course. Sometimes I agree with them (and tell them I need more sleep) but I truly believe that if you really want to do something enough you will make the time for it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm no different to someone who needs to lose 50 kilos, start a new business or decides to run in a marathon. You have to chop your goal into small pieces. Achievable goals will help you work your way up to the big picture.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I usually write in small chunks of time, usually early in the morning and late at night (when the kids are asleep and not interrupting me with 'Muuuuuuummmmm!'). I take my laptop on holidays, I often take it to work and write in my lunch break or while I'm waiting for my son to finish a sports lesson. I carry a notebook with me at all times. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone is busy. We're all rushing around telling each other how busy we are and yes jobs, kids, partners, household chores, appointments, haircuts, visiting our families, attending Christenings and those pesky work events all take up our time but if your goal is worth dreaming about it's worth fitting it in.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out this article for some great advice on writing in small chunks of time <a href="http://thewritelife.com/how-to-write-a-novel-15-minutes/">http://thewritelife.com/how-to-write-a-novel-15-minutes/</a>. For some of us that's all we can manage, but it's better than nothing. As Mia Freedman once said, 'You can edit bad words but you can’t edit no words.'</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Good luck everyone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Follow me on Twitter </span><a class="DashboardProfileCard-screennameLink u-linkComplex u-linkClean" href="https://twitter.com/SallyPHall"><span style="color: #038543;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">@<span class="u-linkComplex-target">SallyPHall</span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are categories for:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Picture Book - Preschool aged children</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Picture Book - Primary aged children</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Picture Book - Non Fiction (for primary aged children)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chapter Book - Young primary aged children & older children categories</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Young Adult</span></li>
</ul>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhia2QO9Vdz6GTn7ds8N_OyB2i2Xk99c17LUdlgl2TbKjx5xqi40j5mQyfP-pyvfIUCDSVTyUhiYXWPWk2Jsw-epqzpfgt5kw1cGyp6u7gTR-X2L3wV2FrgEu1OrhFKGPqgs9HbSSYXcjI/s1600/1154210_96382957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhia2QO9Vdz6GTn7ds8N_OyB2i2Xk99c17LUdlgl2TbKjx5xqi40j5mQyfP-pyvfIUCDSVTyUhiYXWPWk2Jsw-epqzpfgt5kw1cGyp6u7gTR-X2L3wV2FrgEu1OrhFKGPqgs9HbSSYXcjI/s1600/1154210_96382957.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get writing people!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is an excellent competition to enter because unlike many others you are provided with feedback on your work.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feedback is generated for entries in the form of judges marking sheets and are emailed to all entrants. Getting an opinion from a judge is invaluable to a writer, especially for people just starting out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was lucky enough to receive third placing in 2011 and a highly commended in 2012 and attended the conference in 2012. The confidence boost from receiving a place is incredible and it gives you something to include on your writing CV but even if you aren't selected in the short list it is a good experience just to get your manuscript polished and follow the entry instructions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The entry fee is $18. For more information check out the link below.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a href="http://www.cyaconference.com/program-2014/competition-2015/aspiring-unpublished-2015/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.cyaconference.com/program-2014/competition-2015/aspiring-unpublished-2015/</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good luck everyone!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />Sally Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629169447480755080noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6901369994937321947.post-25818808769415616322015-01-14T20:58:00.002+11:002015-01-17T23:17:12.948+11:00<a href="http://allisontait.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/bePASSIONATE.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="how to fit writing in to life" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-4345" src="http://allisontait.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/bePASSIONATE-300x300.png" height="320" width="320" /></a><strong>Be passionate but practical</strong><br />
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Check out this post from Allison Tait about fitting writing into a busy life <a href="http://allisontait.com/2015/01/be-passionate-but-be-practical/" target="_blank">http://allisontait.com/2015/01/be-passionate-but-be-practical/</a><br />
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I also have a family and a job but I really, really want to be a writer! Fortunately, I have made the commitment and 'find' the time to fit it in. Yes, that might mean I miss out on some relaxation and tv time but at least I appreciate it when it does happen.<br />
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We all have the same 24 hours in the day, some people just use them more productively than others.<br />
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Happy writing everyone :)<br />
<br />Sally Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629169447480755080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6901369994937321947.post-88422114165596304372014-12-17T16:33:00.000+11:002014-12-17T16:35:01.481+11:00Rediscovering the Library<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GTeYkjspWUlPsIz3WE43sKXFuJ-tg1AzckauHCCnvPtBjDJewJF8I9VJI8zrAwTB7-hhv5Tf4XbU-dsk30umkJb6dlNtjdqEolTKtSkYmpakgTIdIIpjV_04rvYDJiZfqm5ciJnf6Bs/s1600/20141207_124246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GTeYkjspWUlPsIz3WE43sKXFuJ-tg1AzckauHCCnvPtBjDJewJF8I9VJI8zrAwTB7-hhv5Tf4XbU-dsk30umkJb6dlNtjdqEolTKtSkYmpakgTIdIIpjV_04rvYDJiZfqm5ciJnf6Bs/s1600/20141207_124246.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Beautiful beach days in NSW Summer</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I recently cut my work days from full time to four days a week. I now have a day at home to write! Yay, right? It is pretty amazing and I'm so lucky to be able to do it. However, it does have a few drawbacks. The main one being a loss of income for a day a week. My pay took a reasonable hit (ahh derr... I knew it would) so in an effort to make up for the shortfall I have introduced a few cost saving measures.<br />
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1. I have been doing the family grocery shopping at Aldi on Tuesday's straight after work. I love Aldi! I should be paid a retainer for telling everyone how good Aldi is as I do it on a regular basis. They have the best cheese, it's quick as there's no looking up an enormous aisle to see which particular brand of tinned tomatoes is on special, they use recycled bags and best of all they sell cans of Sugar Free V! <br />
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Shopping at Aldi saves me something in the order of at least $100-$150 a week. Also doing it on a set day means I am organised. I look what we actually need and having food in the fridge means I am not tempted to buy take away which was previously a regular occurrence because there was never any meat defrosted.<br />
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2. I have re-discovered the library. I used to take the kids to the library every week when they were little but not so much lately, instead I was buying books for myself which is great for the industry but not so good for my budget. I still buy books for gifts all the time but for my own reading pleasure I have been visiting the library every fortnight.<br />
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For those of you who haven't been to a library lately let me tell you they are amazing. They have magazines, CD's, DVD's, audio books and millions of regular books. I have been borrowing magazines and a heap of books. I have reserved books that weren't in and picked up things I wouldn't normally read. My horizons are expanding because the books are free and best of all if I don't really like it I don't read it. That's right. It was free so I'm not going to persevere with it like I would with a book I paid for. <br />
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3. I am planning more activities that are free or don't cost a lot of money e.g. taking my kids to the beach. We go when the flags are out and I take one of my library books with me. Win Win!<br />
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Check out Aldi <a href="https://www.aldi.com.au/" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
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<br />Sally Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629169447480755080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6901369994937321947.post-33776312857136450862014-10-22T10:56:00.004+11:002015-01-17T23:15:47.337+11:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnc0FrPAMPEyDcKOEm1RdI-WVKHf67RMJrYqiW9FPKKsdXigICPxKffwA17ACrQlae77vQYvmSKQR-bK7QiW_TR3TnSFK6wKHfJWIcFw5j62y4vJw2CfEeccrBuPW9x6IabD7kxQnOdow/s1600/theskysoheavy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnc0FrPAMPEyDcKOEm1RdI-WVKHf67RMJrYqiW9FPKKsdXigICPxKffwA17ACrQlae77vQYvmSKQR-bK7QiW_TR3TnSFK6wKHfJWIcFw5j62y4vJw2CfEeccrBuPW9x6IabD7kxQnOdow/s1600/theskysoheavy.jpg" /></a><strong>Book Recommendation The Sky so Heavy by Claire Zorn (YA)</strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Sky so Heavy</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Reviewed by: Sally Hall</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Author: Claire Zorn</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Publisher: UQP<br /><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fin is an average guy. His main concerns are trying to
impress the beautiful Lucy and not missing the bus to school but everything
changes when nuclear missiles are detonated on the other side of the world.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fin and his younger brother Max wake to a dark, bitterly
cold day. Snow is falling and there's no electricity, no internet and no
parents. When their food and water supplies begin to dwindle and the air gets
even colder Fin must step up, be resourceful and find a way to survive a
nuclear winter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love a good end-of-the-world type story and The Sky so
Heavy did not let me down. The drama is extremely well paced, allowing the
reader to soak in the dire circumstances but not get bored. The action is
realistic yet horrifying and the characters are so well written that you want
them to survive this hell they've been placed in.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Set in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia made
it even more chilling for me (rather than the usual US towns that usually
feature in nuclear disaster movies/books). I highly recommend The Sky so Heavy
for teens and adults. This book would make a great addition to high school
libraries. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I look forward to reading more of Claire's work.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more information see
<a href="http://www.uqp.uq.edu.au/Book.aspx/1263/The%20Sky%20So%20Heavy">http://www.uqp.uq.edu.au/Book.aspx/1263/The%20Sky%20So%20Heavy<o:p></o:p></a></span>Sally Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629169447480755080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6901369994937321947.post-76241159560894158992014-09-14T14:17:00.000+10:002015-01-17T23:15:12.417+11:00Visiting Varuna House for the very first time!In August this year I was lucky enough to visit <a href="http://www.varuna.com.au/" target="_blank">Varuna The Writers House</a> for the very first time as part of the Publisher Introduction Program Fellowship that I was awarded for a young adult manuscript The Prediction. It short it was amazing!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RbLPvZmHpu8TmQjQiZnNXz2qEv3NU19NyW5uHP1KiQyoHXOp92XD3AKYMoxQ8TdZn4xFCTMXz70lw-iKTchmWVQ7odmOGjSMLj2KXVkURG__T3d3sM0FsQR08ZO5Ze8jf-8c2yn-ge8/s1600/DSCF9611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RbLPvZmHpu8TmQjQiZnNXz2qEv3NU19NyW5uHP1KiQyoHXOp92XD3AKYMoxQ8TdZn4xFCTMXz70lw-iKTchmWVQ7odmOGjSMLj2KXVkURG__T3d3sM0FsQR08ZO5Ze8jf-8c2yn-ge8/s1600/DSCF9611.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The beautiful Varuna House</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Varuna House is a
beautiful old building full of character and history surrounded by gorgeous gardens.
The staff welcomed me upon arrival and gave me a tour of the building which
includes lounge room/dining area, kitchen, laundry, office and five bedrooms/writing
studios. </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">I was given the Main Room which included two desks
and an ensuite.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">I arranged to meet
with Stephen Measday, my mentor as part of the PIP Fellowship, on the first afternoon I arrived. We had a
long discussion about his suggestions for my story. I wrote copious notes and later
typed them into a check-list of things to cover.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XhMGPb163QeMHOnep1h_lq9Y0x5cy6MdYgbYSU7d2xgFbK1ItSb3EIMnGYcnSLEB0_x8xTog1Om3pfF0qJUUgy-ccSXDDDEb5BN-dbJidhLrzAhb8KHOzjo9K_9CHWo6InycnsraTho/s1600/DSCF9618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XhMGPb163QeMHOnep1h_lq9Y0x5cy6MdYgbYSU7d2xgFbK1ItSb3EIMnGYcnSLEB0_x8xTog1Om3pfF0qJUUgy-ccSXDDDEb5BN-dbJidhLrzAhb8KHOzjo9K_9CHWo6InycnsraTho/s1600/DSCF9618.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfie (rugged up against the cold) of me at Varuna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">At welcome drinks
that evening I met the other four residents. Jansis O’Hanlon, the CEO, talked
to us about the history of the house. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">As I work full time
and have a family my normal ‘spare’ time is very limited but the beauty of a
residency at Varuna is that there are no jobs to go to, children to take to
sports or groceries to buy. There’s nothing but you and your willpower to get
the job done. I’m happy to say I used my week of writing time very wisely. I
got up early and worked hard on my manuscript. I diligently crossed the items
off my list of changes from my mentor. I even got started on opening chapters
of two other projects I’d been thinking about for a while. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">When I needed a
break from the computer I went for a walk. The town of Katoomba is not far away
from Varuna and is full of lovely shops and cafes. The weather was bitterly
cold though. It even snowed one evening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Breakfast and lunch
are a help yourself arrangement from the products provided in the kitchen area
but dinner is cooked by the amazing chef, Sheila. It was wonderful to relax by
the fire each night and talk to the other residents about how their projects
were going. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEV6V7t_oCv_Wa25M10VQHrywrXu32lGg9YM5UYI01SSGYPvAvVpotbd7QPFUoCJmh2BrjVzrlAH2GYkVgJ2dFKOHRvqGRXLi4kQFBga96JXEAQu6lVWoSZdhzLdhhk3L51G7J3kfRk3k/s1600/20140728_141106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEV6V7t_oCv_Wa25M10VQHrywrXu32lGg9YM5UYI01SSGYPvAvVpotbd7QPFUoCJmh2BrjVzrlAH2GYkVgJ2dFKOHRvqGRXLi4kQFBga96JXEAQu6lVWoSZdhzLdhhk3L51G7J3kfRk3k/s1600/20140728_141106.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the writing desks in my room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">One night we each read
a piece of our work aloud to the others. They were vastly different in subject
and style but we were all pleased with what we’d produced in such a short time
period. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">The true beauty of
Varuna House is that it focusses your attention to writing, books and the
company of like-minded people and seems to bring out the best in everyone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">I had the most
productive week and I felt like a ‘real’ writer. I encourage everyone to apply for
the Varuna residential programs. Having time to dedicate to your writing in
such a great environment, without distractions, is absolutely priceless.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Read a full interview of my experience at Varuna House in an upcoming issue of <a href="http://www.buzzwordsmagazine.com/" target="_blank">Buzz Words</a> (a brilliant newsletter for aspiring authors). </span></div>
Sally Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629169447480755080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6901369994937321947.post-23640751320498673532011-04-17T14:59:00.005+10:002011-04-17T15:14:43.475+10:00Book Recommendation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguf-j0JgfvW0LdOru0qZB4s1hH2Qz17BSMWePTdBBkvcjk04Q11FpcQhHFzBqXIxwoJYijOosQC1UEr8lYz8WJoEuieGSg1xHW1G4_vFxlbPEWsjs7_j4_0r5oIUhCW-j0laF85tkXtRc/s1600/whereshewent-home.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 221px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596416566930465026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguf-j0JgfvW0LdOru0qZB4s1hH2Qz17BSMWePTdBBkvcjk04Q11FpcQhHFzBqXIxwoJYijOosQC1UEr8lYz8WJoEuieGSg1xHW1G4_vFxlbPEWsjs7_j4_0r5oIUhCW-j0laF85tkXtRc/s320/whereshewent-home.png" /></a> <br /><div><strong>Where she went by Gayle Forman</strong> <strong>YA novel Publisher: </strong>This book is fantastic! It is a sequel to the New York Best Seller <em>If I Stay</em>, told from the perspective of Adam, a young musician denying his broken heart. I read it in one afternoon a few weeks ago and I think I might just read it again. Check out the website which includes interviews with Gayle. <a href="http://www.ifistay.com/">http://www.ifistay.com/</a> And Gayle's website <a href="http://www.gayleforman.com/">http://www.gayleforman.com/</a> It is published in Australia by Random House (DoubleDay). I would love to give it a great review on my website <a href="http://www.needtoreadthis.com/">http://www.needtoreadthis.com/</a> but unfortunately it's not Australian.</div>Sally Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629169447480755080noreply@blogger.com0