My little yellow suitcase is packed again; tonight I’m flying to Darwin for the NT Writers Festival, to warmth (damn Melbourne winters!), to read rivers on a Mangrove Walk and be part of an incredible program, but MORE exciting is that then I’m flying to Broome to meet up with my family and our best mates who live there, for two weeks of adventures and half a years’ worth of catching up.
I admire you so much Kate. You've given me loads to think about RE carving out writing time and, even though you didn't specifically write about it, compartmentalisation. I see the way you manage to weave in writing (of all kinds) with speaking and reading and thinking and parenting and life-ing and can see you tilting as needed. It's not easy and it makes perfect sense that you're tired so I hope you tilt all the way into your adventures up north too.
RE getting to know my characters, I just rediscovered a questionnaire I must have done for my MC months ago that I'd totally forgotten about. It was meant to be quite a dry Q&A with me as the author, answering on behalf of the MC, but she ended up barging in and answering the questions herself, while I was shafted to the role of interviewer. That told me as much as I needed to know about her, but her answers were brilliant on top of that. I love her.
Love these words Kate, such wonderful memories from our time at Springfield, especially all the words written. Also love the image of you and the little yellow suitcase! Happy and safe travels. xxx
Also, the quote about neglecting your ms, is from the ever-wise Claire Keegan!
Wonderful wisdom, thanks Kate. I can hear you wrestling with the tugs of book activities and writing time. Good luck with your renewed focus on your manuscript and your trip to Darwin.
I also wanted to say I am reading The Hummingbird Effect, and I am loving it. Especially the chapters with the River as the main character. Your writing is so beautiful and it is definitely making me think deeply about the way we live and our connection with place and time. I can’t escape the imagery of butchering a lamb, and i can only imagine the things you witnessed in researching this novel!
Love these writing tips! Have the most amazing time in Darwin. So jealous!
Thanks Cassy! xx
I admire you so much Kate. You've given me loads to think about RE carving out writing time and, even though you didn't specifically write about it, compartmentalisation. I see the way you manage to weave in writing (of all kinds) with speaking and reading and thinking and parenting and life-ing and can see you tilting as needed. It's not easy and it makes perfect sense that you're tired so I hope you tilt all the way into your adventures up north too.
RE getting to know my characters, I just rediscovered a questionnaire I must have done for my MC months ago that I'd totally forgotten about. It was meant to be quite a dry Q&A with me as the author, answering on behalf of the MC, but she ended up barging in and answering the questions herself, while I was shafted to the role of interviewer. That told me as much as I needed to know about her, but her answers were brilliant on top of that. I love her.
Enjoy your break 💚💚💚
Love this Brooke! And thank you so much, as always, for your validation and wisdom xx
Love these words Kate, such wonderful memories from our time at Springfield, especially all the words written. Also love the image of you and the little yellow suitcase! Happy and safe travels. xxx
Also, the quote about neglecting your ms, is from the ever-wise Claire Keegan!
Oh thank you, Jill! xx yes Springfield xxx
Wonderful wisdom, thanks Kate. I can hear you wrestling with the tugs of book activities and writing time. Good luck with your renewed focus on your manuscript and your trip to Darwin.
I also wanted to say I am reading The Hummingbird Effect, and I am loving it. Especially the chapters with the River as the main character. Your writing is so beautiful and it is definitely making me think deeply about the way we live and our connection with place and time. I can’t escape the imagery of butchering a lamb, and i can only imagine the things you witnessed in researching this novel!