There’s a quote from Frank Herbert’s ‘Dune’ that seems appropriate right now. “A beginning is the time for taking the most delicate care that the balances are correct.” If you’ve ever written a novel, you’ll know that the first chapter is something to agonise over - to get right. Some months ago, I wrote a … Continue reading Beginnings Are a Delicate Time (Or how to make sure your first chapter doesn’t crash and burn.)
Author: Leonie
Australia Day
Tomorrow is Australia Day. I always have mixed feelings about Australia Day. It commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet and the official beginning of the European Settlement in Australia. It's our National holiday - the one when we celebrate being Australian, and all things Australian. It's full of beach, prawns, lamb (courtesy of clever … Continue reading Australia Day
Growing Up In An Uncertain World
It seems that every time I put pen to paper (or fingers to the keyboard) lately, there's been another tragedy. As a result of this week's tumultuous events in France, I've been reflecting on my childhood, and the fears and issues that loomed large in my mind as a teen and a pre-teen. Being born … Continue reading Growing Up In An Uncertain World
Fires, Fires, and More Fires
It's that time of year again. When the northern hemisphere snuggles into winter clothes and lights their fires to keep warm, here in Australia we begin putting them out. It's bushfire season. As I write, there have been dreadful fires in South Australia and Victoria, and I've been watching my sister-in-law's Facebook feed about a … Continue reading Fires, Fires, and More Fires
The End of 2014 and the Writing Year Ahead
As I sit here, buried under the cat (The cat MUST sit on me every time I write, and because it's hot he's extra cuddly) typing away, I'm pondering the past year. I'm sure nearly every blogger in the world will write a retrospective post, and to a certain extent, so am I this year. … Continue reading The End of 2014 and the Writing Year Ahead
When Peace Is Shattered.
It's the time of year when everyone posts about Christmas. I was thinking I'd do the same thing, but then I decided that I'd be a bit different and post about something else. There's been a lot of stuff happening this year. For the first time, my husband and I have been 'empty nesters' - … Continue reading When Peace Is Shattered.
Thoughts on the Sydney Siege.
It's hard to write what I'm really feeling tonight. Thirty six hours ago a gunman took hostages in the Lindt cafe in Martin Place in Sydney, and about seventeen hours later, the gunman and two hostages died. By all accounts, the gunman was a nutter with a previous record of violence and the two hostages … Continue reading Thoughts on the Sydney Siege.
I'm sitting here after a week of thunderstorms and intermittent rain, enjoying a cool breeze coming through the door next to me, and watching a program on Mercy Ships. On the program, the ship has docked at the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the statistics being flung around are almost unbelievable. I'm struck by how fortunate … Continue reading
Stuff On The Internet
Like myself, you've probably spent the last few years being bombarded with all kinds of online information. As a writer, I've wandered through free sites that have offered some excellent tips on improving my writing skills, and I've also been offered the 'opportunity' to purchase all kinds of revolutionary marketing services and all of the … Continue reading Stuff On The Internet
Why It’s A Good Idea To Read Book 1 First
Yesterday our daughter and I were sitting down having coffee with my parents. Dad's always been a fan of Science Fiction and Fantasy, as are both of our kids. It was recently our son's birthday, and since I knew that he didn't have a paperback set of The Hunger Games books, we decided to give … Continue reading Why It’s A Good Idea To Read Book 1 First
Leonie Rogers 