Jane Caro’s gripping new novel, The Mother, is a suspenseful examination of domestic violence and a court system that fails to protect. In one scene, Caro describes a husband using an open-handed chokehold that leaves no marks. As I raced through her pacy novel, part of me hoped this revelation regarding strangulation technique didn’t fall
Begin with the (Plot) Twist Pose Consider Bound and Half-Bound versions – (are you planning to be traditional or indie published?) The Hero’s (Journey) Pose is recommended for every writer type Enter Warrior Pose (excellent for fantasy writers and historical fiction authors) Relax into Corpse Pose (particularly good for mystery writers – but a corpse
At-Home Retreat & Renewal Recently, I went on a holiday-at-home retreat. Six months ago, I had a plan to be in Canada and Europe on holiday and on retreat, right now. Well, as we all know, life looks very different. Instead of a holiday, I’m on leave from work for a couple weeks due to
Are you finding it hard to get a good night’s sleep? Maybe you’ve always had trouble, or extra worries are making it tough? If you are not sleeping well, please don’t ignore it. Long term insomnia can take 10 years off your life. It is also associated with major health problems like heart disease, cancers,
Val McDermid: The Mistress of Tartan Crime A book review of Broken Ground, published 2018. Val McDermid is known as the queen of crime, a Scots writer with dozens of titles to her name. This woman is a master at plotting. In Broken Ground she interweaves two mysteries from WWII through to 2018 littered with fascinating factoids
5 More Life Hacks to Transcend Anxiety and Depression A continuation from the last 2 weeks of blogs. Start here if you’ve just joined this series. What are your methods for lifting the grey fog? And if you’ve used any of these practices, let me know what you have found effective or your own modifications.
5 More Life Hacks for Shifting Anxiety and Depression A continuation from last week’s blog, Living a More Joyful Life, here are 5 further ‘Life Hacks’ to make micro-changes in your life to get out from under the destruction of persistent anxiety and depression. You don’t need to do all of them, in fact, please
5 Life Hacks to Reduce Anxiety and Depression In this series of 3 blog posts, I am focusing on small life changes that can make a big difference if you are living with under the shadow of anxiety and depression. Each suggestion is a well-researched and simple-to-apply ‘life hack’ to make micro changes to live
A historical romantic fiction by Kate Forsyth If you are fascinated by Paris, the French Revolution, and romance intoxicated with the perfume of roses, this book will entice and captivate you. Kate Forsyth, master storyteller, weaves a rich history of characters rooted in a chateau in the French countryside of Brittany, branching to the magnificent
Bri Lee speaks out for a Culture and Court System of Justice for Survivors of Sexual Assault At the Sydney Writer’s Festival, a full theatre listened to Bri Lee, author of the memoir Eggshell Skull. Bri opened with these words, “I’m haunted by how many women don’t have everything I had. Are not so patient
Writer | Artist | Therapist | Speaker 