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I haven't been posting. I've been up to my ears in research. Starting a PhD is certainly a challenging adventure. It is also time consuming and the biggest learning curve of my life. On April the 22nd I have to present my Proposal Review at Swinburne University's Colloquium. My presentation is at last taking shape and the Power-Point done. Here's hoping all goes well on the day, and the USB key works, and my papers stay together, and it's a sunny day (always uplifting to the spirit) and....

The things that happen when visiting libraries 

Last Thursday I was at a bush library with my writing buddy, Wendy Dunn, talking about our books and the writing journey. The presentation was well received and the audience asked interesting questions. After the event was over we were enjoying a glass of wine with the librarian when there was a scuffling sound in the roof. 'We have possums,' the librarian said and with that a stream came through the roof and splashed over our books. Have you ever smelt possum piddle? I don't think lavendar is going to work. Anyone want a slightly aromatic copy of 'Pickle to Pie'?

The last time I posted here it was May. It is now Friday the 13th June. Where has that month gone? Half the year has gone and I still haven't put into practice any of my New Year's Eve resolutions to be more professional about my writing. I distinctly remember vowing to write every morning from 9am to 12 seven days a week.  I am going to do it. Soon. And post here more often. And...

My (genuine) excuse is that I have been busy. David Ryding and myself were on ABC Radio Drive with Lynda Burns promoting the Emerging Writers' Festival followed by my session 'From Here to There' at the festival with Bethany Jones (Mother's Day 11th May). 'Pageturners' at the Highett and Chelsea libraries and an author talk about the writing journey, plus a workshop 'Memories to Manuscript' (with the marvelous Mairi Neil) during the Bayside Literary Festival. Oh, and I musn't forget the launch of our Mordialloc Writing Group's anthology titled 'Scandalous Bayside'. Plus launching Eltham North Primary School's student magazine 'The Bell' produced by the student, for the students who were coached by my wonderful writing buddy Wendy Dunn. Ahh...so that's where the time has gone? Aren't lists wonderful.

Writing and producing 'Pickle to Pie' was like giving birth. In the beginning all I could think about was getting through the excitement, the hassles, and survivng the drama of those all important nine months it took from winning the Ilura Press Fiction Quest in November to the official launch the following August. You dream of holding your perfect creation in your hands and showing it to the world. Like many new parents, I did not think much about what happens after the launch. I'm now learning that it takes new skills and an amazing input of time and energy.

The new skills needed can be all lumped together under the banner, 'Promotion'. To get the story 'out there' I've had to learn to stand up in front of an audience and tell them about the writing process, why I wrote this particular story, what inspired me in the first place and how I managed to get through the four P's, Procrastination, Perserverence, Publication and Promotion. It has made me dig deep into myself and work out the answers when most of the time it has been instinctive.

Over the ten years it took from short story to published novel, I never had time to sit down and work out why I had to keep writing, why I would get up at 3 am to steal a couple of hours to spend with my characters. Now I am going through that process and it is turning out to be another personal journey of self enlightenment and a wonderful opportunity to learn new skills, panel discussions, author talks and writing workshops titled Memories to Manuscript. After forty years, I've finally given my financial and emotional crutch, hairdressing, away and concentrating on my writing. Last year I graduated with a Masters of Creative Writing from Melbourne University and a PhD at Swinburne University is beckoning.  What a wonderful stage of life this is turning out to be.

Next Sunday, 11th May, I'll be joining and mixing with the most amazing people, mostly in their twenties and thirties, who are taking part in the Emerging Writers Festival at the Melbourne Town Hall. Beat poetry, playwriting, screen scripts, music, comedy will make that old building come to life. I'm amazed at the talent and creative energy that is everywhere around us if we just take the time to stop, look and listen.

May is going to be a busy month.

The Emerging Writers’ Festival (EWF) is a national annual event which is fast becoming an essential part of Australia’s literary calendar. Over its five year history it has grown from a small event at the Victoria Hotel to an event which makes use of Melbourne’s major cultural institutions such as the Melbourne Town Hall, Federation Square and State Library Victoria.