Writers Life | The Renewable Life of Books

Publishing a book is a forever thing. When one sends a book out into the world, one never knows where it might turn up—or in what format. Long-lived books continue to recycle in various formats and editions with covers to match new tastes. Ebooks, audio books, even film adaptations become possibilities never thought of a …

Writers Life | Where Do Stories Come From?

St Cuthbert from Durham Cathedral Ever wondered where stories come from? Durham Cathedral My first visit to Durham Cathedral was an overwhelming experience. High atop a rocky plateau that is one of the most ancient places of worship in England, the early Norman cathedral rises at one side of the green, with William the Conqueror’s …

Writers Life | Where Do Ideas Come From?

“Where do you get your ideas?” That’s surely the most-asked question posed to any novelist. And the answer is probably one of the hardest. Maybe right up there with “How do you breathe?” Because, surely, for writers, ideas are a bit like breathing—sometimes even hyperventilating. If only I had the time and energy to develop …

It’s a Frame-up: The What and Why of Frame Novels

An article on the frame novel is especially appropriate for Australasian writers and readers because it was the English-Australasian writer Nevil Shute that introduced me to the style. Although the technique is considered “out of fashion” today, I still find it can help add interest to a read and serve as a useful device for …

Meet Donna Fletcher Crow, Novelist of British History

Today we’re interviewing Donna Fletcher Crow, who will be joining our group of frequent contributors to the ACW blog. Mangoes or kiwifruit? Love them both—but mangoes are the best—if only they were easier to get off the pit! Cricket or rugby? Cricket—not that I understand it, but I have great memories of a match I …