Teacher, blogger, YouTuber and author
27
May
‘Get out, you thieving skunk!’ A silver blur shot down my neighbour’s front path and jumped clear of the fence. ‘If I see her in here again, I’ll contact the police!’ Melinda Richards yelled, swinging a packet of bread. ‘Sorry!’ ‘I was just about to have lunch and she was guzzling my ham.’… continue reading »
21
Mar
1. Choose a scene Choose a scene that comes to mind. It might be the mountains, the New York skyline, Sydney Harbour, a garden, a beach or a busy shopping centre. Describe this scene in your notebook using all your senses. Give members 5 minutes to complete this task. 2. Examples… continue reading »
14
Mar
1. What annoys you? Ask members to think about something that annoys them. It could be parking fines, loud neighbours or people who blow their own trumpet. 2. I hate it when… Start with ‘I hate it when…’ and go around the room. People say all sorts of outlandish things, so… continue reading »
04
Mar
Femininity radiated off her, like steam from a pot of herbal tea. Her sleeves were ruffled and rhubarb red, as were the trio of roses on her bodice. She had a ballerina’s poise, a cocked head, and a pensive expression, which gave no indication of what she was thinking. I’d never get away with… continue reading »
01
Mar
Congratulations on running your first writers’ group! Whether you’re leading school students, young adults, community members or nursing home residents, these activities are flexible enough to suit most people. 1. Meet and greet Ask everyone to introduce themselves and provide some background about their writing experience. Most groups contain beginners, people… continue reading »
08
Nov
The table was set with all the trimmings. Bon Bons, candles, fancy cutlery etcetera. It looked like Christmas, but it didn’t feel like it. Not this year. ‘Hey, get back to the loungeroom,’ I shouted. ‘And don’t take off your mask.’ My niece had taken herself on a two-hour excursion… continue reading »
19
Feb
I did a workshop at my writers’ group today and we had to write about a chosen colour. You might like to write about your favourite colour and see how you go. Write down ten words you associate with that colour and use them to create a piece of prose or poetry. Here is my… continue reading »
21
Oct
A harp, it twangs with sadness, Her notes are cries of pain. The touch of fingers can’t console, Like blood forever stains. The waves of sound, they ripple out, I’m helpless in their wake. And now my body’s shivering, Each cell a stormy lake. I’m quivering like cornered bird, Electrified with hurt. The… continue reading »
15
Jun
In my novel, The Yellow Dinghy Cafe, Michaela makes gluten-free cakes for customers with Coeliac disease. Here is one of her creations, which you might enjoy. Mango Muffins Ingredients: 1 cup of chopped mango (tinned or fresh) 1/2 cup of mango juice 1 packet of gluten-free vanilla cake mix 1/2 cup of vegetable… continue reading »
13
Jun
In my novel, The Yellow Dinghy Cafe, Michaela, one of the main characters meets a kid with Coeliac disease and decides to embark on a culinary journey. Here is one of her creations, which I hope you enjoy. Raspberry and Chocolate Delight Cake Ingredients: 2 cups of gluten-free chocolate cake mix 1 cup… continue reading »
