WRITE // Writing Blog & Vlog

<CHAPTER ONE> I’ve almost finished editing the first chapter of my novel, with much guidance from my incredible writing mentor. The novel now drops in at a different moment. Although the story itself hasn’t changed, I’ve had to find a different way to introduce my characters and reveal details about the setting and plotlines. Everything I’ve learnt so far, in the process of editing the first chapter, can be applied to the following chapters. My writing has improved enormously through minor…

I can finally announce that I was accepted for a writing mentorship! I’m so excited to be paired up with one of NZ’s talented authors (TBA). I know that I will learn so much from the process and it will help bring my novel up to a higher standard. I want to make it the best it can be, for you all to enjoy! Many thanks to @nzsocietyofauthors for this wonderful opportunity 😁🙌📚

This writing vlog is an overview of how I have progressed with my first fiction novel! It's an insight into how I've structured my story's multi-decade timeline and the research required. Also, observe how I disguise my terribly slow typing skills with 900x video speed.

I kicked off 2018 with a novel-reading goal. Looks like I’ll be leaving 2018 with a novel-writing goal 😬📝

CHAPTER 64! 76,000 words down but still a bunch of stuff that needs to happen in the story. I drew a layout of my main character’s house for visualisation. Listening to Hans Zimmer. Still in my yoga gear after class. Black coffee on hand. All set up in my sweet little writing nook. Fresh air and sunshine. Feeling content; creating content 🌞

🔗Link to full video in bio ✍🏻 This writing vlog is an overview of how I have progressed with my first attempt at a fiction novel! I’m currently approaching the 89,000 word mark in my first draft. Once I’ve reached the end of the story, I will review and begin editing. This will mean trimming the fluff and cutting out parts that don’t serve the story, as well as fleshing out anything that needs to be elaborated on. That will be a fun stage of the process for sure! 👑 I have given my novel a…

I'm a compulsive book starter and non-finisher. Is anyone else like this? What's your reading behaviour like? Watch the video by clicking the link in my bio. 📚 📚 📚 📚 📚 #reading #bookstagram #books #booksbooksbooks #booksofinstagram #readingislife #readinglist

Listen to A.J. Jacobs on the Moth podcast, describing his experience with sexual objectification. Beneath the layers of humour, he explains what he learnt about societal expectations for women.

What's behind the name Wonder Yoga? "Live in Wonder" has become a kind of mantra, to be explored in my yoga teaching and practise, and all areas of life.

I was sad and heartbroken when I first heard the news of the mass shooting in Christchurch, but now I’m mad. This is so wrong. It’s ignorant to believe that we are insulated here in New Zealand. We can’t just sit back and allow this disgusting behaviour to happen, in all of its forms. Art by @rubyalicerose

The realisation that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.

Our words have an impact on others. These words can become part of that person’s narrative, and we never know how long they’ll linger. 🤲🏻

Tonight I went to a workshop by Tessa Duder, about writing long fiction for younger readers. Although I’m planning to pitch my novel as mainstream adult fiction, I’m hoping it can be enjoyed by teens too. The workshop was very valuable and inspiring. Tessa was a delightful speaker and easy to follow. I could have listened to her wealth of knowledge and ideas for a great many hours! ~ I loved her book Alex when I was a kid. I also have Night Race to Kawau which was her first book, so I must…