Dawn Meredith - Author

So, I've fallen a bit out of love with my latest manuscript and looking for tips to freshen up my approach. Thanks goodness writers are a generous and caring lot! Perhaps it's because we know the pain and frustration of this totally insane lifestyle choice... I digress, as I usually do when stuck. Sometimes you write a scene and it appears to function well, but you get the feeling something is missing and you can't quite put your finger on it. Writer John August has a great website, with tips for writing scenes, to ensure you have all the elements needed. how-to-write-a-scene.pdf Here's a brief overview: What needs to happen in this scene? What would happen if this scene got omitted? Who needs to be in the scene? Where could the scene take place? What's the most surprising thing that could happen in the the scene? Is this a long scene or a short scene? Brainstorm three different ways it could begin Play it on the screen in your head Write a scriibble v...

A few years ago I attended a workshop by novellist Nicole Murphy who introduced us to Michael Hauge, a mentor to film script and novel writers. I started using his six stage plot structure immediately, which turned my novel from confusing to a contract! Michael Hauge is a generous man. His website http://www.storymastery.com/ has loads of free advice for authors. I have recommended and passed on his advice in my own writing workshops. I've just watched this video selling your story in sixty seconds and bought the book. I'm rubbing my hands with glee, waiting for it to arrive! So, if you're in a bit of a hole today with your writing, click over to youtube and watch some of Michael's videos. You'll soon be tapping away like a frenzied woodpecker.

It's here! This lavish, beautiful book of European folk tales, memoirs and recipes about that lovely time of year - Christmas. It's a keepsake, an heirloom to pass onto your children. In it, I have a memoir piece about my experiences of Christmas as a child in three lands; England, Australia and Norway. To purchase - www.booktopia.com.au

source I love reading to my daughter. I've seen it open her mind to the amazing world we live in, to the past and all its secret joys and mysteries. I've heard the language reflected in her speech (and attitude!) Reading to your child, every night before bed, is such a simple yet powerful way to build a strong relationship between you and positively influence every aspect of your child's life. Here's ten reasons why you should turn off the telly, computer, video game and just read together - 1. Quiet time Getting to sleep can be difficult for some children. They need time to wind down from the stresses and excitement of the day. A bedside lamp, curtains drawn creates a snug environment that slows the heart rate and helps prepare the body for sleep. My daughter has an imaginary horse called Snowflake and if she's feeling a bit wound up I encourage her to dream up a new blanket or some other decorated item for her dream horse. These days, Snowflake is pretty sp...