How did I end up becoming a goth? Why did I dress like that? Why are goths so moody and weird? And how does all of that relate to 'clean' books? Discover the answers to these questions (and some of the biggest questions of all) in this blog post. I recently wrote these words: "I was not raised in a Christian family but felt the pull of the Holy Spirit for as long as I can remember. It began with feelings of reverence for bibles and subjects of faith, which clashed with my got

Please do not be rude or unkind to a telemarketer. Don't try to give them reasons why you're not interested. Take this advice from an ex-telemarketer about how to get rid of a telemarketer, then happily go on with your day. Work looked like this I used to be a telemarketer who cold-called people to read them a script that tells them that they "are a recipient of a specially reserved" um, appointment with a person at a gym who is going to try to sell you a membership. The job

How many times have you sat down to watch another episode on Netflix instead of vacuuming the floor, or scrolled on your phone instead of adding more words to your neglected work in progress? (Oops!) Why do we do that? And how do we fight against it? Let's discuss. I know there are so many other things I could be doing right now… I could be doing so many productive and beneficial things. I could be writing, cleaning, making art, exercising, reading. But instead, I just ate a

Okay, I confess... I stuffed up. That being said, I stand by this advice: Give it a go. I encourage you to take action and try. What's the worst that can happen? Well, let me tell you. One of the cartoons I created for Bannockburn News I create cartoons for our local quarterly news publication. Over the weekend, I was telling a friend about it and they asked whether I had approached another much larger local news publication to see if they were interested in using my cartoons

Two months ago, I wrote this blog post: To Market, To Market: On Failure and Mentally Preparing Myself for my First Market Stall . Well, last weekend market happened, so it’s time for a post-market review and summary. Here’s what I learned, what worked, what didn’t, and how it went down. First up, I need to say that I literally lost sleep being anxious about my first market. I slept poorly for the three nights beforehand, too busy thinking (and catastrophising). I wrote this

I went to a funeral the other day, so allow me to get dark for a few minutes. Let's spend some time thinking, talking, and reading about death... I love you, but you’re going to die, and so am I. Yep Western culture wants us to preface that by saying “but not for a long time yet,” or “we don’t need to worry about that”. I'm not worried, and I don’t know when and that’s okay ... but death is still coming for us. I’m not being morbid or tactless, I’m being real. Death is uncomf

A while ago, I went to see a bunch of kids (including one of my own) sing and play instruments at our local pub. It was fun, I was proud, and it got me thinking… Why do adults not play more? Making paperbark pictures with Miss 10 I feel confident that most schools could easily pull together a set full of kiddos who are willing to give performing a go. But, could any workplace? Perhaps they could, but in general, it feels as if children are more willing to put their reputation

Hello! Look, I am smiling. Please approach me. I've been wanting to have a go at selling my books face-to-face at markets and events, but I've been scared and have put it off for YEARS! It's now time. My first market stall application has been submitted, public indemnity insurance has been purchased, and stock has been ordered. Together, let's mentally prepare for my first market stall. Two days ago, I spent over $1000 on my own books, which feels like quite a declaration of

Whether you create to make a living or as a hobby, setting goals for a new year can help you thrive! Here's what goal-setting looks like for me as a self-published author, poet, artist, and blogger. Hopefully, this will help and encourage you to set your own goals as a creative for every new year. Hello there! THE FIRST STEP Before I can start setting goals for a new year, I need to review my goals for the finishing year and try to work out what worked, what didn't, and why.

If I said that not much has happened in 2025, I would be lying. I certainly didn't top bestseller lists or go on a worldwide tour, but things are happening that I am happy and encouraged about. So, here's the yearly recap of an indie author and creative human for 2025. Hrmmm I had a go at reviewing my goals partway through the year in this post: There's Still Time! Reviewing my Goals (for 2025) . This was a broader look at the goals I set and how I was tracking towards them (

It has been proven time and again that focusing on the things we are grateful for every day is hugely beneficial for us. Let's get thankful! Here's a list of 27 things that I am grateful for right now.

Did you set goals for 2025? At the time of writing, there are still 98 days left to get things done. So, it's time for us to revisit...

I'm putting off my writing by writing. I'm procastiwriting. Stop it! Now, get back to work.

Can you relate to wondering how reading can be a source of joy when there is so much to do and so many better ways that you could spend...

I wrote a poem called 'Stomping on the Daisies' after a brief interaction with a stranger on the internet. It's a poem about people who...

We used to put people up on pedestals. Back when I went to school (in the 90s), I thought the famous people I idolised were pretty close...

This blog is the result of a long and honest conversation I had at my kitchen table with someone I trust. We ended up getting...

I went for a naked float the other day in a dark pod. Have you heard of a float tank before? Have you been in one? Would you like to? Why...

Push through with this one. This blog demonstrates how important it is to focus on the right stuff. The first half is me having a sook...

Would a few million dollars, a personal chef, and a regular house cleaner make you happy? Would it, really ? Do you know what makes you...