Nonfiction writers - time to apply for this fellowship- applications close 12th Aug:
arts.unimelb.edu.au/scholarships...
The $20,000 award is intended to further a work in progress from writers in the non-fiction fields of biography, autobiography and life writing.

If you need time and space to write - writing fellowships at Varuna Writers’ House in the Blue Mts now available: writingnsw.org.au/getsupport/p...

How much truth to tell? Memoir feels like a dangerous art at times - I’ve written and taught it for a fair percentage of my life - and survived ( with a scratch or two) thus far. I love it but it is tricky. My latest course is at the Faber Academy in London: faberacademy.com/product/star...

Writers, this annual writing comp out of Newcastle is a good one, entries close soon: hunterwriterscentre.org/2025-grieve/

Memoir writing workshop at the Faber Academy in London - you can enrol now.
faberacademy.com/product/star...

Discovering a new/old writer - Australian writer, Elizabeth Harrower’s ‘The Watch Tower’ first published in 1966. It could have been written today in that it explores coercive control before any of us knew the term. Powerful poetic writing, fine psychological insights, utterly absorbing narrative.

Writers interested in writing on climate change - a fellowship is available at Varuna: www.varuna.com.au/for-writers/...

Congratulations to all the NSW Literary Awards winners. And a special mention and thanks to all the judges - it’s a very difficult job. www.sl.nsw.gov.au/awards/nsw-l...

Ah, the relief! Especially thrilled that Carol Berry won the seat of Whitlam - she was girl captain at Hazelbrook primary school ( in the Blue Mts) when Matt Reeder (older son) was boy captain - I thought even then she was future PM material. One day…

Walking at fabulous Mt Buffalo - what a beautiful rocky landscape.

Great political cartoon from Phil Somerville. ( He’s happy to hear from aficionados at: phil.somerville@somerville cartoons.com )

The love of wonders and marvels - this piece might provide some refreshment in these bewildering times: www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

Writers- another good opportunity - the Big Issue once-a-year call out for fiction submissions - thebigissue.org.au/news/fiction/

Writers from Regional Australia - have a look at this residency at Varuna Writers House: -https://www.varuna.com.au/for-writers/roderick-residential

‘Monday March 11th, 1935: ‘Despair at the badness of the book: can’t think how I can write such stuff - and with such excitement: that’s yesterday: today I think it good again.’ (from Virginia Woolf’s diary, which is being read aloud here each evening.) plus ça change. #writing.

I’ve just watched the film, ´The Story of Souleyman’ - what a powerful insight into the lives of asylum seekers. ( It’s on at the French Film Festival , Sydney and Melbourne). Should be seen by all politicians who make judgements about ‘illegals’.

Still unsure how to navigate Bluesky ( both literally and metaphorically) so any navigation tips/ maps are welcome. As I said in the ‘other place’, I like maps, especially ones that allow me to see the big picture and the fine detail at the same time. My own path will hopefully cross many others.

I’ve just arrived here on bluesky and am wondering where I am and how to find other fellow-travellers. I’m interested in writing, reading, walking, sojourning, the natural world, the state of the world, (deeply worried) social justice, the nature of existence, beauty and truth… the usual.