Ta-Nehisi Coates, The Message, and the Physical Courage of Writing

For any collective of writers, whether aspiring novelists, seasoned journalists, or poets navigating the quiet solitude of the draft, the figure of Ta-Nehisi Coates stands as a singular, provocative study in the power of the written word. He is not merely a commentator on the American condition; he is a craftsman who has systematically dismantledContinue reading “Ta-Nehisi Coates, The Message, and the Physical Courage of Writing”

Helen Garner and the Narrative Construction of Self in ‘How to End a Story’

Helen Garner, born in 1942, is widely recognised as one of Australia’s most significant contemporary literary figures. Her career spans multiple genres, including those of novelist, short-story writer, journalist, and screenwriter. Educated at the University of Melbourne, her literary debut, Monkey Grip (1977), was explosive, immediately establishing her as an original and often controversial voiceContinue reading “Helen Garner and the Narrative Construction of Self in ‘How to End a Story’”

The Booker Prize Short List – Andrew Miller

This is the sixth and last post in which we examine the six writers shortlisted for the 2025 Booker Prize, with the winner to be announced on Monday, 10 November. Andrew Miller, The Art of Undecidability, and the Cold Crucible of The Land in Winter Andrew Miller is one of those rare literary figures whoseContinue reading “The Booker Prize Short List – Andrew Miller”

The Booker Prize Short List – Ben Markovits

This is the fifth of six posts in which we examine the six writers shortlisted for the 2025 Booker Prize, with the winner to be announced on Monday, 10 November. The Architecture of Quiet Confidence: Analysing the Craft of Ben Markovits Ben Markovits’ twelfth novel, The Rest of Our Lives, shortlisted for the 2025 BookerContinue reading “The Booker Prize Short List – Ben Markovits”

The Booker Prize Short List – Katie Kitamura

This is the third of six posts in which we examine the six writers shortlisted for the 2025 Booker Prize, with the winner to be announced on Monday, 10 November. The Forensic Intellect: Inside the Craft and Contingency of Katie Kitamura Katie Kitamura occupies a rare and pivotal position in contemporary literature, one where theContinue reading “The Booker Prize Short List – Katie Kitamura”

Write Your Way to Well-being: The Benefits of Journaling

For most writers, the journal is a place for capturing a fleeting idea, working out a tricky plot point, or simply recording the day’s events. But what if that simple act of putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) is doing far more than helping you with your craft? What if it’s a powerfulContinue reading “Write Your Way to Well-being: The Benefits of Journaling”

The Art of Storytelling: Granta’s Enduring Impact

Granta has, for over a century, been a vital home for new writing, a mirror reflecting societal shifts, and a launchpad for some of the most significant voices in contemporary literature. From its unassuming beginnings as a student publication to its current stature as an international literary powerhouse, Granta‘s journey is a compelling narrative ofContinue reading “The Art of Storytelling: Granta’s Enduring Impact”

When Fandom Turns Toxic: Understanding and Combating Cyberbullying in the Literary World

The digital age has transformed the landscape of authorship, once mainly characterised by solitary creation and the subsequent critical reception of a finished work. While the internet provides exceptional opportunities for authors to engage with readers, foster communities, and promote their work, it also presents a significant and growing threat: cyberbullying. This widespread issue, markedContinue reading “When Fandom Turns Toxic: Understanding and Combating Cyberbullying in the Literary World”

The Authentic Blur: Navigating Memoir, Autofiction, and the Quest for Truth in Personal Narrative

Introduction: The Evolving Landscape of Personal Narrative The contemporary literary landscape has undergone a profound transformation, witnessing a significant rise in the prominence of personal narrative forms. This includes the enduring appeal of traditional memoir and the emergence of autofiction as a compelling, yet often controversial, genre.1 These narrative modes collectively challenge conventional notions ofContinue reading “The Authentic Blur: Navigating Memoir, Autofiction, and the Quest for Truth in Personal Narrative”

Your World, Your Rules

The Art of World-Building The art of world-building, often thought of as something only for fantasy stories filled with dragons and magic, is an essential skill for any writer creating a fictional world. Whether you’re crafting a futuristic galaxy in science fiction, a meticulously detailed past in historical fiction, or even a subtly altered versionContinue reading “Your World, Your Rules”