Writer Chaps

I'm not going to lie to you. There are no secret handshakes or rules that will get you on your particular dream-path. If there was, we'd all be on our own already. If you want to be a successful writer, be prepared to have to make up most of it as you go along. In these essays, Sean Williams-the bestselling author of over 120 short stories and fifty novels-shares his thoughts on the aspects of writing craft and the publishing business that young authors should know. Drawn from essays, keynotes, and presentations delivered over a decades-long career, “Eyes on the Stars: Writing Science Fiction & Fantasy” features Williams's thoughts on balancing passion and professionalism, understanding the new writer's career path, embracing the delicate art of writing media tie-ins, and reaching for the stars with your writerly ambitions. Whether you're looking for writing advice from one of the preeminent writers of Science Fiction and Fantasy working in Australia today, or you're a fan of William's work who'd like to capture a slice of his creative philosophies, this chapbook is chock full of advice from a veteran of the Australian genre scene.

The thing about an art-and one of the things I love about both Kung Fu and writing-is that you're never finished. No matter how good you get, no matter how much you achieve, you can always get better. In these essays, Alan Baxter-the author of cult horror hit The Roo, the Eli Carver series, and the Australian Shadows Award-winners Crow Shine and Best Served Cold-explores the relationships between horror fiction, a writer's craft and discipline, and the lessons brought to writing from his almost 40 years as a kung-fu practitioner and instructor. Drawn from presentations, blog posts, and articles exploring his own process, “The Martial Art of Writing” features Baxter's interrogation of the similarities between his kung fu and writing practices, the next steps that need to be taken when you realise you book is broken, writing killer fight scenes, embracing your darker impulses as a writer, and much more. Whether you're a fan of Baxter's dark imagination looking to plumb the origins of his nightmarish fiction, or an aspiring writer with a penchant for action and dark themes, this chapbook provides a glimpse into the mind and processes of one of Australian's most prominent writers of horror fiction.

Don't write merely to shock. People are used to shock-horror. You need to get beneath the skin. Use a flensing knife and keep it sharp. It's good to shock, but only as part of the story you tell. In these essays, Kaaron Warren-the Shirley Jackson Award-winning writer behind “Slights”, “The Greif Hole”, and “Into Bones Like Oil”, explores the craft and philosophy of trapping dark and disturbing fiction on the page. Drawn from essays, workshops, and articles about the craft and business of writing, “Capturing Ghosts on The Page” feature's Warren's tips on writing ghost stories, overcoming professional jealousy, working to an anthology brief, tapping your dreams for inspiration, and more. Whether you want an insight into the creative process that drives Warren's dark and enchanting fiction, or you are an aspiring writer seeking tips from one of the most talented authors of horror fiction writing today, this chapbook is a peek into the mindset and practice of a celebrated Australian author.