December 2025 marked the fifth anniversary of Every Second Tuesday, the anthology released by Elwood Writers in 2020. In the middle of a crazy lockdown – particularly tough in Melbourne – my group launched its book through an online event with Readings books. One story included was my personal essay 'The White Woman’, written after a … Continue reading Stories, Songs and a Post Office in Harlem
Tag: memoir
The (Emotional) Cost of Writing
Memoirists might agree that the cost of writing is high. Yet, on the other hand, totally worth the price we pay. Deborah Levy’s book The Cost of Living is notable for its technique, as exemplified in the ambiguity of the title. If the cost of living our lives economically features in every other newspaper headline, then … Continue reading The (Emotional) Cost of Writing
Snatching Time to Write
Donna Talarico, editor and founder of Hippocampus Magazine, recently posted that despite her wishes to the contrary, her busyness didn’t ever seem to stop. I gave the post a laughing crying emoji. She’d been reading my mind. This busyness will be over soon and I'll be able to get back to writing. But the fact … Continue reading Snatching Time to Write
Reading for Radio
At Elwood Writers we are preparing our stories for Cover to Cover, a literary program broadcast on Vision Australia Radio. On this occasion Helen, Barry and I are choosing a selection of our pieces, including past favourites. 'The Writers' Choice', as we've named it, has no set theme, although one does inevitably emerge. A hint: … Continue reading Reading for Radio
How to Write a Book in Five Easy Minutes*
Recently I underwent eye surgery to remove a benign growth. It required an anaesthetic to render me unconscious for a period of time. As I slowly came ‘to’ and sensed the surgeon sewing the last of the stitches, I heard myself announce to the operating theatre, 'I’ve finished my book'. Anyone who knows me will … Continue reading How to Write a Book in Five Easy Minutes*
To Workshop or Not
Some people like to workshop their stories in formal classes, others do not. I personally hate it, but I do it anyway. Well, I don't hate it, but find it challenging. I’ve just returned from a writing excursion which took me far from my own country and way out of my comfort zone. At night, … Continue reading To Workshop or Not
Reading for Writers or for One Reader
When I first began teaching, my father told me that if I affected the life of just one child then it was worth it. That's what success was to him. He rarely gave advice. I was surprised he even knew what I was doing, so I nodded in agreement. It turned out that I needed … Continue reading Reading for Writers or for One Reader
The Tricks of Memory
Last month my second cousin, Eliza, died unexpectedly. I hadn’t known her well, but I cried at her funeral. My tears were not for her entirely, although she was too young to leave this earth and had lived a full and loving life. Photographs of Eliza, her husband, her children and grandchildren filled the middle … Continue reading The Tricks of Memory
The Synchronicity of Submissions
I’ve sent off quite a few submissions in my time. At least it feels that way. If there was a low strike rate during lockdown, I blame it on the growing number of people with more writing time on their hands, and them doing so. My preference for submitting is to non-fiction magazines whose work … Continue reading The Synchronicity of Submissions
Reading your Work – Aloud
I am preparing for a late afternoon soiree. In my own home. The household might have questions, I may feel nervous about giving a public reading, invited guests might feel 'iffy' about what is required of them. Who knows. But, nevertheless, I shall proceed. The reason? I want to develop certain memoir pieces to the … Continue reading Reading your Work – Aloud
WRITINGS AND MUSINGS OF MARGARET MCCAFFREY 