Unlikely Muse

What a first-time historical fiction writer learnt about choosing a muse.

Literary Festivals: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Have literary festivals sold out to vested interests or are they still one of the highlights of the year for readers and writers?

Women at Sea

Men have traditionally dominated the genre of maritime fiction but it’s time to shine the spotlight on women, both in books and in real life.

Reflections

This is the time of year to reflect on what’s behind and what’s ahead in the world of books – what you read last year and what you should read this year.

The Pudding That Says Summer

Looking for a lighter, fresher pudding for an Australian Christmas? Summer Pudding is the answer. Delicious and festively coloured for your Christmas table.

Women Writers Of A Certain Age

Older women writers face problems that can be overwhelming. Many women however are publishing successfully well into old age often for the first time.

Alice Among the Gourmands

Justin Spring’s book The Gourmands’ Way: Six Americans in Paris revives my interest in Alice Toklas

Mrs Beeton and the Domestic Goddess Myth

Mrs Beeton set the precedent for the domestic goddess myth that still drives women today to seek perfection in household management.

A Room of One’s Own

Virginia Woolf said women writers need a room of one’s own and a private income. They also need to overcome gender bias and sterotyping.

The Comfort of Casseroles

Casseroles may be homely unpretentious dishes, but in winter they’re ideal – comforting, hearty, satisfying and easy to prepare.