Personal posts step away from abstraction and into lived experience—moments, reflections, and decisions shaped by the author behind the work. These pieces explore perspective at its most direct, where observation becomes personal and the line between writer and subject begins to blur.
At our coastal home, writing dark fiction shares space with beehives, visiting birds and backyard chickens. Using leftover renovation materials, Margo and I built a secure chook pen and welcomed our new laying hens. Now we’re waiting for their first small, richly flavoured homegrown eggs to arrive for breakfast soon.
Backyard Chickens and Fresh Eggs: A Simple Step Towards Sustainable Living Read More »
A new book trailer? Not quite. This time, the trailer is for my boat. After years of registration limbo, missing paperwork and delicate family politics, I finally replaced the old beast with something new. Now the nonsense can stay ashore while Margo and I get back to fishing together again.
My New Trailer Is Finished Read More »
Facebook promised a country break, but karaoke, pizza and curiosity did the real work. Margo and I escaped to Dwellingup, explored its railway history, admired flowers, photographed the scenery and discovered clever cycling facilities. I’m still a city bloke, but next time we’ll return with our tent and insect repellent.
‘Visit The Country. Enjoy A Rural Break’, said a Facebook Karaoke Ad Read More »
Long before SEETHINGS, I stepped onto the stage as Fagin in PRIMA’s production of Oliver! Two contemporary reviews remembered the singing, dancing, costumes and chaos—and kindly named me among the show’s highlights. Here’s a nostalgic glimpse at one unforgettable community-theatre production and the colourful cast who brought it alive.
PRIMA’s Oliver! Musical Production: Review and Highlights Read More »
Some of popular music’s sweetest melodies conceal possessiveness, surveillance and pursuit. From The Police and Blondie to George Formby, familiar songs make troubling behaviour sound romantic, playful or harmless. Why do we happily sing along—and what happens when the music stops and the watcher remains outside our window tonight?
Stalking Songs That Resonate Well With Music Lovers (but really shouldn’t) Read More »
Author Michael Forman joins Bree Hartley to bring Linda J Bettenay’s Secrets Mothers Keep to life through theatrical readings. A year after discovering Linda’s search for an actor at Araluen, Michael returns to the gardens for the release of Wishes For Starlight, where he celebrates and enjoys the wine too.
Book release for ‘Wishes For Starlight’ Read More »
An overnight road trip takes Margo and me to New Norcia, Australia’s only monastic town, where history, creaking accommodation and old-world architecture share the landscape. From the monastery’s complicated past to the strange limestone figures of the Pinnacles, this short escape delivers character, reflection and plenty of open-road adventure.
Road Trip: Overnight Stay in Monastery Read More »
We needed a new garden shed but barely spent a cent building it. Leftover Jarrah, unwanted roofing iron and recycled shelves provided almost everything we needed. With a little ingenuity, some useful scraps and just $23 worth of screws, our recycled building materials became the appropriately named Shed 23, naturally.
We Built A New Shed For The Cost Of A Box Of Screws Read More »
