Everyone loves John Irving – and here is one of his quotes I’ve been trying to track down for a long time. If you’re a writer and you’ve ever asked yourself, why the hell do I do this, the last sentence may bring some peace.
Why the *&ck do I write?
posted on June 24, 2013 by Justin in Uncategorized
#Winning with Books For Change
posted on June 14, 2013 by Justin in Random Style
Last year I was appointed Ambassador for Cottonsoft Books for Change. This involved visiting Indonesia and speaking to kids in learning centres in the Sumatra region. Due to the lack of reading materials in those centres, a campaign was set up whereby Kiwi schools could donate books. The response has been brilliant. So far thousands of books have been donated by New Zealand schools. The plan is to make the initiative a worldwide one. Nice job!
Pic: Myself with Brooke Dobson on TVNZ’s ‘Breakfast.’
Why every writer needs a trampoline
posted on May 27, 2013 by Justin in Wordy advice
Some authors say writer’s block is just flat batteries. I agree, but sometimes, no matter how hard you try, those damn words glue themselves to the inside of your head and refuse to play ball. When this happens thank your lucky stars you’re a writer, not a glassblower. The latter is chained to their shed or studio.
All you need is a laptop and $5 for coffee.
Move your office. Choose a cafe with a brilliant view. Write in the park. I’ve even taken a notebook out to the trampoline and jumped about like a doofus while the kids are at school. I tell you, five minutes of that and thoughts start to zing around your head like sherbet on the tongue. And it’s cheaper than cigarettes.
If you’re in a rut, shift your headspace. Literally. Do whatever works. You’ll be surprised what lurks beneath.