Update...

Well it's been a month since I posted anything and quite honestly I haven't wanted to blog as you know I'm in the process of building a new site.  Well that process is taking awhile isn't it?  Way too long, I say but there ya go...I'm stuck between a rock and hard place.  Do I blog frequently and stick to the same old format which I'm growing to dislike by the day or do I wait to blog on the new format? which BTW I hope will be so much more fun than this site.  Lots more interesting and engaging and I do look forward to your feedback once it's up.


In the meantime just updating and letting you know that life has just gotten in the way and hopefully I will be back on track (I was on a roll for a bit) and then I derailed.  I could just put up the blog page but...and I wouldn't mind your opinion on this actually but...I didn't want a blog and all these incomplete pages attached to it while I add content...what are your thoughts?

Alan Baxter's presentation on blogging.
Picture: Midnight Rambler

I have had some great writerly experiences lately - I've subbed a couple of stories, about to sub a YA novel, have been to the Digital Writers Conference as part of the Emerging Writers Festival which was totally awesome.  Here is a great overview of what happened by Alan Baxter   


It was at this conference where I fell deeply and madly in love with twitter.  It was one of those moments where we'd been skirting around this crazy online half-hearted relationship and then BAM - it all clicked and I fell in love.  Here is the perfect post about understanding twitter by Alan Baxter again, and when you've read it you will know why I love it sooooo' much.  You can follow me here if you're interested :) 


In a week's time I'm attending the Amplified Author Bootcamp presented by if:book Australia, another exciting weekend.  As an emerging writer I'm finding the whole digital medium pretty damn exciting and I want to learn as much as I can so I can make informed choices of how I want to share my stories and of course share knowledge via my facebook page, twitter and here, well no, not here but on my new website - when it's up :)


Anyway, that's it for now and I hope to be blogging thick and fast before the end of the year on my new and improved fandangled site.


Until then...midnight rambler putting head down, bum up and getting the new site under way....

We'd rather fight with music - choosing when the rhythm warms...

Where hip-hop meets reggae, where jazz is played with dirty hands, where a Cuban line meets an Aussie rule, where nothing seems in place but sounds like many places played in one earthy chord. This is the island where THE CAT EMPIRE was born. (Written by the band in 2001)

The first day in October has seen a massive shift for me.  Such a good day on so many levels and the icing on the cake was seeing The Cat Empire celebrate 10 years of LIVE shows along with 1,500 other people at the Tivoli in Brisbane.


I could write a review on the band, the gig, the venue but it's best said here. And I have kinda talked about these guys numerous times over the years.  You can read more on my blog here and here.


Watch the video here for a teaser of just how good these guys are.



I can literally talk about this amazing group of musicians forever because (and this is not just my opinion) they have been hailed as being one the best LIVE acts in the world.  I love their albums but their gigs are something completely different - a spirit and magick that has to be witnessed to understand the true essence of who The Cat Empire really are.  They're a group of guys who leave their egos at the door.  Their on-stage presence is powerful, uplifting and the most talented bunch of musos in the world.


I've lost count of how many times I've seen them perform LIVE.  Every Brisbane gig I'm there :)  And every gig is completely different than the last.  Even though you may have heard a song over 100 times, they will put a unique spin on it every time.


Which brings me to why I'm not writing a review about The Cat Empire but more about a project I've been working on for over twelve months inspired by The Cat Empire songs.  I've written three of the planned twelve stories.  I'm a bit behind schedule - it was supposed to be one story a month for a year but somehow life got in the way.


My stories are not based on the content of The Cat Empire songs as my stories are dark, sometimes supernatural with the horror in the mundane which of course is nothing like a Cat Empire song.  Their songs are full of light and hope and joy and they are the best Australian party starters!


But because of the way my mind is geared I write dark, I write contemporary stories always verging on horror either in the character, situation or place, and for some bizarre reason I'm not sure How to Explain - The Cat Empire songs provide the inspiration.  I'm not sure how Felix or Harry or Ryan or Jumps or Will or Ollie would feel about this but if I change the titles they don't have to know :)


What inspires you in your life whether it be through music, art, words or just life itself?  


Midnight rambler still on a high and dancing to The Chariot

Ten reasons why every author should blog...

This post believe it or not has been surrounded by a lot of indecision.  Last weekend I had the good fortune of attending a workshop at the QWC on Blogging and Social Networking with Joanna Penn

Why the indecision? because it was damn amazing and insightful it really reinforced why I need a new blog/website – like NOW!  So the question was: Do I build a new blog site before I make anymore posts or keep posting on the existing one until I have the new one up and running?  It’s all fraught with problems because if I keep posting to the old format while working on the new one – my old one continues to grow when in fact I want to archive it. 

And since now I have returned to working full time with a 4.30am rise and shine, and sadly no, not to write (I wish) my routine is totally out of whack.  I was working nights so you can see what this might be doing to my body clock let alone finding time to build a new blog/website. 

So I’ve decided to post on the old blog for this post (new one is coming) because the things I learned from the workshop was just too good not to share. 

Ten reasons for starting and/or improving your author platform:

1.       A blog is a website with special powers

2.       Bloggers are a powerful community

3.       Every writer should blog – here’s why

4.       People connect with faces – Vlog!

5.       Online networking with other Authors, Bloggers and Marketers 

6.       Online presence with quality content

7.       Baby steps…it all takes time to grow your business

8.       WordPress, Blogger is all free and great to get started but as your business grows consider owning your site – here are some of the reasons why

9.       Social Media isn’t a fad, it’s a fundamental shift in the way we communicate. Check out this amazing video.

10.   Embrace the Twitter – its power is extremely effective for online networking and promoting your business/brand.  Here are some great tips

What are you doing to promote your author brand?  Please share your tips and/or ideas - I still have soooo' much to learn :)

Midnight Rambler embracing the twitter...

Queensland summer...

If you love Queensland, or have lived in Queensland or visited Queensland

or ever dreamed about coming to Queensland - then this song is for you :)

In spite of Queensland's tragic flooding events and being on a current 'cyclone watch' for not just one but two! I wanted to find some fun in all of this heavy weight pressing down on us.  Evil Eddie throws an interesting spin on the Queensland summer! 





Midnight rambler loves the Sunshine State....

The Lamplights: from heartfelt folk to driving acoustic funk and blues...

If you are a Triple J listener then you might have heard of The Lamplights - and if you're not a listener you still might like to check them out here at unearthed. 

Unearthed is triple j’s award-winning initiative for discovering and sharing the best new Australian music. This local Gold Coast band is so good I just had to post a review.

"The Lamplights is such a beautiful name.  It conjures up gorgeous images of time past, of dark and foggy cobble-stoned streets in London, warmed by the delectable glow of lamplights. [read more...]

 Grab a beverage of your choice, put your feet up and have a listen to the wonderful Ryan Gittoes on voals, Jason McGregor and Ashley Perrow, both on guitar in this clip from the ABC.  You not only get two songs, but an added bonus for your time - an interview!

Remember to check out their gig guide and support local music in a town near you and if you live interstate you can download some of their mp3's for free here or purchase their wonderful debut album here 

Enjoy :)





Midnight rambler preparing for Triple J's world-wide party on Australia Day and listening out for The Lamplights...

How you can help...





Some great ways to donate for Queensland flood relief.  Click on the pictures for more details. 

From devastation, despair, our darkest hour...comes hope, sunshine and the spirit to move forward and rebuild...

Yes, I’m talking about the Queensland Floods that have thrown Brisbane and Queensland into 75% disaster zone and the chaos has been described by Premier Anna Bligh as being of ‘post war proportions’. 

There has been a lot of comparisons between this flood and the 1974 floods when the Brisbane river broke its banks once before.  I wasn’t living in Brisbane then, I wasn't even in Australia so I have no recollection of it, but like many, have heard the stories.  What happened here in January, 2011 is a new story - our story.  For some - a repeated story.

Click on picture for a slideshow of flood afffected areas

 

 

Toowoomba



I haven’t blogged about it because quite frankly, I don’t know what to say.  I’ve been rendered speechless and there are so many good blogs out there who have managed to report the deluge succinctly and with something to say.   I, on the other hand don’t know what to say except: for giving condolences for lives lost; for homes lost; for treasured memories lost.  My heart breaks for each and every one of you. 

On my walk around Moreton Bay (which has been unaffected by flood inundation) the day after the deluge is when it started to really sink in.  I had clear evidence of the debris being washed up into the bay from the Brisbane river: furniture; huge water tanks; massive dead pythons; rotting fruit and vegetables, and then there is the muddy water - the stink. 

Margate Beach

Queens Beach

No longer was I watching images on the television: the shocking images of  people being washed away to their death; houses and cars completely submerged; rail lines buckled; domestic animals and wildlife dead while others struggled for survival. 

Just the simple images of debris and the filthy ocean and smell made it all real.  But of course nowhere near the proportions of what people are dealing with in places like West End, Rosalie, Toowong, Goodna, Ipswich and the list continues.  The stink I’ve heard is quite putrid not to mention toxic! 

For those of you who don’t know, I became a naturalised Australian in 1991 after leaving the shores of New Zealand behind me in 1984 for the bright lights of Sydney. Sydney became my home, my shelter, my new birth place.   In that moment of taking the oath I was so proud to be an Australian and have embraced the Australian way of life ever since. 

Since moving to Brisbane in 1994, I’ve spent most of my time bayside in the Sandgate area and more recently have embraced the peninsula which I love to bits.  Over the past few days I’ve seen Brisbane rally to their neighbours in crisis and help clear out their mud sodden, ruined homes.  The streets of the flood stricken areas resemble some kind of normalcy except for the remains and debris of people’s lives piled high on the footpaths waiting to become landfill.  Power has been restored to most parts of Brisbane and the CBD has opened its doors to business again.

This is a cleanup of massive scale and so many things have happened over the past week I can’t even retain half of it in my head.  I have retained it all in my heart, though and sometimes my heart aches so much I think it might break. 

It aches with sorrow, and with pride.  I am again standing in that moment of being proud to be Australian – I’m not sure I've lived in Brisbane long enough for me to say I’m a proud Queenslander but I am Australian.  Australia is my home and of which Brisbane has been a huge part of my home for 17 years.  So whatever it is, Queenslander, Sydney-sider – I’m proud. 

The cleanup is going to take up to two years to get Brisbane back on its feet again and you know what? I want to stay here, I want to be a part of the community that rebuilds this city and one day when I’ve lived here long enough I might even earn the title of being a proud Queenslander!

Click here for some footage of the beginnings of the massive cleanup and here for stills.

If you are unable to physically assist with the clean up please donate Queensland needs our help. 

Midnight rambler hopeful about rebuilding and retaining the community spirit ♥

The Little Green Eco friendly look at Grammar!

  

Where do I start?  So much has happened in the past couple of weeks and I’m struggling to blog in a timely manner, which is kind of annoying me but feel a tad useless to do much about it since other things are taking up my time: like my other job; the grating never-ending insomnia; domestics and so on.  Nothing new to any of us, I know but it’s still managing to annoy the shit out of me.  But this post is about something extremely useful and clever and exciting like Grammar! 

And I’m in serious awe about those who understand the rules of grammar and have such a great handle on the use of language and its origins.  It’s fascinating stuff – something that would have bored me shitless as a teen now excites me and wishes I knew more.  The Little Green Grammar Book by Mark Tredinnick is a very good start.  I had the good fortune of attending his masterclass today at the Queensland Writers Centre.

I learned many things, actually, that I will need time to process and hopefully the penny will drop and I will have that a-ha moment and eventually get it.  I mean really get it. 

Get things like:

·         the proper use of a semi colon, which up until now I have avoided like the plague because  I don’t understand its correct use

·         the Em dash will become my friend

·         and I will re-embrace my use of long sentences, but make sure they do the job they’re intended to do. 

I will mix the sentences up: short, long and in-between, and as strange as this may sound it isn't necessarily easy to grasp.  However, (this word is a no, no in this context) I finally get what makes a sentence.

Shouldn’t I have already known this?  I’m a writer – doh!  Yes, I do know this on a subconscious level but not always on conscious level, so now when my grammar/spell check tells me there is a ‘verb confusion’ I now know what to look for and will quietly and methodically work through my completed manuscripts and take notice of my sentences, long, short or otherwise and see if I have the basic sentence structure. 

So, what is the basic sentence structure? 

Subject, verb, object, modifier – this is only the beginning as there are subordinates clauses and main clauses, sentences declarative, interrogatory, directive and exclamative. 

We covered things like: preposition in space and in time; pronouns; conjunctions; clusters of words or phrases and many more.  I am now in possession of Mark’s eco friendly little green grammar book and I will study this and aim to improve.  Make better use of my sentences, write strong and grammatically correct sentences so at the very least if I break the rules know what rules I’m breaking.

As Mark taught us today - ‘The rules of grammar are the rules for paradise’.

And a quote from his book, the little green grammar book:

‘Learn the rules’, wrote the zen poet Basho, ‘and forget the rules’.  Just don’t ignore them. They’ll set your writing free.

Forgive me for any grammatical errors in this post.  Disclaimer:  I’m very tired nd I’m still trying to grasp this wonderful thing called the English language that has origins in so many other languages.  While Mark makes grammar sound simple and I guess it is – I’m also going to be unlearning bad habits of poor school curriculum, teachers who had no idea, many years of secretarial dumb ass grammatical rules that are now redundant, and everything I thought I knew about grammar in creative writing, has somehow, over time been lost, confused, or taken out of context. 

So yep, I have a lot to learn but I feel excited that I’m so much closer to understanding what I’m doing on a conscious level and looking forward to the day of breaking the rules because I know I can J

Mark will be launching his new collection of poems ‘Fire Diary’ Monday, 29 November, 2010

Where: Avid Reader, 193 Boundary Street, West End

When:  6.00 – 8pm.

Cost:      $5 

RSVP:    email: events@avidreader.com.au or online: www.avidreader.com.au or by phone: 3846 3422

Midnight rambler finding the rhythm in sentences

Mark Tredinnick, is Qld Premier's Literary Award Winner and author of "The Blue Plateau",  "The Little Green Grammar Book", "The Little Red Writing Book" and "The Little Black Book of Business Writing" and more recently his new collection of poetry "Fire Diary".

Grammar is my weak point and I found out today that ‘grammar is about the sentence’, and ‘verbs are magick’.  This is important, very important – I do like this, so much so, that today I feel stronger, better, slightly more confused and befuddled but somehow quietly confident that I learned a thing or two today.

GALA/FINAL - SHORT + SWEET THEATRE



S+S cast

 What a week it’s been and so much to share.  Firstly, Saturday 20^th November was the Finals/Gala of the Short + Sweet Theatre Festival here in BrisVegas @ the Judith Wright Centre.  I was excited beyond words to not only be an audience participant for Week 2 of the top 20 on the Friday night but again at the final/Gala Award night on Saturday.   I not only witnessed some really amazing plays but my little play,The Corpse cannot Play was in the Top Ten alongside some of the best!

We were all winners in effect, just having made it into the top 30 was something of an achievement for all of the entrants and congrats to all those who did.  It’s been a top festival and something I’m been very proud to be a part of. 

It’s great to support local theatre and all of the arts for that matter and even if I hadn’t had a play performing,  Short + Sweet  Theatre is well worth buying a ticket for.  You get bite size chunks of theatre from all different genres and no chance to get bored as none of them go longer than ten minutes and what a variety you get to see over one night.  Ten plays, all different.  Some make you laugh, others cry and maybe even shiver with excitement or creeping fear.  It’s great and I for one will be supporting this every year whether I have a play being performed or not.

It was wonderful having so many of my friends come along in support for my play but also for supporting other artists, writers, actors, and directors while being entertained.

Thanks to the awesome Short +Sweet crew, Candice Diana and Sean Dennehy and the many more who I didn’t get to meet.

And now for the winners:

Nuns Gone Wild

The Short+Sweet Award Presented to the best overall production - taking into consideration acting, directing and script - performed at the Gala Final.

Nuns Gone Wild

Writer: Leon Foo

Director: Tim Driver

Cast: Bronwyn Morrow, Barbara Chaffe, Marion Welsch

Best Comedy Presented to the writer of the Best Comedy performed at the Gala Final.

Nuns Gone Wild

Writer: Leon Foo

Director: Tim Driver

Cast: Bronwyn Morrow, Barbara Chaffe, Marion Welsch

Best Drama Presented to the writer of the Best Drama performed at the Gala Final.

The Devil’s Aftershave

Writer: Pete Malicki

Director: Matthew Filkins

Cast: Jeremy Wood.

Michelle Miall & Sean Dennehy

Best Director Presented to the Best Director of plays performed at the Gala Final.

Michelle Miall 

for

Lifetime

Writer: Angie Farrow

Sound Designer: Cameron Rollo

Cast: Dirk Hoult, Emma Che Martin.

Best Actor (male) Presented to the actor who gave the most outstanding performance throughout the festival.

Jeremy Wood

for

The Devil’s Aftershave

Writer: Pete Malicki

Director: Matthew Filkins

Cast: Jeremy Wood.

Best Actor (female) Presented to the actor who gave the most outstanding performance throughout the festival.

Bronwyn Morrow

for

Nuns Gone Wild

Writer: Leon Foo

Director: Tim Driver

Cast: Bronwyn Morrow, Barbara Chaffe, Marion Welsch

The Wildcards Winner The play judged to be the best overall production (taking into consideration acting, directing and script) performed during the Wildcards.

Queen Of De Nile

Wrought Iron Productions

Writer: Carmen Cuskelly

Director: Christopher Cherry

Cast: Carmen Cuskelly

Best New Talent Presented to an emerging writer, director or actor who performed outstandingly either at the Gala Final or during the festival.

Marion Welsch

for

Scissors. Paper. Rock.

Writer: Marion Welsch

Director: Marion Welsch

Little Black Duck Productions

and

Nuns Gone Wild

Writer: Leon Foo

Director: Tim Driver

Cast: Bronwyn Morrow, Barbara Chaffe, Marion Welsch

Best ITC Presented to the Independent Theatre Company who presented the most outstanding overall production either at the Gala Final or throughout the festival.

Testy

Wrought Iron Productions

Concept: Christopher Cherry

Writer: Carmen Cuskelly

Director: Christopher Cherry

Cast: Chris Holt, Adam Drake, Christopher Cherry, Fabienne Drake, Evie Richards.

 and

Queen Of De Nile

Wrought Iron Productions

Writer: Carmen Cuskelly

Director: Christopher Cherry

Cast: Carmen Cuskelly

People’s Choice Award For the most popular play as voted by audiences throughout the festival.

Testy

Wrought Iron Productions

Concept: Christopher Cherry

Writer: Carmen Cuskelly

Director: Christopher Cherry

Cast: Chris Holt, Adam Drake, Christopher Cherry, Fabienne Drake, Evie Richards.

Congrats to all and now can’t wait for next year :)

Midnight rambler is planning.

The Corpse cannot Play



Just some of the lovely audience...

More pix of celebration from the 'Wildcard' session of The Corspe cannot Play held at the Judith Wright Centre for the Contemporary Arts Saturday 13th November can be found here

Professionals shot of the dress rehearsal coming soon...Stay tuned

Midnight rambler contemplating writing some story beats

Corpses, ghosts and broken glass...

Jessica Armbrust (Director) with Moi (writer)

Finally got to meet the beautiful and talented Jessica Armbrust (Director of my ten minute play) The Corpse cannot Play and the lovely actors Susie Omar (who played Katherine) and Alex Hines (Carol).  Their performance was convincing, and exuberant bringing my characters to life.

Alex Hines & Susie Omar

I'm so incredibly excited about how this play was represented.  With no prior collaboration or discussion as planned, Jessica interpreted my vision pretty much spot on.  Susie and Alex owned their roles as Katherine and Carol giving it their all. 

It was fantastic to have my wonderful supportive friends come out and watch it along with nine other great plays.

Was I nervous on the night?  Hell yeah.  Not because I didn't trust the direction or the performances - it was more about it being out there for the world to see...but love it or hate it -  I'm still rapt my little play saw the light of day...

We didn't make the finals but nevertheless it was a blast.  It's not over yet as we enter into week two of the top 20 plays.  I have tix for Friday and Saturday night which include the Gala/Finals.

If you haven't checked out the biggest and coolest little play festival in the world then don't delay!  Do it now by booking tickets here.

Midnight rambler doing the happy dance ♥

Short + Sweet Theatre Festival 10 November – 20 November 2010



November 10 - 20, 2010

 Great newz!!
Yes, I'm just a little bit excited to announce that The Corpse cannot Play - written by moi has made the Wildcard sessions of the Short + Sweet Theatre Festival held at the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts -Brisbane.

If you've been following this blog you would have read my blog post about this amazing theatre group and if you haven't read it, and would like to - you can read it here

Details for Wildcard entry:

What:     The Corpse cannot Play

Where:  Performance Space, Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts

When:    Saturday 13th November, 2010 @ 1pm & 4pm

Tickets can be purchased here or by phone (07) 3872 9000 9am–4pm Mon-Fri or email boxoffice@jwcoca.qld.gov.au

Tickets are:  Adult $28 and Concession $24.

Be sure to secure your tickets early as the season – especially the Wildcard and Gala Final performances will sell out quickly.

Check out the flyer below for full details.

Looking forward to seeing you there!



Midnight rambler is doing the happy dance…