Why am I speaking up? A significant cultural institution has withdrawn $15000 from me because of a tweet, posted about 7 months ago, that was not controversial (but could have been worded with less emotion), that I deleted shortly after posting. For that post, I'm being punished

Today’s desk posy. We had a deep, harsh frost this morning so these are definitely the last of this season’s nasturtiums. The rest outside are mush now!

This entire situation is so shameful. Ren Wyld is an uncompromising advocate for humanity and justice for all oppressed peoples. She has been honest about the challenges of funding writing work in this economy. This is a devastating blow to a staunch Blak writer’s livelihood.

Remarkable. Astonishing. Wickedly funny. And absolutely wonderful. I just finished ‘Lolly Willowes’ by Sylvia Townsend Warner and I can’t recommend it enough. #amreading theguardian.com/books/2014/sep…

Perfect purchasing from Potts Point Book Shop! #spiritofthecrocodile

This handsome magpie (Barrawarn in the language of the Wurundjeri) visits daily. More often if he knows we’re home. Takes a few for himself then flies off with 1 in his beak for baby in the nest. When he’s done, the rest goes on the grass for his waiting family. What a privilege.

Today’s desk posy, a la the brilliant Emma Mitchell 💙. Follow her - you won’t be sorry 💕

Insightful. Compelling. Thoughtful. And ooff- that ending! Much more about people than about Thoroughbreds, but nevertheless spot on in its depiction of horses (less common than you might think 🙄). Definitely worth your time. #AmReading

What a nice surprise! I've been invited to host a session at the always excellent Bendigo Writers Festival. Join me on Saturday 16 Aug at session #26. Bonny Cassidy, Paul Daley & I will discuss prize winning Irish novel 'The Spinning Heart'. bendigowritersfestival.com.au

Daughter decided to add fish to our menagerie. We were each granted permission to name one. Mine’s called Phryne Fisher.

Well, that's a decent milestone. Only 80,000 to go 🙄

Today’s desk posy. Bit scruffy but it’s been a tough, dry and frosty few months in the garden. Thank goodness we’ve now had some rain.

Sharp. Intelligent. Thoughtful. ‘Monument’ explores living as a white Australian on stolen land. I’ve read a few of these lately and this is by far the best. #amreading Giramondo Publishing

Tickets for Bendigo Writers Festival now available. Session 26 on the Saturday looks pretty good, just sayin 😉 bendigowritersfestival.com.au

We had to put him down, suddenly and unexpectedly, just before Easter. He was an obnoxious thug. I miss him every day. RIP Merlin 2013-2025

When I say it’s been a bit frosty at our place, this is what I mean!

I’m a huge fan of the incomparable Alan Garner (Google him if you’re unclear) so was always going to pounce on this latest release. It’s every bit as good as I hoped. #AmReading

Is cursive script so-named because it is cursed? A brief discussion of the joys - and frustrations - of working with archival records written in cursive script. #AmWriting michellescotttucker.com/cursive-script/

👇

TFW you find one last Easter egg, a couple of months after the hunt!