Author: Josephine Moon

Author. Speaker. Teacher. Editor. Manuscript Appraisals.

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Countdown to Write Your Novel & Bring A Friend for Free

The Countdown is On!

1747521000

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

Write Your Novel

Yes, it’s true! You can claim your spot in this year’s Write Your Novel cohort AND you can bring a friend for FREE!

Share the cost, or gift the whole thing to friend, or divvy it up like a lob-sided pizza share… whatever works for you.

WHY AM I GIVING AWAY FREE PLACES?!

Well, a few reasons:

  1. Life is just better with friends by your side! (It’s entirely possible that I might still be a little bit giddy with joy after making friendship bracelets this weekend just gone while celebrating the release of Millie and Stella.)
  2. I ran a “Bring a Friend for Free” promotion for my Summer of Short Stories workshop earlier this year and it made people happy (which makes me happy). Also, I saw two of those people at this weekend’s release celebrations and it reminded me, again, of how lovely it is when we get to help others feel happy!
  3. Forming writing buddies, sacred circles (more about that in The Artist’s Way course) and accountability to other people is a BIG part of being able to sustain a writing practice. You’ll likely form connections even if you join in the course by yourself, but again, it always helps to have a buddy by your side for that extra bit of courage and persistence.

So how about it? Got a friend, sister, brother, neighbour, parent, grown-up child, cousin, work buddy or exceptionally clever talking parrot? Go ahead, make their day! Invite them to join in and let’s help you to Write Your Novel this year.

All you have to do is sign up for yourself, then email me with your buddy’s full name and email address and we’ll be on our way.

Jo X

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Three Great Writing Resources

Gratitude for Millie and Stella (kids lit, middle grade)

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Writers Festival (my workshop for kids)

Write Your Novel (hybrid course – 2 for 1 deal! Bring a friend free!

The Artist’s Way (creative recovery for all, 12 week course, live)

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Release Your Novel: Master the Essential Storytelling Techniques

Do you want to write your novel this year? (Or, you know, sometime in this lifetime…?) Then, let’s get it done!

Join me in this six-month course, starting 18th May, and I’ll take you through all the different elements of story writing, including building great characters, how to change points of view (and when you should and shouldn’t do it), and how to make sure the ‘internal wiring’ of your novel’s story will actually work and light up your reader with joy, shock, or inspiration. We’ll cover dialogue, pacing, conflict (what does that mean, anyway?) and how to set the stakes and then how to raise them.

Maybe you’ve ways wanted to write a novel but don’t know where to start (or how to stop). Maybe you’ve tried to write a novel but you got lost along the way. Whatever stage you’re at, I can help!

This year, why not start (or try again) with a group of like-minded fellow writers? This course is perfect for you if you want the flexibility to learn how and when it suits you, while still progressing through the stages together. You’ll have options to receive feedback each month, and the ability to watch the videos when and where it suits you. Then, jump in to the monthly, live catch-ups, while also receiving email support in between.

Join now to take the first steps to make your writing dream come true. Head to the Awesome Workshops for all details and bookings. I can’t wait to help you get started.

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The Journey of Millie: From Dream to Book

Sometimes, stories and characters take many drafts and years to come to fruition. They’re like a friend you’ve had for 10 years who finally shows you themself in their ‘natural’ state — dressed in medieval role playing outfits. Other times, though, characters turn up like they opened the door, walked in, sat down and told you their life’s story. Millie is one of those. 

Roughly 15 or so years ago, I had a dream in which I was in labour and gave birth. I reached down and picked up a little girl who (in perfect dreamlike fashion), was about the size of doll, with long dark hair. She smiled at me and said, ‘Hi, my name’s Millie’, and I remember it clearly to this day. 

Fast forward a couple of years and I was pregnant. Millie! It must be Millie! But my little Millie wasn’t destined to stay. It was early in the pregnancy and I knew something had changed before the bleeding started. I lived in a tiny rural town and as it was still early enough (and, presumably, services were limited) I was sent home by myself to deal with the lengthy, unsupported and agonising passing. Time moved on, I had a baby boy, I got a book deal, I relocated to the coast. When my son, Flynn, was four-years-old, I was already contracted and scheduled to write big, adult fiction books, for years into the future. But I’d had a long-held dream to write children’s books, and I especially wanted to be able to get one out into the world while my son was still small enough to sit in my lap while I read it to him.

I committed to writing a terrible first draft (because you must allow yourself to write a terrible draft if you want to get to the good draft) and I would do it in 20-30 minute stints first thing in the morning. (I adapted practices from The Artist’s Way which I’d completed with a group of creatives 25 years prior.) They weren’t ideal writing conditions, but I had to do it anyway.

The summary is that over the next eight years the story went through multiple upgrades, variations, re-writes and changes in the cracks of time between my big book commitments. Now, to my rather excessive delight, I can share that IT IS FINALLY coming out into the world bigger, better and brighter than I had initially imagined it, and I couldn’t love it more!

Additionally, I can’t tell you how much deep joy it has brought me to ‘see’ my little Millie running around on the page, hanging out with ponies and puppies and chickens and her best friend, Stella, and dancing and drawing and reading and loving cheese and paella with her loving family. I truly feel like she has indeed come through me and now lives very much in these stories, right where she’s meant to be. I hope you love her as much as I do. And I hope you love her best friend, Stella, just as much, because it was actually Stella’s character’s energy that got this series up and off the ground in the first place. And when you meet both Millie and Stella, you’ll understand why. 🙂

P.S. I’ve told my now 12-year-old that he still needs to sit in my lap while I read him this story… Stay tuned for those pics!

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Join the Fun with Millie and Stella’s Pony Adventures!

Friends, I am so delighted to reveal my brand new children’s series (yes, a series!) that has been eight years in the making! Please, allow me to introduce you to Millie and Stella, Best Friends Forever.

Millie and Stella’s very favourite thing is riding their ponies together. But gates are being left open in their paddock, and Millie and Stella are being blamed! Can the girls figure out who is behind the mischief before their beloved ponies are put in danger?

Join best friends Millie and Stella for a week of friendship, adventure and a little bit of mystery . . .

This is the first book in an uplifting and inclusive series that celebrates friendship, family, neurodiversity, creativity and a love of animals and books. By the bestselling author of The Tea Chest and The Wonderful Thing about Phoenix Rose.

And, yes, there’s a pre-order competition!

Pre-order gift pack prizes include:

  • a one-of-a-kind collage artwork, featuring a purple hoof print from my Sparky pony (who is also a character in the series), dried lavender flowers from my property, and other floral features to symbolise the glorious ‘mindful walk’ garden at the entrance to Millie and Stella’s school. 
  • a postcard of Sparky and myself, signed on the back (and snuffled-kissed by Sparky),
  • a Millie and Stella bookmark, and
  • optionally, if your young person would also like a lock of Sparky’s mane, I’m happy to provide that as well, but I do appreciate that non-horsey people are not always fond of locks of hair… 🙂 If you win, you can let me know.

How To Win a Prize Pack

  • Pre-order a copy of Millie and Stella, Best Friends Forever (The Lost Ponies) before 15th April, 2025 (pre-order links below, or order from your local bookshop).
  • Email a copy of your receipt (along with your name) to: submittojo@outlook.com 

That’s it! I will draw five winners out of a jar on 16th Apri!

(Limited to Australian postal addresses only.)

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Write Your Novel

Have you always wanted to write a novel, but just haven’t found the right time or motivation? Maybe you’ve tried before and found it too daunting or you’ve got so many ideas, you don’t know where to start. If this sounds like you, then I invite you to Join Me on Sunday, 18th May, 2025, for a transformative journey where we’ll take your ideas and bring them to life.

I’m Here to Guide You Through the Process

Writing a novel can be a challenging task. It’s not just about stringing words together, it’s about creating a world, developing characters, and weaving a story that engages and captivates readers. It’s a craft that requires skill, patience, and a whole lot of creativity.

That’s where I come in. With years of experience in the world of fiction writing, I can guide you through the process of turning your ideas into a compelling novel. Whether you’re a first-time writer or a seasoned veteran looking for a fresh perspective, I’m here to provide the guidance, feedback, and support you need to bring your novel to life.

And…

Over the course of our journey together, we’ll explore the fundamentals of novel writing, from character development and plot structure to pacing and dialogue. You’ll learn how to craft a narrative that not only tells a story but also resonates with readers. By the end of our time together, you’ll have a solid foundation in the craft of novel writing and the confidence to take your work to the next level.

Book now! Places are limited, so be sure to secure yours early. I can’t wait to see what stories we’ll bring to life together.

What a delight to have met you and participated in your wonderful course. It was so helpful in many ways, and seeing the other participants once a month, hearing about their stories and nutting out our ideas and processes together was really special.

JK – Write Your Novel participant

Writing a novel is a journey that requires passion, commitment and, importantly, guidance from an experienced author. Don’t put it off for another year! Let’s embark on this adventure together and make 2024 the year you write your novel. I look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your writing dreams.

Jo x

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The Last Days of Summer

Right now, the participants of The Summer of Short Stories are finishing up their final peer reviews and receiving feedback and celebrating wins and making plans to write on. I just love this course. It is ‘the fast and the furious’ and it is the perfect way to kick off a new year, full of ideas, immediate wins to set yourself up on a high, and the perfect playground to try new things.

Here are some of things that made me smile this year…

One participant was certain she could only write 300 words in a week (our maximum story length was 1,000 words). ‘Okay,’ I said, ‘Do that!’ Can you guess what happened? She wrote 1,000 words.

One participant had never written anything before. She said: Thank you Jo. I’ve never written anything so your feedback means the world to me. I enjoyed the challenge and now don’t want to stop.

Another participant rediscovered her joy. I finally feel excited about writing again… This is the most engaged I have felt about writing in a long time.

Oh, my heart. These little (big!) wins, these moments of transformation and revolution and rediscovery, are exactly why I teach. And as any teacher can tell you, when you teach, you receive and learn. I am enriched so much by all the moments that made up our intensive month of creativity, bravery and joy.

Thank you, to all who joined me, you have helped me to think deeply, to question what I want to know more about, to continually improve my methods and processes, and to make more neural connections and interpersonal connections each time we’re together. I love our community.

Finally, and definitely not least of all, I want to say a huge thank you to Sarah, who has worked so diligently behind the scenes to make sure everyone’s stories and reviews have been shuffled and posted through the email boxes between participants as efficiently as possible. (It’s a lot trickier than it sounds!) You are my new hero!

Love, Jo X

p.s. If you missed out this time, The Winter of Short Stories (the genre edition) starts 4 August, 2025.

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Last Hours to Book Early Bird Price Courses

Last call to book your place in the Summer of Short Stories or Write Your Novel for 2025.

Early bird registrations close midnight tonight, 30 November, 2024 (AEST).

Start your new year on the write foot. Join the fast and the furious in the four-week short story writing course. Finish the month with three short stories to pitch or enter into competitions.

Then, follow on with Write Your Novel. Over six months, we’ll coax that story out of your head and onto the page.

Let’s go!

Jo X

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Why Aspiring Writers Should Focus on Short Stories

Tick Tock! You can join the Summer of Short Stories now at EARLY BIRD pricing!

Q. What’s the biggest mistake I see aspiring writers make?

A. They jump straight to writing a novel without first mastering the art of the short story. That’s like me at 16, dreaming of competing in the equestrian events at Olympic Games. Alas, my beloved horse, Hercules, refused to jump a ground pole, despite being a whopping 17 hands high.

A novel is a marathon, and few of us are genetically blessed to simply get up and run marathons. Most of us, though, can manage a short jog through the park with our dog or kids. That’s the beauty of short stories. They are fast! They are fun! And then… they are DONE!

Seven Reasons to Write Short Stories:

  • You can practice writing in different genres, points of view, tenses, and about different topics for minimal effort. Most importantly, it helps you learn to find and strengthen your “voice”. Your voice is unique to you and it’s often the thing that secures you fans for life.
  • You can take risks! Ooo, this is such a good one! For your writing to grow and mature, you’re going to need to take risks. You need to find the boundaries of your comfort zone. Short stories let you try before you buy.
  • Log your ‘apprenticeship’ writing hours before you commit to a full novel. 
  • Cultivate a habit of writing, editing, writing, and then…. letting go! Writers are often fearful of letting go of their work, afraid of the criticism or perceived failure. This is where short stories matter. You can invest a small amount of effort, submit it, and be like Elsa and let it go. We have to learn to write, let go, and start something new while we’re waiting for feedback.
  • Learn to write to deadline. Short stories can be written in a day, or a week. Then… it’s done! Submit it, and move on.
  • Ask for feedback. Truth? Few people will willingly and joyfully read your full novel manuscript and give you helpful feedback. You’re more likely to find short story readers who can finish by the time they’ve swilled their coffee.
  • You might actually win a competition! Not only is this is a fantastic feeling of recognition and affirmation, these wins or placings build your writer’s CV.

Join me for the Summer of Short Stories!

We’ll read stories, write stories, and practice offering and receiving feedback in a structured, helpful way. By the end of the four weeks, you’ll have three short stories ready to submit… or as I like to call it, throw spaghetti at the wall! You never know what will stick.

All the good details about the course are over here.

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Jo, Take Off Your Pants

The other day Rachel Bailey looked at me and said, ‘Jo, take off your pants.’

And to be honest, I was having the kind of week where I barely batted an eyelid at that.

This post is AN ALMIGHTY CELEBRATION OF My WRITING COMMUNITY (the importance of which is the very FIRST THING I teach all my writing students in all my classes.) You see, Rachel is not only a wildly clever, witty and talented writer, but the woman I refer to as “the godmother of writers on the Sunshine Coast”, and one of the best human beings you will find on the planet… which brings me to the marshmallows.

May be an image of dessert and tofu

You see, I had just rocked up to Rachel’s house (with very little notice) in a bit of a ‘state’. And as I emerged from the car—thirsty, hungry, incoherently exhausted, and carrying a bag of cat litter half my size, I discovered that I also had a marshmallow smeared and stuck to my bum. How? Why?!?! No idea. But stuck it was, clinging to my jeans (and the car seat) like a cranky old barnacle.

Rachel calmly ushered me inside and said, ‘Jo, take off your pants and give them to me.’ She then fetched me some lovely soft corduroy pants to cover my blindly white legs while I greeted my feline fur babies (Rachel’s their ‘bonus mum’) and plied me with tea, fed me biscuits and let me pick her PhD-laden brains about writing techniques, all while she took to my marshmallow-ed pants with the enthusiasm and tenacity of an 18th-century washer woman who would not be defeated.

The majority of the people in my life today are here via books/writing and it’s a precious, beautiful, expansive gift. And, you, Rachel Bailey, mean so much to SO many humans and animals, and I am so glad (and LUCKY) that you found me floating around on the Sunshine Coast as a fledgling author so many years ago and brought me into your nest, and continue to, even when I arrive dragging in my sticky, marshmallow-ed arse (and then repay you by accidentally stealing your phone and taking 3 hours to work out that the photo of Bobby dog is not on my screen due to photo rotations but because it’s not MY phone at all!) Here’s to you, you enormous, shiny ball of light!