Being a fictional character is risky business. Or it should be. Are your characters in enough danger, under enough pressure or stress, threatened in some way? This can be tricky for children’s authors. The impulse is to protect our characters, keep them safe and, gawd forbid, sensible… But that’s the death knell to drama and storytelling. Happily e…

Today I’m chatting about creativity boundaries. At some point it helps to rein in your interests and focus. Drill down, as Elizabeth Gilbert would say. This year, 2024, is my Year of Acrylics. First boundary done and dusted, thank you very much. Next boundary. I’ve taken it even further and, as we speak, I am painting 100 coffee cups. Yes, indeedy.…

In this gorgeous conversation, our first for 2024, Jen and Neridah discuss Neridah's childhood, careers and her path to becoming a much loved author of children's books. About Neridah Neridah loves history and true stories. An author of eight books for children, Neridah is also an award winning short story writer and poet. Her latest picture book, …

Do you do Morning Pages? Do I do Morning Pages? Sometimes. I used to do them religiously. Like, for years… In this ep I chat about my history with ‘the pages’, the impact they’ve had on my creativity and my life and how the pages can help you, too. Books mentioned: The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron Steal Like An Artist, by Austin Kleon ► About Jen…

As we head into the big adventure that is 2024, it can be helpful to select a word of the year to inspire, energise or even challenge you. Your word companion can act as your muse. Your word might inspire art and journal prompts or encourage you to make longed for changes. It might even challenge you to find your courage or to live and create more …

Final thoughts for 2023, dear listener. I’ll be back in 24, for sure. (I like that rhyme!) Three things that might be of interest to you in this ep (another ep inspired by a lovely Duck Pond member). My favourite book on spirituality and why. My favourite book on creativity and why. The oracle decks I use in my Full Moon readings in the Duck Pond. …

Let me tell you a little story about the time I got a substantial Australia Council grant (so exciting!) but didn’t write the book (so frustrating!) and how that felt and how that evolved and how I finally, years later, have figured out how to write said book. Ramblings about patience, perseverance and passion, today, dear author. ► About Jen & Gir…

You’d be surprised how many developing (and established) authors trip when it comes to tense. But never fear. Gaining confidence in your ‘weaker’ areas just takes practice and self-awareness. The art of tweaking, rewriting and self-editing can be learned and honed over time. Hang in there, dear author, keep doing the verk, keep asking questions and…

Every now and then I receive a letter that’s frank and raw but oh so common. What happens when you feel fed up with striving? When the dream to become a published/successful author has taken its toll on you and your family? If you’re questioning your choices, wondering if it’s all worth it, our 50th episode might be the balm you need. This is not a…

Thoughts from my yoga class. What’s blossoming in you and your creative life? Let’s honour that, dear listener. Also, how I organise my notes, manuscripts, research, WIPs and whatnot. A few practical ideas to help you get on top of your ideas and files. ► About Jen & Girl and Duck: If you'd like to subscribe to my museletters, yay! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cl…

What to do when you haven’t yet mastered dialogue. Let’s talk about that! Let’s also talk about art and drawing and John Cleese and creativity and comfort zones and coffee and, yes, there is a kitty meowing in this episode. Everyone has something to say. The main thing is to remain loyal to our characters and our own unique approach to creative exp…

Reflections on Refuse to Be Done: How to Write and Rewrite a Novel in Three Drafts, by Matt Bell Some ideas on how you might go about editing (and polishing) your novel or picture book. I also discuss the danger of overworking a PB. ► About Jen & Girl and Duck: If you'd like to subscribe to my museletters, yay! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. F…

In his book, The Anatomy of Story, in the section on Story Movement, John Truby, talks about the Meandering Story. ‘The meandering story follows a winding path without apparent direction…’ Indeed. This episode is something like that. It meanders along with nary a hint of purpose. Topics I wander through: What makes me a buy a book Why I don’t read …

As writers, voice is wildly important to the success of our work. But what exactly is voice and why is it so important? When I teach creative writing IRL, I often start by asking students to define voice for me. This always leads to a robust conversation (and lots of head scratching). Most of us know instinctively what voice is but we find it trick…

Latest discovery? EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) can be super helpful when it comes to our creativity blocks or hurdles. What I discovered this week is that you can use EFT to go deep, get specific, with what’s holding you back in your creative process. This week, I got specific. I ‘tapped’ on my belief that writing action scenes does my head in…

It the world of online biz, we’re encouraged to separate ourselves from our business. Your business is not you. Your business has its own energetic imprint, an identity that’s quite separate from you personally. GirlandDuck is not me. My biz is like a token, a piece I circulate and move around on the boardgame of life. As creatives we can do the sa…

I’ve been reading The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho. An elegant parable all about finding one’s destiny while also uncovering the treasure within. When we tap into the ‘language of the universe’ and learn to read signs and omens, we actually tap into our intuition. When I had a major ‘tower moment’ in my thirties, I turned my back on common-sense and …

I once heard it said that ‘Writers are like old houses, they need a lot of shoring up.’ It’s a lovely quote (which I have randomly attributed to Ann Tyler). In today’s episode, I explore this notion more deeply. Why do writers (and illustrators) need shoring up? What makes us so… wonky? No doubt you have your own views—and probably more to add! But…

Okay, I’ve got four tips for you again today. I’m obsessed with four, aren’t !? I think it’s my brain’s favourite number. Anything more than four and my brain drifts away. La la la… BUT. Having said that. There is one EXTRA tip in this week’s ep. EXTRA TIP: If you’re new around here, get yee to the girlandduck website! Check out all the freebies (I…

I’ve had a topsy turvy relationship with writing and I’ve witnessed this in my community too. We come to writing with a vision of how it’s all going to be then, surprise, surprise, we discover we have talents in completely unexpected areas. Want to write a picture book but end up writing a novel? Want to write poetry but end up writing a lifestyle …

Last night we wrapped up the rewriting course with a scrumptious live coaching call. (Don’t you bloody LOVE sitting around talking about writing??) We explored many of the challenges and fears rewriting can present and I offered four ways I use to handle such fears. In particular, I was looking at that ‘pull the thread’ fear. If you’ve done a rewri…

A g&d quick chat! Four questions to help you with a rewrite: 1. Is the narrative arc strong? 2. Is the resolution satisfying? 3. Are the kids proactive? 4. Is there a lovely twist? Apply these questions to your current WIP and see if they help strengthen your story or give it that extra oomph! (Works great for picture books) ► About Jen & Girl and …

A very special edition with Fiona Lloyd, a girl&duck alumni. Fiona was born in the beautiful North-East of England near picturesque countryside, windswept beaches and the vibrant cultural city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. She dreamed of writing in a cosy country cottage and of life as a theatre actress but, as it often does, life got in the way. Working…

A common misconception is that rewriting is simply substituting one word for another. That’s not rewriting. That’s tinkering. Tinkering can be fun. And satisfying. But there’s a danger. It can go on ad nauseum. And it can ruin your work. In my new e-course, I’ve chunked down rewriting into four key elements: fine tuning language, making cuts, flesh…

When it comes to writing and illustrating, we often focus on traits and emotions such patience, perseverance, persistence. But what about desire? Desire is an emotion that's often overlooked. But in order to finish a large, demanding project such as a novel, our desire to get to the end must be strong. If our desire is waning, we need to refuel it.…

This is the story I was telling myself before I opened girlandduck. What if people fail? What if their dreams don't come true? How can I make everything happen for them? How can i get them RESULTS? This thinking stopped me in my tracks. I almost ditched the whole idea of girlandduck. I was so worried people might fail despite my best efforts. Of co…

Over the years I've come to this conclusion— there's only one thing holding writers back from finishing. You probably know what it is too. Fear. In today's episode, I examine that fear more closely and offer eight strategies (and a little pep talk) to help you find your courage and push on regardless. Honestly, getting to the finishing line is its …

Do you put thought into your 'daily costume'? I've been thinking alot about clothes lately. I have a 'fractured' capsule wardrobe which I've loved building over the past couple of years. But, yeah, clothes. They are full of attitude, memories, creativity, self-expression. In this ep, I explore the ideas behind dressing your characters and how incre…

Many writers get hung up on chapter construction. They think there's a formula or, worse still, they think publishers have a required approach or checklist. Let's bust that myth once and for all and get playful with our work! Herein some tips on how you might end your chapters in fresh and charming ways. I refer to one of my own novels in this podc…

A more personal chat today, a bit raw, a bit vulnerable. Today I talk about a little book that, many years ago, saved my arse. Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers was a lifeline to me during a particularly tough time in my life. I loved this dear little book because it was comforting AND it was practical. If you’re going through a turbu…

In a recent chat with a fellow writer, Jen hit on the idea that 'how you do wriitng is how you do life'. In this episode, she discusses this idea and puts it to the test. A fun episode that may (or may not) leave you a little more enlightened about your writing process. ;-) ► Jen & Girl and Duck: If you'd like to subscribe to Jen's museletters, yay…

First we revisit Jen's thoughts and tips about backstory. Some ideas on how you might get your story unstuck, out of the backstory trap. Then, for the bizwomen who listen (and those who are interested), Jen chats (and has a little rant) about the tendency to bag Social Media and how, as businesswomen, this can be a big mistake bc it denies how incr…

Let’s Support and Uplift YOU! Is this a new series? Who knows. But today’s episode could be called, What’s in Jen’s Head? Or something like that… Jen shares all the bits and pieces she’s thinking about including thoughts on the beautiful world of life coaching, the ever-evolving Duck Pond and what’s coming down the line, as well as the magic of fin…

In all the years Jen has been teaching creative writing, the biggest thing she comes up against is mindset issues and limiting beliefs. The thoughts that keep authors doubting themselves, playing small and, in many cases, not even reaching the finishing line. Authors second-guess their talents, overlook or underestimate their skills and constantly …

The experience of trying to create when the opportunity presents can be frustrating when the Muse appears to have deserted you. In this episode of the Girl and Duck Podcast Jen explores four gentle ways in which you can remain connected to your Muse. Jen & Girl and Duck: If you'd like to subscribe to my museletters, yay! Click here. For more girl&d…

The search for your purpose can be intimidating and frustrating. It can also send you on a wild goose chase. Jen discusses her own journey to a purpose filled life, and the different ways you can approach, discover or declare your purpose. Jen & Girl and Duck: If you'd like to subscribe to my museletters, yay! Click here. For more girl&duck goodnes…

Jess Racklyeft is a children’s book lover, draw-er and reader based in Melbourne, who also creates work for card companies, picture books, original paintings, prints and all types of different client projects. Jess loves watercolours, but is getting more and more into combining digital work and tinkers with oils, pencils and other bits and bobs she…

Being visible brings with it all sorts of fun and high jinx. It's scary but not so scary that you shouldn't do it. In this episode, I talk about my experiment with Facebook ads and how that has lead me to thinking more deeply about voice—in creative writing, in our website copy and in our lives. Find Karly here > https://www.karlynimmo.com/ Jen & G…

Warm, frank and uplifting. That's what it's like to chat with delightful Australian children's author, Cate Whittle. Cate has led a colourful and at times peripatetic life—just like this conversation! To find out more about Cate, the writing services she offers, and her beautiful books, please go here: https://www.catewhittlewrites.com/ Jen & Girl …

Thinking about big picture stuff, today. The nuances and demands of what it means to be an influencer, to follow influencers, to seek advice from 'strangers'. This video was inspired by the remarkable Samantha Nolan-Smith at the School of Visibility. You can find Samantha at the link below: https://theschoolofvisibility.com/ Jen & Girl and Duck: If…

In this episode Jen explores how to write endings, when to take breaks and how long? Jen also illustrates her first picture book. And other assorted chat. If you'd like to subscribe to my museletters, yay! Click here. For more girl&duck goodness, go here - GirlandDuck.com Book(s) mentioned: Stephen King On Writing…

Jen is talking to Caroline Magerl an award-winning and internationally distinguished illustrator, cartoonist and painter, who is now recognised as a unique and arresting presence. Her work spans from dark, enigmatic oil paintings, through incisive cartoons, to lively children’s book illustrations. She has been exhibited in a variety of galleries an…

Three things you can put off when writing a novel. This will help you move your story forward and buy you more time later on to pay close attention to the nuances that really lift a story. Plus, some extra tips and insights from the writing life, including the art of giving picture books to unsuspecting adults! If you'd like to subscribe to my muse…

Jen is in conversation with Jen Campbell a Sunday Times bestselling author and award-winning poet. She is the author of ten published books across non-fiction, poetry, short stories and children's books. Jen specializes in the history of fairy tales, giving guest lectures at universities, museums and book festivals on this topic. Her video installa…

A great analogy I learned eons ago. The 'fish' will simplify and streamline the way you structure your writing so that readers will LOVE your work even more! This episode also includes a little New Year frivolity. Happy New Year, dear listener. Thank you so much for supporting this podcast, it means the world to me! Other podcasts mentioned: The Pr…

Decorating my house (and messing it up severely), taught me alot about creative writing. Let's chat, okay?! For more visit - GirlandDuck.com

Our dialogue needs to lively and straight to the point. ‘Narnia! It’s all in the wardrobe, just like I told you!’ So. Put down that teapot. And let’s talk about…dialogue. For more visit - GirlandDuck.com

Arrogance and selfishness are an essential, healthy and liberating part of an artist's psyche and ongoing success. Visit - GirlandDuck

When telling a story we need to be brave, in more ways than one. Here is how bravery will benefit your plot. Visit - GirlandDuck

When I wrote my first book I didn't realise that stories need structure. Here is what happened...