In the lead up to the Cairns Tropical Writing Festival (Sept 14-16 2014) I caught up with Diane Finlay, one of the driving forces behind it, to ask her just why a writing festival is so important to the building of the Far North Queensland Literary Community. June: Why is a writing festival so importantContinue reading “Regional Festivals Matter”
Support a Queensland Writing Festival
The Cairns Tropical Writers Festival is coming up soon, and they are doing some lead up events to assist with raising funds to put the festival on. Whilst living in North Queensland, I was lucky enough to make it to this home grown festival highlighting local and visiting talent, twice. Once I was invited toContinue reading “Support a Queensland Writing Festival”
The Life and Songs of Shirley Lynn – part 2
There have been times when Shirley Lynn has doubted herself or felt intensely critical of her work, but she works through this trepidation by reaching out to other musicians and making sure she shares her songs anyway. Lynn shares: I’m learning to have more confidence as a creative. I can recognise negative thoughts, hearing whatContinue reading “The Life and Songs of Shirley Lynn – part 2”
Dancing on Air
I loved watching Fred and Ginger dance. Late at night I would watch old movies waiting for the impressive scene with the big dance number where they would tap, and twirl. I wanted to trip the light of elegance and rhythm. But I never shared that with anyone. My mother took my youngest brotherContinue reading “Dancing on Air”
The Life and Songs of Shirley Lynn – Part 1
It’s a cold Brisbane morning when I phone Shirley Lynn, a singer-songwriter, based in the much warmer Cairns. I first met Lynn at Song Trails, a weekend song writing workshop, Tully, in 2012 and was impressed by her constructive and enthusiastic communication and the original compositions she shared. Since then Lynn has been having someContinue reading “The Life and Songs of Shirley Lynn – Part 1”
June Paisa Perkins 