Author: matthewnaqvi

I am a Melbourne writer and editor. I work in learning design.

NaNoWriMo is here

This November is NaNoWriMo and I am aiming for the massive 50,000 words.

However, I won’t kick myself if I don’t hit the target. I want to write, get back into the habit of writing everyday and see how far my novel can come along.

I am looking forward to the initial rush, the mid-month slump and the final days of scrambling to hit that target. But I also can’t wait to engage with follow writers to hear about their stories and progress. This is our time to come together as a community and get our stories out there.

I will be putting up weekly updates so you can see my progress. As well as daily counts on Twitter. This is the time to write that novel!

Good luck writers.

Offset Sixteen launch

14715664_1299950846691019_4281146077686866105_o
Offset Project Director Alison Whan and I revelling in the good vibes at the Offset Sixteen launch.

Friday night saw the launch of Offset Sixteen at VU at MetroWest and what an awesome night it was. The editorial team put on a special event with engaging speakers and readings.

It was fun to see members of the previous Offset teams and my lecturers and tutors from my uni days. There is nothing better than hanging with young creatives and hearing about their exciting projects.

The journal looks fresh with it’s progressive and impressive cover and the works within are riveting. I am delighted to have my short story ‘Still Dead’ included in such an edgy and thoughtful literary journal.

Grab a copy of Offset Sixteen for the best writing in the western suburbs and beyond.

 

Time to judge!

I have just received the teen short stories in the mail for the Melton Short Story Competition 2016! I have been waiting for this moment for a while now and it is time to start reading. There are quite a few entries to get through and I can’t wait to get under way.

Short story judging at Melton

I am delighted to announce I will be the judge of the teen short story section at the 2016 Melton City Council Short Story Competition. This is an exciting opportunity that I will relish. I can not wait to read thought provoking, raw and powerful pieces by the youth of Melton.

If you know of anyone who may be interested in this competition, please feel free to share this.

http://www.melton.vic.gov.au/Out-n-About/Libraries-and-learning/Libraries/Short-Story-Competition-2016

 

 

Writing life

The last couple of months have been a mixed bag in the writing world. I have received a handful of rejections which is never fun. I even got my biggest knock back on my birthday. But this is the life of the writer. You’ve just got to accept it and move on.

Since the rejections, I have been intent on my novel. The words have been flowing more freely and my focus has been restored. The novel is getting there and I am excited about the thought of the first draft being complete by the end of the year.

I also have some good news that I can’t announce just yet, but it is a nice boost to the morale. Keep your eyes open for my next post with more details.

Peace.

Big year ahead!

Hello for the first time in 2016! I have been writing, editing, workshopping and all sorts of other creative goodness. The last couple of weeks have been full on with deadlines and applications. Fingers crossed!

My novel progress is going well and I have been working on a short story or two along the way. I have also had a  good conversation or two with writer friends which always keeps the energy flowing.

Here’s to a busy year of writing!