I write novels, and have eight manuscripts under my belt. Several will never see the light of day, but were good practice for getting used to the craft and hard work of writing long fiction.
In 2024, I completed the Faber Academy Writing a Novel course over a year, working with tutors, Miles Allinson and Emily Bitto, and finding a group of women writers who became generous, supportive friends. I submitted my 1500 word opening chapter to the anthology.
In Kindly Creek, where everyone knows everyone’s business, it’s practically impossible to get away with putting out the wrong bin, let alone…murder. So, when Renee Jewell’s neighbour, Nan, dies in mysterious circumstances, she is determined to get to the bottom of it. Soon, Nan’s son, Richard, moves in next door and, for Renee, things go from bad to accidental stalking. Does Richard know more about his mother’s death than he’s letting on? Could he have a claim on Renee’s house? What are the neighbours hiding? The Crown Jewels asks the question: how well do we really know anyone, especially ourselves?
My third manuscript ‘Que Sera Sera’ got me a place on the QWC Hachette Manuscript Development Program.
Jess McDonald is the daughter of former celebrity, Selina Silvers and, for a time, was an adorable child star herself. Jess is living a happily itinerant lifestyle, eating Pringles and chocolate and generally keeping her former life far out of reach. But when she lands in The Stump, a rural township on the verge of celebrating its 125th anniversary, and filled with quirky locals, she fits right in. And that’s not right.
The next manuscript I wrote, ‘The Memory Finder’ was longlisted for the 2021 QWC Adaptable program.
Jett Wilde is an anxiety-riddled teen with overbearing parents, a penchant for all things geek, a best mate with an even greater penchant, and hyperthymesia – he can literally remember everything he has ever done since the age of four. He is the self-proclaimed most boring boy in the world. Then he meets Ruby, who has no memory. When Ruby asks Jett to help her remember, he has to step out of his boring skin and into a brave, new one.
Vicky Daddo: Writer 