‘With friends, the novel you have been meaning to write for a decade, the incubating memoir, and that idea for a picture book can be developed further with the added benefit of likeminded company.’

‘Re-writing is the most powerful tool any writer has. Be prepared to kill your darlings.’

‘Just write. Even if no one ends up reading it, every piece of writing you produce goes towards honing your craft!’

Our August reads include The Erratics by Vicki Laveau-Harvie, The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, Unlike the Heart: A Memoir of Brain and Mind by Nicola Redhouse, and Brute by Emily Skaja.

‘What successful authors have in common is that they’ve found their community and catered to it… Really try to nail the core demographic of your genre.’

‘[Collaborative writing] can work wonderfully. Having someone you trust give an opinion about your latest idea helps a lot.’

‘Try to get words down if you can – every little bit adds up. But don’t be hard on yourself if some days it doesn’t happen. I’ve had plenty of days that have been wiped off and I’m still trying to tell myself that ‘it’s okay’.’

‘[Making a bestseller] is the mysterious combination of all those factors: the right time, the right place, a compelling story and the role of the publisher in making the most of opportunities.’

With the Sydney Film Festival fast approaching, we compiled a list of the best book adaptations and Australian writers that you cannot miss!