you know... stuff...*

that's the answer to the 'what's been happening?' question, at least. some things i can tell you about (yet), and some i can't. so, let's start with the can, shall we? you may have noticed some changes to the sidebar on the left there. i have updated my links to blogs i like to reflect my recent reading and a couple of new friend blogs. also, on the top there, you may notice i have included a link to a site called show and tell promotions. that's cause i now have a speaker's agent. it's exciting and scary at the same time... i'll keep you posted on how that goes.

writing-wise i have been plugging away, having cleared myself some space on the spare desk in mum and dad's computer room. it gets a little hot in there - though these days in melbourne, where doesn't it? - so i have been blaming my distraction on the weather. i have another little project that has a deadline though, so i definitely will not be able to use that excuse for that... i'll tell you more about it when it's in the bag.

i have been invited to be a guest at the byron bay writers festival later this year and i must admit i'm already quite excited about it. i met a whole host of writers at last year's ubud festival who had just attended the byron festival prior, and they all loved it. ah, ubud... fragrant memories. wouldn't mind going back as an attendee this year. well, you never know what might happen. i do know that instead of dreaming of more travel, i should be dreaming up story-lines...

speaking of which, an old favourite short story i wrote a while ago has finally found its way to print - in the latest sleepers almanac, 'the family affair'. in true shalini style i was so excited to see it finally fly the coop... then my parents read it. will i never learn, i wonder. intrigued? well, you'll just have to buy the book now, won't you?

* yes, confirmation for you eagle-eyed movie buffs... that's yet another quote from clueless.