creativity - Michele Gierck

Discovering The Art of Memoir

Posted on December 2, 2021October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

I happened to discover this wonderful book, published in 2015, in the it's-yours-for-free box at the local library. Just proves that one library's trash is another person's treasure. Here's one of my favourite quotes. 'In fact, every memoirist I know seems doomed to explore the past in an often-agonized death march down the page.' Hope you get a chance to at least read the Preface. It's a classic. Happy reading, Michele www.michelegierck.com.au

An Inspiring Picture Book for Kids and Adults

Posted on April 28, 2021October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

Once in a while, if you are really lucky, you come across a picture book that is so beautifully researched and written that your heart begins to sing as you read. I was totally drawn into LOOK UP WITH ME Neil deGrasse Tysone: A Life Among the Stars (words by Jennifer Berne), that I feel compelled to let the world know about it. (The illustrations are by Lorraine Nam.) If you are grown-up, or yet to grow up, and have ever looked up at the stars, or would love to, see if you can get your hands on a copy of this book. The Introduction by Neil, and the Author's Note by Jennifer are fabulous bookends to the story.

Hunkering Down? Get Creative. Start Writing...

Posted on March 17, 2020October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

Hunkering down at home due to COVID-19 (coronavirus)? Now might be the perfect time to start that story you've always wanted to tell. Michele Gierck, a specialist memoir writer and professional biographer can work with you, via Skype or phone, to write, or help you write, your story. For those of you who are not sure where to begin, YOU MIGHT ONLY NEED A COUPLE OF SESSIONS WITH MICHELE TO KICK-START YOUR CREATIVITY. If you'd like to discuss your writing project with Michele, please get in touch with her via the contact page on her website. Although based in Australia, Michele has been working with people in the USA and Europe for a number of years. You can check out her author profile at, Amazon or on her website. Recent praise for Michele's writing, or help writing, memoirs: 'Michele genuinely loves what she does. This is evident not only by the finished product but the way she goes above and beyond throughout the process of writing a book. I highly recommend Michele.' (Tracey Hughes - Biography/Family History) "I decided to put pen to paper and write my migrant journey. I am indebted to Michele Gierck for her guidance, incredible insight and structural ability so that my story flowed, resulting in the completion of a magnificent outcome, both as a literary achievement and quality of finished book. I can confidently recommend Michele as a true professional.' Sam Tarascio, Founder and Executive Chairman of Salta Properties, one of Australia's Top 50 privately-owned companies. Image copyright Michele Gierck (Michele speaking at a literary event)

Can You Think of a Title for My New Book?

Posted on November 29, 2019October 31, 2023 by Michele Gierck

The front garden view from my writing room

I'm just about to send the first few chapters of my latest non-fiction book to my agent who loved the earlier draft. All I need is a title. If you can think of one, I'd sure appreciate hearing from you. Just drop a line via the contact page of my website: www.michelegierck.com.au About the manuscript It's a post-injury come-back tale in which the bush, the ocean, a bloke (a fellow) and travel all play their part. Here's the pitch. When Michele, a broken down sojourner, meets Mac, a dedicated river scientist, she is drawn into his orbit, the gravity of which propels her onto an uncharted trajectory. And yes folks, it's a true story! If you'd like to know more about this book, including the title that we choose or publication date, just sign up to the newsletter on my website. Image and text copyright Michele Gierck

Finding Your Special Spot

Posted on June 3, 2015October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

How good it is to find your special spot. A place to relax, to calm, to be. A place to listen, to be drawn into the moment. (No phones, ipads or laptops here!) There's been quite a bit of media and a number of talks given since the release of my latest book, Fraying: Mum, memory loss, the medical maze and me, in March. Now, it's time to get back to basics, create a calm space ... and write. Yes, all the talks and interviews are enjoyable, but at heart the joy of writing is one that for me cannot be quelled. If I don't write, I feel a part of myself is missing. For those interested, I will be back speaking again in September, during Dementia Awareness Month. More details soon.

Pause, Ponder, Power Down

Posted on January 5, 2015October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

Holidays, especially in naturally beautiful places, can be a wonderful time to pause ... and ponder. They can become a vital time to power down, and then, eventually, recharge. Image: view of the mountains from Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand Image and text copyright Michele Gierck

Seeking Some Peace

Posted on October 29, 2014October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

Just finished a magazine article on The Human Face of War. Afterwards, I sought some peace in the garden. And what a delight to see this bee -- head first, diving in. Just the way life needs to be lived! Text and image copyright Michele Gierck Michele's other blog: what inspires her www.michelemuses.wordpress.com

Collaboration

Posted on September 23, 2014October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

Writing may be a solitary experience, but bringing a book to life depends on a team of collaborators. And fortunately, the publisher of my next non-fiction book has an exceptional team. And not just with books, but with life in general, a good crew of collaborators, or friends, make all the difference in life. Text and image copyright Michele Gierck Michele's other blog: www.michelemuses.wordpress.com

Time to Celebrate

Posted on July 31, 2014October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

It's certainly time to celebrate now that the contract for my next non-fiction book has been signed with an excellent Australian publisher. More details soon. For now, it's on with the editing. Image: Honeyeater at Bird Billabong, near Mary River, on the way to Kakadu National Park, The Northern Territory, Australia Michele's website: www.michelegierck.com.au What inspires Michele? Check out her other blog to find out - www.michelemuses.wordpress.com Text and image copyright Michele Gierck

Stepping into the World of Another - Writing Personal Profiles

Posted on April 10, 2014October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

One of the most rewarding aspects of writing personal profiles, at least for me, is the opportunity it provides to step into the world of another. Then to really listen, not just to what is said, but to get a sense of the person's essence, and to commit that to the page. My most recent profile was hip-hop artist and Burundian refugee, Fablice from The Flybz. War, loss and years as a refugee have not dented his spirit or his hope for the future. What an inspiration. So too his song, Child Soldier, with the iconic singer/songwriter Paul Kelly. To find out what else inspires Michele visit: www.michelemuses.wordpress.com