Miles Franklin Undercover - the YouTube version.

YouTube debut, thanks to Abbey's Bookshop, Sydney

Thanks to Abbey's Books in Sydney who filmed my short and sweet introduction to Miles Franklin Undercover for their YouTube channel. It was a challenge to create a short video about my book on the spot, when I have five years of research and writing it in my head. I sometimes get tangled in the classic TMI - too much information. That confuses your audience who don't know your book yet, just when you want to captivate them into knowing more.

Brainstorm some engaging 'top' lines. I'm a former journalist, and journalism's disciplined, one-sentence lead and short, sharp paragraphs 'nail' what a story is about. Still it's easier when it's about other people.

With friends, I brainstormed some lines. I describe Miles Franklin Undercover as 'the real life sequel to My Brilliant Career', Miles Franklin's famous novel which she wrote when she was 21. I also highlight that Miles rebelled against the status quo of marriage and children. So another top line is 'No babies in the bush for Miles'. She wrote her own life, and claimed her own life and choices.

Lastly I wanted to emphasise it's not your usual biography. It's a 'slice of life' biography - only 15 years of Miles' life, from 1901 to 1915, with adventures, risks, heartbreak and romance.

Most of all, I hoped to draw readers into Miles' Edwardian world. So I end my video with the take-away - I hope you enjoy it. I meant to say I hope you enjoy Miles world but you are on the spot! I loved writing her world, and I do hope you enjoy. For more on world-building, see my blog: Building Miles Franklin's Edwardian world.

Do you have a question about writing creative non fiction, biography or just, writing? I teach nonfiction at UNSW Sydney School of the Arts & Media, and publish new forms of biography and memoir. Submit your question on the contact us form on my blog or email me at dr.km.davies@gmail.com