Debut author Maxine Fawcett creates her own Hardcopy

This photo was taken in Manly Library in 2016 with my HARDCOPY class mate and friend Suzanne Brown. It was a few months after I won a place on this writing development initiative of MARION (formerly ACT Writers), a program which focused on manuscript development, industry knowledge and growing relationships between emerging writers, publishers and agents. 

I love this image so much! When I look at it I get a sudden recollection, like a quick cut flash of all the hundreds of times I've sat in this library (and cafes and at home) writing. It really sums up the hours of hard work and dedication it took to get to the point of having a book ready to be pitched for publication. I was still writing book one in this photo which took years (I’ve heard from other writers this seems to be a common thing!)

Everything is Perfect, on display in the National Library

Being awarded a spot on HARDCOPY was a turning point. After being out in the wilderness it gave me the confidence to say to myself ‘I can do this - keep going!’ and an opportunity to feel like part of the industry for the first time. Witnessing the successes of other HARDCOPY writers over the years has been wonderful.

The second photo is an Instagram story posted by MARION in February. Everything is Perfect in the National Library of Australia. One of many awesome moments so far this year!

Maxine Fawcett lives in Sydney, where she runs her own media and marketing agency with her husband. Everything is Perfect is her debut novel, published by Penguin.

‘Smart, fresh and nuanced, Everything is Perfect is a captivating story about ageing, self-worth and unprocessed trauma as seen through the eyes of a woman unravelling. Perfect for anyone who has ever lost sight of the shore in middle age.' Anna Downes

www: maxinefawcett.com / insta: @maxinefawcettwriter / FB: Maxine Fawcett