iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

I stupidly counted how many footnotes I’ve included my draft Louisa Lawson biography.Each must be checked for accuracy & consistency. The answer: 1,286. Submitting the MS to my publisher next month. 🤷‍♀️ Appreciate your thoughts & prayers at this difficult time. 🤣 #biography #australianhistory #Booksky

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

What an honour, to be in the running for both of the Wilderness Society awards for children’s literature. Winners announced next month - fingers firmly crossed! #booksky #writinglife #middlegradebooks

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Alice’s Dreaming is astonishing. Beautifully written and brimming with important new insights about colonisation, First Nations knowledge and historical accuracy. This book changes what we thought we knew. Read it. You’re in for a rarer treat. #australianhistory #bookreview #historybooks #BookSky

Photo of a woman holding up a book called Alice’sDreaming.

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Snuck into the garden at lunchtime. This is the corner I pretentiously call my ‘woodland’. Why yes, it does consist only of 7 small birch trees and some hellebores. And it overlooks the carport. Why do you ask? 🤣🤣 Nevertheless, it makes me happy. #writinglife

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

I call this ‘Still Life with Cat’. No, he’s just big-boned. What are you trying to say? 🤣 #cat #writinglife

A fluffy grey cat sits upright on a bed, looking intently at something out of shot. Behind him a chest of drawers and bedroom clutter.

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

A new friend joined the crew at my place today. Her name is 99, obviously 🤣 #writinglife #countrylife

Three horses - two bays and a black - stand on green grass.

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Couldn’t be more proud of this book! Shortlisted 2026 CBCA Award. Shortlisted 2026 Aus Book Industry Awards. Shortlisted 2026 Roderick Literary Award. Shortlisted 2026 Wilderness Society Children’s Lit Awards. Finalist 2025 Qld Lit Award. Highly Commended 2026 Vic Premier’s Lit Award #booksky

Cover of a book called ‘Spirit of the Crocodile’ by Aaron Fa’Aoso and Michelle Scott Tucker. Cover shows a stylised image of the Torres Strait.

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

I’m writing a biography of Australian feminist Louisa Lawson (1848-1920). Today I’m writing about her gifts to her son, Henry. Yes, I saw this book in person - thanks State Library NSW! #booksky #biography

Front cover, black, of an old and damaged Holy Bible

Copperplate inscription inside the bible reads ‘To Henry Lawson from his mother Feb 23rd 1894’

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Yes, The Correspondent is every bit as good as you’ve heard. Loved it. If you’ve read it too, let me know what you thought. #amreading #booksky

Photo of book cover. The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Shhh… don’t tell my publisher but it’s possible that I won’t be working on the manuscript this week. 🤣 #langkawi #malaysia #writinglife #Booksky

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Poor Jock the Pony is feeling poorly so Good Dog Blue is checking what he can do to help. Either that or he’s sizing Jock up for his next meal. Who knows 🤷‍♀️🤣 PS. Vet has been out, Jock will be ok. #writinglife

A black pony is resting on the grass, nose to nose with a dog.

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Can’t begin to say how much I enjoyed this novel. Compelling page-turner meets insightful, thoughtful and provocative literary fiction. Highly recommend. #BookSky

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

Wow! Gotta love the Wilderness Society and their awards for children’s books. What an honour. 💚💚💚

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Fabulous biography of early 20th C Sydney pair Eirene Mort and Nora Kate Weston. A beautifully presented book too, brimming with gorgeous images of their life, work and craft. One to return to often, I think. Congratulations Sylvia Martin #biography #queerartists #BookSky

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

Clay day today, in the studio of talented sculptor & dear friend Jane McKenzie. Check out Jane’s work on Insta. And me? Pretty happy with my first ever piece (it will be a bird bath). Did I write today? No. Was I creative? Absolutely. Same mental muscles; different activity. Win win. #writinglife

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

Excuse me but I have new socks. They’re called David Toe-ey. I am very happy.

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

… the mere fact that our little book about Torres Strait culture and people was actually published - and is being very widely read - is the real win. So true 💚🐊💚 #Abia2026 #middlegradefiction

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

So grateful to Allen & Unwin Books for taking me to Sydney to share in the fun. My fabulous co-author Aaron Fa’Aoso couldn’t be there (and we missed you!!) but as he always says … #Abia2026 #middlegradefiction

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Had a blast last night at the Australian Book Industry Awards. To have ‘Spirit of the Crocodile’ shortlisted was so exciting. Humbling too. Partied on with the best literary agent in Australia Jacinta di Mase & incomparable consulting editor Lyn White. #Abia2026 #middlegradefiction #BookSky

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

At 130,000 words, I've nearly finished the first draft of my biography of Australian feminist Louisa Lawson. Still have to write an epilogue & edit those words to fewer than 100,000. But today I wrote about her death in 1920 & it feels like a milestone. #biography #BookSky

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

I’m a rider, a horse lover & owner. Yes that's me in the pic. So I was rapt to discover, as part of my biographical research, that my subject was a skilled equestrienne. For a little more about the horsey adventures of Louisa Lawson (1848-1920) try: michellescotttucker.com/louisa-lawso... #biography

A fine chestnut thoroughbred, plaited up and looking beautiful, captured mid-air over a white showjump. His rider (it's me!) is wearing formal attire: helmet, green coat, cream jodhpurs and long black boots. She looks a bit worried (she always did, that horse was a handful!)

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Oh my goodness! Spirit of the Crocodile is shortlisted again! For 2026 ABIA awards. Humbled, excited, honoured & thrilled - all at once!! The Australian Book Industry Awards are all about bringing Australian books to readers. Winners announced 21 May. #BookSky #MiddleGradeFiction #TorresStrait

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 04/04/2026

Pretty happy about my Easter TBR pile. Can’t wait to get stuck in! #BookSky #WritingLife #Biography #AmReading

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Wow. Just wow. Shortlisted for the 2026 Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards. Stunned and delighted 💚🐊💚 #BookSky #SpiritoftheCrocodile #MiddleGrade

Spirit of the Crocodile, a novel for middle grade readers.

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

Astonishing. Beautiful. And so, so moving. You think you know what good writing is then Sarah Hall comes along and … Blows. Your. Mind. #bookreview #amreading #Helm #BookSky

Cover of a book called Helm by Sarah Hall.

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Wow, just wow. Spirit of the Crocodile has been listed as a 2026 Notable Book by the Children's Book Council Of Australia. From 181 entries in our category. Aaron Fa'Aoso & I are delighted, honoured & more than a little humbled that our happy little novel for middle grade readers has been included.

Cover of Spirit of the Crocodile, a novel for middle grade readers. Cover boasts two medals, for literary awards.

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

A writing tip from a writer who collects poo daily. An otherwise excellent history book biography described the collection of 18th century London’s horse manure, emphasising … 1/3 #writingtips #BookSky #biography #horses

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 14/02/2026

Did you know ‘love apples’ was a 16th century name for tomatoes? A fun fact to amaze and entice your Valentine today. 🤣 ❤️🍎❤️

Photo of six cherry tomatoes on a white bench. These are my 1st crop of the year. Yes, it’s very late in the season for a first crop. Yes, I’m a crap gardener. But though we’re only 70kms from Melbourne, we’re also 600m above sea level, so the growing season here is quite different.

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

Today’s desk posy (again with added cat)

A floofy grey cat walks on a table, behind a vase of white hydrangea blooms.

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 07/02/2026

Big milestone approaching for the draft MS of my Louisa Lawson biography. Probs about 16,000 words to go before revising & cutting. Needs to go to publisher in Oct for publication next year. Remind me again why I volunteered for this? 🤣🤣 #BookSky #biography #australianwomenwriters #louisalawson

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

Reasons why Blue likes visiting the vet.

A dog sits next to a sign. The sign says ‘What is Dracula’s favourite dog? A bloodhound’.

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 31/01/2026

Today? I'm writing about how Louisa Lawson attempted to establish a mining company for women. Seriously - was there anything that woman didn't try? Details about Louisa Lawson on my website - link in the bio. #biography #australianwomenwriters #amwriting #louisalawson

Close up of Louisa Lawson's Miner's Right certificate, dated 1897-1898.

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

Today? Seems the right day to work on edits for the croc book’s new publisher … in the USA!!! That’s right kids, Spirit of the Crocodile will be published in the US in 2027 by Lerner (one of the US’s largest independent publishers of kids books). #middlegradefiction #booksky #FirstNationsBooks

Spirit of the Crocodile, by Aaron Fa’Aoso and Michelle Scott Tucker. A novel for children set in the Torres Strait.

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 24/01/2026

Today’s desk posy. Am writing about Henry Lawson’s precipitous wedding. Which he didn’t tell his mother about until about a month afterwards 🙄 #biography #BookSky #LouisaLawson #AustralianWomenWriters

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

First time I’ve seen a blue banded bee in my garden. Go well little one. Bring your friends.

A blue banded bee seeking nectar from pink salvia blossoms.

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

Fell headfirst into this 1987 Booker Prize-winning novel and emerged gasping with wonder. An enthralling story of a complex woman spiced with thought-provoking meditations on the nature of history, and history writing. #amreadingfiction #bookreview #moontiger #penelopelively #BookSky

The cover of a book called Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively.

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

Today? I’m writing about Henry Lawson’s first book. Want to guess who published it in 1894? Yep, you’re right. His mother (printer, editor and journal proprietor) Louisa Lawson. Click on pic to see it full size #biography #australianwomenwriters #LouisaLawson #amwri̇ti̇ng #Booksky

Cover of an 1894 book called ‘Short Stories on Prose and Verse’ by Henry Lawson. Published by L. Lawson.

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

Today? Checking to see if my ponies remembered how to load, in case of evacuation. 🤷‍♀️ 🔥 Years since either has floated but they stepped up like champs. Then very pleasantly surprised to be unloaded and given a good feed. 🤣 Fingers crossed that we (and everyone else) can stay safe at home tomorrow.

Two horses looking out from a float, wondering why housekeeping isn’t providing more carrots.

Photo of a float from behind, with two horses in it. Little bum and big bum.

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 03/01/2026

... the idea of a smooth waxed floor and a bevy of handsome youths and maidens chasing the hours with flying feet.’ The Sydney Mail said it contained ‘more originality, fresher melody, and better harmony than can be found in some half-dozen of the recent additions to the waltz deluge.’ 3/4

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 03/01/2026

Sheet music was reviewed in the newspapers like books are today and Bert's The Rosalind was heaped with praise. The Australian Town and Country Journal considered it ‘a very pretty piece’ which ‘forcibly suggests ... 2/4

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 03/01/2026

Spending today writing about Louisa Lawson's talented son. No, not that one - her 3rd son Peter (usually called Bert). As a 21-year-old musician he composed The Rosalind Waltz, dedicated to the actress who played Rosalind in an 1893 production of 'As You Like It'. That's her, on the cover. 1/4

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

Today’s writing adventure? Speaking at length to an academic whose Nana (as a child) knew Louisa Lawson (as an elderly neighbour). Mrs Lawson ‘was poor, poorer than us.’ And Henry? Well he was ‘a nasty piece of work’. Gold. #biography #amwri̇ti̇ng #australianwomenwriters #louisalawson #Booksky

A photo of my messy red desk and computer.

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

Today’s desk posy … with added cat! Happy new year everyone. Today? I’m writing about how Louisa Lawson was unfairly treated by the Postal and Telegraph Department because they didn’t approve of outspoken women 🙄 #biography #australianwomen #writer #booksky

A floofy grey cat stands on a red desk, beside a small posy of mauve sweet peas in a ceramic vase.

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 26/12/2025

Today’s Boxing Day desk posy. Yes, I’m working on the book today. Deadlines people, deadlines! #biography #Booksky

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

1 year ago we adopted Blue. With us he’s completed agility training. Scent training. He’s kind to our cats & growls at strangers. He loves getting ear rubs. Hates water & loud noises. When extra happy he bounces in circles. His inside manners are impeccable & he snores like a trooper. We adore him 🖤

German wire haired pointer sitting in a field of daisies.

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

Well yes, they’re gorgeous. But I realised too late that the damn thing only blooms once a year. So enjoy it now, while it lasts.

Pink climbing Rose Albertine on a garden arbour

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Michelle Scott Tucker @mst-writes.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

Honourable mention! 2026 Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards!! Our little Croc book’s star just keeps on rising. Thanks Aaron Fa’Aoso, thanks Lyn White, thanks @jacintadimase.bsky.social and thanks @allenandunwin.bsky.social Spirit of the Crocodile #middlegradefiction #firstnations #booksky

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