Michelle Scott Tucker

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

Reasons why Blue likes visiting the vet.

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

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

Love it so much. Although it was years before I realised their name wasn’t Aztec Hammer (thanks radio announcers 🤷‍♀️).

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

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

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

A blue banded bee seeking nectar from pink salvia blossoms.

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

It was a bright and frosty Plough Monday and the air was sweet with birdsong. The farmers, old and bark-worn, young and bright-eyed, from every farm and gainery around the village and the hamlet had paid their visits to Old Fox's cottage.
They bade Old Fox a solemn good morning & winked at Wolf,

Exactly! It’s just perfect. 😊

Love that attachment. Cuts through brush, blackberries and also wire fences. Ask me how I know 🤣🤣

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

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

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

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

Dear Bert’s Books. Australian reader & writer here, who spent a hot windy day hoping not to evacuate my rural home because of nearby bushfires. I don’t really know where Swindon is. But I love your account & I love reading your signs. From the rest of the world, thank you for daily small joys.

Thank you.

Thank you, really appreciate it. We’ll be ok 🤞

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.

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.

A copy of The Rosalind Waltz is held by the National Library of Australia and on Trove. Bert could paint too, and his works are held in municipal collections to this day.
Just goes to show, there's always more to the story... #biography #australianwomenwriters #louisalawson #BookSky 4/4

... 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

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

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

A photo of my messy red desk and computer.

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

It was the boss of the department what done her wrong. As a former country postmistress herself, I’m sure she’d love the counter staff right back 🤣🤣

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

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

“Wilfully negligent fanciful obstinacy” is a perfect descriptor. The grief is real. As is the anger, frustration and anxiety. You are not alone.

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

Thanks!

He is SUCH a good boy. 😊

German wire haired pointer sitting in a field of daisies.

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 🖤

Pink climbing Rose Albertine on a garden arbour

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.

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

I’ve been hanging out 🤣🤣