Tahlia Engelbrecht

In my last post in 2022, I mentioned how much my writing and knowledge of the publishing industry has grown since I first sat down at my dining table to write. Considering how little I knew at the time, it wasn’t hard. Knowing what I do now, I realise how many...

Someone help me out here. How is it March already? I’m still getting over the end of Christmas and gingerbread 😭 But in all seriousness, I don’t really know how we’re this far into 2023 already. Anyone else feeling the same? Why a monthly wrap up? In the name of...

Is my writing actually any good? If you’re like me, this question likes to haunt you every so often. It usually pops into your head when you’re reading a good book in the genre/age category you work in. It can make for a rough sleep that night. In small doses,...

It’s crazy to think it’s already December of 2022. The new year is just around the corner, and like most people, it has me looking back on how my writing has developed since I first put words to paper. For me, December 25th doesn’t just mark Christmas. It also marks...

I can already hear you saying, “Well, duh. Of course it is.” And you’d be right. But how many of us actually remember to have fun while we’re doing it? It’s easy to turn our creative processes into another daily grind, when that’s not what they’re supposed to be. I...

I originally wrote and published this story for Vocal+ New Worlds Writing Challenge. The prompt was to write the first chapter of a science-fiction story, using the first line: “nobody can hear a scream in the vacuum of space, or so they say.” I loved the story that came out of this...

Part Two Missed Part One? Read it here. Mud squelched through my fingers, slipping away like grains of sand. I dug deeper, seeking purchase. I refused for this to be the end. I dragged myself another few inches forward, gasping at the pain the movement brought. My eyes remained locked on...

I found this piece of wisdom while skimming through The Elements of Style this week. It resonated with me, not because it serves as a reminder there is no shortcut to hard work, but because it acts as a roadmap of sorts. How often do people tell you to take...

Part One Raindrops clung to my lashes like frozen tears. They seeped into the seams of my leather armour, turning my skin clammy and cold. My cracked boots struggled to grip the sodden ground, but my steps were sure. They had to be. I wouldn’t survive otherwise. I slipped between...

Hiya. Welcome to my website and blog. My name is Tahlia. Tahlia, with an H. A bit about me… I’m a writer (just stating the obvious here 😉 ) I’m also an avid snack baker, photography trainee, artist, and martial artist. In that order. Snacks come first. Always. If you’re...