about me

Melbourne-based SF, YA & Children's writer.
Bren's publications include ten children's chapter books, multiple magazine and emag publications, a non-fic book and a play for 40+ children (sold via the Australian Script Centre). Bren is a Clarion South survivor and member of SuperNOVA writers, Kidswriters Downunder, SCBWI, and the ASA.


Reviews for my latest published short story, "Being Bella Wang" in SHiNY magazine:

The Fix (Sherwood Smith): "...MacDibble expertly evokes an exotic locale full of magic, as well as vivid, interesting characters with a strong bond."

As If: "... MacDibble nicely ties in the science fiction element – which isn’t particularly overt, and is treated quite casually – with a fantasy element that fits its location nicely. The conclusion, while seemingly light-hearted, became darker and more threatening upon reflection."

Last Short Story: "... this emerging Australian writer has really hit her stride and found her voice in this marvellous YA story which touches on cloning, teen girl self esteem and Balinese mythology. Angsty, thoughtful and with a lovely sense of black humour, this is a definite must-read." Tansy already had Being Bella Wang on her list of favs for 2008

The Elephant Forgets (Rich Horton) - 9 Dec: "... I liked Bren MacDibble's "Being Bella Wang", about various clones of a harsh and ambitious woman struggling to find their own identity."

"Cool Shite (Dirk Flinthart) 9 Jan "Issue Four sees a return from Bren MacDibble, in “Being Bella Wang.” A tale of identity, sibling rivalry, and the struggle to escape parental domination, the prose crackles nicely, and it takes advantage of an unusual setting to play some nice cross-cultural games. I liked this one a lot."

"Being Bella Wang" also received an online Honorable Mention from Ellen Datlow as part of her selection process for the Best of Horror 2009.

favourite books

Snowcrash, Iron Dragon's Daughter, The Black Crusade, Neuromancer, The Futurological Congress, The Pilo Family Circus, Moonseed, The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch, The Organ Grinders, Daughters of Moab, The Graveyard Book, Roadside Picnic...

my websites

http://www.macdibble.com