Newcastle Writers Festival

In the final episode of this year's Stories To You series, we have collaborated with Caroline Baum, host of the Life Sentences podcast, to bring you a conversation with American biographer Professor Heather Clark about her acclaimed biography of poet Sylvia Plath.  Caroline describes Red Comet: The Short Life and Blazing Art of Sylvia Plath, which has been nominated for a 2021 Pulitzer Prize,as a "fastidious, forensic and granular account" of the artist's early life and brilliant college days in the US before her explosive encounter with British poet Ted Hughes. With unprecedented access to archives of Plath papers and other previously unavailable material, Clark provides the most comprehensive and psychologically complex portrait to date of a much misunderstood and mythologised artist. Red Comet is published in Australia by Penguin Random House. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Pippos, who has been shortlisted for the 2021 Miles Franklin Literary Award, and Newcastle writer Michael Sala, discuss their creative challenges and decisions, how they juggle the demands of writing and parenting, and what they are working on now. Hosted by Ed Wright. This session was recorded at our inaugural Fresh Ink Emerging Writers Program on 23 April, in collaboration with Newcastle Libraries. Funding was provided by Create NSW.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cassandra Atherton talks about prose poetry and microlit — reading from the Anthology of Australian Prose Poetry she recently co-edited with Paul Hetherington, and Pulped Fiction, the latest collection in the Joanne Burns microlit prize series.  Host: Beth Spencer Anthology of Australian Prose Poetry is published by Melbourne University Press. Pulped Fiction is published by Spineless Wonders.  Cassandra's latest books of prose poetry are Fugitive Letters (with Paul Hetherington) and Leftovers. You can order copies from www.macleanbooks.com.au  More information about Cassandra's work at www.cassandra-atherton.com. And for more about the Joanne Burns Microlit prize and Microflix check out Spineless Wonders at https://shortaustralianstories.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Triple J presenter Bridget Hustwaite and journalist Gabrielle Jackson are 'endo warriors'. They share their experiences of living with endometriosis and explore the assumptions and misinformation that impact sufferers.  How to Endo by Bridget Hustwaite and Pain and Prejudice by Gabrielle Jackson are published by Allen and Unwin. Buy both books online via the Festival's book store MacLean's Booksellers.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Acclaimed First Nations Canadian writer Billy-Ray Belcourt speaks to Laura Kebby, of Secret Book Stuff, about writing, poetry, identity, and the importance of representation in literature.  Billy-Ray's memoir A History of My Brief Body is published by UQP.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eminent British philosopher A. C. Grayling discusses the fields of knowledge that have opened up with new methods and tools of inquiry – including cutting-edge physics, humanity's very ancient history before Greece and Rome, and what we now know about the mind and the brain. Hosted by Newcastle philosopher and author Russell Blackford. The Frontiers of Knowledge: What We Now Know About Science, History, and the Mind is published by Penguin Random House Australia. Buy your copy from the Festival's bookstore, MacLean's Booksellers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From essays to poetry, there's more than one way to write a memoir. How do we find the best form to tell the stories of our own lives? With Bastian Fox Phelan, Susan Francis, and Bri Lee. Hosted by Rosemarie Milsom. This session was recorded at our inaugural Fresh Ink Emerging Writers Program on 24 April, 2021, in collaboration with Newcastle Libraries. Funding was provided by Create NSW.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you're interested in self-publishing, are an aspiring author, or simply keen to take a behind-the-scenes look at the business of publishing, Jaye Ford, Brendan Fredericks and Ed Wright share an insider's view. Hosted by Nick Milligan. This session was recorded at our inaugural Fresh Ink Emerging Writers Program on 24 April, 2021, in collaboration with Newcastle Libraries. Funding was provided by Create NSW.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newcastle has a robust poetry community and in late 2020 three local writers had books published by Puncher & Wattmann. Ivy Ireland, Kerri Shying, and Ed Wright speak to Magdalena Ball about their funny and deeply original work.    Kerri Shying's Know Your Country, Ivy Ireland's The Owl Inside, and Ed Wright's Gas Deities are all published by Puncher & Wattmann and can be purchased from Macleans Bookshop. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When her husband decided he didn't want biological children, Sarah Sentilles was forced to acknowledge her deepest longing. In her compelling new memoir, Stranger Care, she explores the realisation that she wanted to be a parent - to care for someone else's baby. Sarah speaks to Newcastle Writers Festival director Rosemarie Milsom about the life-changing experience.   Stranger Care is published by Text and can be bought online via Maclean's Booksellers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Novelist Maria Dahvana Headley has created a revisionist translation of the Old English poem Beowulf, infusing it with feminism and social-media slang. She speaks to Magdalena Ball about being one of only a few women translators who has tackled the 3182-line poem.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if you woke up one morning and decided to give the fate of your marriage just 12 months?  Author Holly Wainwright chats to Laura Jackel about her latest aptly titled novel, I Give My Marriage A Year.     Holly Wainwright is a writer, editor and broadcaster who lives in Sydney with her young family. She's the Head of Content at women's media company Mamamia and this is her third novel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian writer Emily Maguire's new novel isa clear-eyed and compassionate novel about love and family, betrayal and forgiveness, and the things we do to fill our empty spaces. She speaks to Magdalena Ball. Love Objects is published by Allen & Unwin.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of Stories to You brings together two veteran Australian music journalists and authors, Stuart Coupe and Mark Mordue, to discuss their respective new biographies, Paul Kelly: The Man, the Music and The Life In-Between and Nick Cave: Boy On Fire. Author and entertainment journalist Nick Milligan speaks with Coupe and Mordue about the craft of writing an incisive biography and the multi-faceted lives of their fascinating subjects. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens if your misunderstood child becomes embroiled in a school scandal? Fiona Higgins chats to Laura Jackel about her new novel An Unusual Boy.  For more on Fiona Higgins visit fionahiggins.com.au and buy An Unusual Boy, published by Boldwood Books here  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his new book My Year of Living Vulnerably, Rick Morton reveals what happened when childhood trauma caught up with him in his 20s. He then set himself the task of undoing some of the damage by living more openly and vulnerably, and by exploring the evolving science around how people living with trauma can begin to heal. He speaks to Ed Wright. If this conversation has raised issues for you, help is available 24/7 from Lifeline 13 11 14 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During the destructive and widespread bushfire season of 2019/20, philosopher Danielle Celermajer's rural NSW idyll was under threat. The trauma and fear caused her to reflect on our responsibility for the damage and pain caused, especially to the natural world. She speaks to Rosemarie Milsom about her book Summertime: Reflections on a Vanishing Future.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does being vegan mean having to miss out on burgers, jalapeno peppers and deep-fried banana fritters? No way, according to Melbourne writer and vegan recipe developer Zacchary Bird. He talks to Magdalena Ball about his first book Vegan Junk Food. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard discusses her most recent book Women and Leadership: Real Lives, Real Lessons, co-written with economist Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. She explores the influence of gender on women's access to positions of leadership and the perceptions of them as leaders. The conversation is hosted by Newcastle Writers Festival director Rosemarie Milsom and was recorded on 13 February, 2021. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicola Redhouse reads from her book Unlike the Heart: A Memoir of Brain and Mind and talks about the way her research grew from her own postnatal anxiety to something much bigger. Host - Magdalena Ball If you would like to buy a copy of Nicola’s book, which is published by UQP, go to www.macleansbooks.com.au

Much-loved singer/songwriters Clare Bowditch discusses her heart-breaking, wise, and inspirational memoir. Host / Sarah Macdonald If you would like to buy a copy of Clare’s book Your Own Kind of Girl, which is published by Allen & Unwin, go to www.macleansbooks.com.au

David Leser discusses the origins of misogyny, the impact of the #MeToo movement, and proposes a new map for masculinity with host, Rosemarie Milsom If you would like to buy a copy of David’s book Women, Men & the Whole Damn Thing, which is published by Allen & Unwin, go to www.macleansbooks.com.au

For six years Miriam Lancewood lived off the grid throughout New Zealand’s wilderness areas where she learnt to hunt and forage. She shares her experience with Rosemarie Milsom If you would like to buy a copy of Miriam’s book A Woman in the Wilderness, which is published by Allen & Unwin, go to www.macleansbooks.com.au

Behrouz Boochani speaks from New Zealand about life after Manus Island, the impact of his award-winning memoir No Friend but the Mountains, and the enduring power of literature to change the world. Host / Michael Byrne If you would like to buy a copy of Behrouz’s book No Friend but the Mountains, which is published by Pan Macmillan, go to www.macleansbooks.com.au

Against the backdrop of World War II and its far-reaching fallout, Suzanne Leal and Favel Parrett’s compelling novels explore the impact of betrayal and the meaning of home. Host / Meredith Jaffé If you would like to buy a copy of Suzanne’s book The Deceptions, which is published by Allen & Unwin, or Favel’s book There was Still Love, which is published by Hachette, go to www.macleansbooks.com.au

Throughout history, anger has fuelled surges in female-led activism, but is it having an impact where it matters now - and if not, why not? With Jane Gilmore, Ruby Hamad and Trisha Pender If you would like to buy a copy of Jane’s book Fixing the Headlines: Violence and the Representation of Women in the Media, which is published by Viking or Ruby’s book White Tears/ Brown Scare, which is published by MUP, go to www.macleansbooks.com.au

Charlotte Wood discusses her critically acclaimed novel The Weekend, which centres on the intricacies of female friendships and the impact of ageing with host, Ailsa Piper If you would like to buy a copy of Charlotte’ book The Weekend, which is published by Allen & Unwin, go to www.macleansbooks.com.au/

Newcastle writer David Owen Kelly discusses his darkly funny and confronting memoir State of Origin, which explores loyalty, misguided love and loss. Host / Ed Wright If you would like to buy a copy of David’s book State of Origin, which is published by Puncher & Wattman, click here https://www.macleansbooks.com.au

From heavy wipe-outs to heaving crowds, soulful road trips to flow states, Ash Grunwald provides insight into the lives of surfing legends who also happen to be brilliant musicians. Host /Nick Milligan If you would like to buy a copy of Ash’s book Surf by Day, Jam by Night, which is published by Pantera Press, go to www.macleansbooks.com.au

Sarah Macdonald and Cathy Wilcox share their straight-talking, laugh-out-loud survival guide to raising teenagers with host, Meredith Jaffé If you would like to buy a copy of Sarah and Cathy’s book So … You’re Having a Teenager, which is published by Murdoch Books, go to www.macleansbooks.com.au/

What happens when the person you love conceals their true identity? Susan Francis and Stephanie Wood discuss the devastating fallout with host, Suzanne Leal If you would like to buy a copy of Susan’s book The Love that Remain, which is published by Allen & Unwin or Stephanie’s book Fake, which is published by Penguin Books Australia, go to www.macleansbooks.com.au

This year’s award, held in collaboration with Spineless Wonders, encouraged writers to use microlit to explore physical, psychological, environmental and historical scars. Hear readings by writers included in the Scars anthology. Host / Cassandra Atherton Featuring: The Ocean Has Made Promises - Shaynah Andrews, Shot Through - Nadine Schofield, Affinity - Susan McCreery, Discussing Pain [and the things I don’t say.] - Deb Wain, ATAPS 2013: (The Department of Health Access to Allied Psychological Services Suicide Prevention Program) - Josh Mei-Ling Dubrau Landscrape - Andrew Roff Kitten - Jen Craig Earth Scars - Magdalena Ball Scar Makers Make Men - Paul Collis Shark Bite - Trisha Pender Contrails - Alyson Miller Best of Three - Danielle Baldock Swell - Kathleen Bleakley Neighbours- Brenda Proudfoot Ripple - Paul Hetherington Magic Show - Shady Cosgrove Shotgun - Patrick West Inside - Sarah St Vincent Welch Old Habits Die Hard - Stuart Barnes Drawing the Line - Anna Forsyth The Sheaves of Days - Richard Holt On Finding Charlotte - Judith Nangala Crispin MARE TRANQUILLITATIS, 1969 - Rosanna Licari No White M&Ms - KA Rees If you would like to buy a copy of Scars, which is published by Spineless Wonders, go to shortaustralianstories.com.au/product/scars/

Explore the craft of poetry and the inspiration behind Hunter Region author Gillian Swain’s book, My Skin its Own Sky in this virtual book launch with host, Magdalena Ball

Claire Albrecht and Hera Lindsay Bird discuss the pitfalls and occasional positives of anxiety in the poetic process with host, Bastian Fox Phelan. If you would like to buy a copy of Claire's book Pinky Swear, which is published by Puncher & Wattman, go to www.cupletpoetry.com/purchase/pinky-swear-by-claire-albrecht

Explore the craft of poetry and the inspiration behind Hunter Region author Morgan Bell's book, Idiomatic, for the People in this virtual book launch. Host / Magdalena Ball

Gabrielle Jackson and Lee Kofman explore what it’s like to live in a body that deviates from the ‘norm’: from the complexity of self-image to the minefield of medical intervention. Host / Caroline Baum If you would like to buy a copy of Gabrielle’s book Pain and Prejudice: A Call to Arms for Women and their Bodies, which is published by Allen & Unwin or Lee’s book Imperfect, which is published by Affirm Press, go to www.macleansbooks.com.au

Sophie Hardcastle, Nicola Redhouse and Maria Tumarkin discuss how they have challenged literary boundaries to explore trauma. Host / Magdalena Ball If you would like to buy a copy of Sophie’s book Below Deck, which is published by Allen & Unwin, Nicola’s book Unlike the Heart: A Memoir of Brain and Mind, which is published by UQP or Maria’s book Axiomatic, which is published by Brow Books, go to www.macleansbooks.com.au

Sophie Hardcastle's new novel Below Deck is a work for anyone who has felt the sting of misogyny or the consequences of assault. She speaks to Magdalena Ball. If would like to buy a copy of Sophie’s book Below Deck, which is published by Allen & Unwin Books go to www.macleansbooks.com.au

Maria Tumarkin reads from her award-winning non-fiction book Axiomatic, which is part reportage, part philosophical meditation and part storytelling. She interrogates conventional wisdom about the role of the past in shaping the present. Hosted by Magdalena Ball. If would like to buy a copy of Maria’s book Axiomatic, which is published by Brow Books, go to http://www.macleansbooks.com.au

Anna Meares is one of Australia's most successful athletes. She was the first Australian woman to win an Olympic gold medal in track cycling and the only Australian to win a medal in an individual event at four Olympic Games. Her career is marked by dramatic highs and lows, both on and off the track. She speaks to Newcastle Writers Festival director Rosemarie Milsom about her new book Anna Meares: Now, which is an account of her life as an elite athlete as well as how she has managed to find peace after retirement. To buy a copy of Anna Meares Now, go to https://bit.ly/2LGWZDe

With her novel Wolfe Island, Lucy Treloar joins a growing number of writers whose fiction explores anthropogenic catastrophe. She discusses the thin line between the present and a dystopian future. - Host / Susan Wyndham If would like to buy a copy of Lucy’s book Wolfe Island, which is published by Picador, go to http://www.macleansbooks.com.au

In this session, which was recorded at the 2019 Newcastle Writers Festival, Rosalie Ham, Holly Throsby and Christian White discuss the big drama of small towns. Hosted by Meredith Jaffe.

In this session, which was recorded at the 2019 Newcastle Writers Festival, Jane Caro discusses the generation of women that changed everything but didn’t plan to. She explores the achievement of these revolutionaries - those aged over 55. Hosted by Meredith Jaffe.

Most of us will experience at least one traumatic event, but why and how do certain people cope more effectively with personal tragedy? With Meera Atkinson, Heather Morris and Rick Morton. This session was recorded at the 2019 Newcastle Writers Festival and was hosted by Annabel Smith.

Kon Karapanagiotidis is the founder of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. At the 2019 Newcastle Writers Festival he spoke to Felicity Biggins about his perspective and experience of the global refugee crisis.

In the escalating war between truth and politics, how do we maintain human rights? Former Australian Human Rights commissioner Gillian Triggs speaks to Jill Emberson. This session was recorded at the 2019 Newcastle Writers Festival.

The founder of 1 Million Women, Natalie Isaacs, speaks to Christina Gerakiteys about harnessing passion, power and politics to create a better future. This session was recorded at the 2019 Newcastle Writers Festival.

Michael Robotham is renowned for creating complex page-turners. In this session recorded at the 2019 Newcastle Writers Festival, he speaks to Ailsa Piper about the characters and plot twists that bring his books to life.

In this session, which was recorded at the 2019 Newcastle Writers Festival, Claire G Coleman, Jock Serong and Clare Wright talk to Julie McIntyre about the challenges of writing history based on previously unheard voices.

Clementine Ford, Kate Lilley and Alison Whittaker talk to Trisha Pender about the importance of women's stories. This session was recorded at the 2019 Newcastle Writers Festival.

The messages on his church billboard capture headlines, but is there more to Father Rod Bower's push for a progressive Christianity? Hosted by ABC Newcastle's Dan Cox. This session was recorded at the 2019 Newcastle Writers Festival.