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While Melanie and I cook up something extra special for you, we're highlighting some past episodes that you might have missed. THE DRY is an Outback Noir that we studied back in season 9. We talk about the environment as an antagonist, character archetypes, and a whole lot more. Check it out! - V. For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.Follow Valerie on Instagram and Threads @valerie_francisFollow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Porcelain beaches, honeycomb cliffs and a girl in the wilderness: today, meet the winner of our inaugural Australian Fiction Prize. Find out more about The Front podcast here. You can read about this story and more on The Australian's website or on The Australian's app. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey and produced and edited by Jasper Leak, who also wrote our music. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton, Tiffany Dimmack and Stephanie Coombes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
this episode we dive into the immaculately shiny and mirrored world of Sally Thorne's debut novel, The Hating Game. this book won the vote for our Australian fiction month and we are left to answer the question: will the charms of an Australian author be enough to save this book from our better judgement? we talk smurfs, the tiny girl x big man trope, in appropriate office behaviour, weigh in on the Goodreads reviews and Bridget makes an elaborate analogy involving a horse blanket. have we finally found an enemies-to-lovies romance novel to crack open our cold, cynical hearts? or will the hating game end up as just another book we love to hate?articles mentioned: Meet Sally Thornesynopsis music by Oleksii Kaplunskyj send us questions, things you want us to speak about or just say hi!choose our next podcast read by going here and voting in the first week of each month!make sure you subscribe to hear our groundbreaking thoughts as soon as they are unleashed. if you want to be on the same page as us, follow us at talklit.gethit on Instagram and TikTok.theme music born from the creative genius of Big Boi B.talk lit, get hit are reading and recording on Giabal, Jagera, Jarowair & Turrbal lands. we acknowledge the cultural diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and pay respect to Elders past, present and future. always was, always will be.
A middling railway attendant attempts to mend his broken existence.
Guest host Meredith Jaffé, author of The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah and The Tricky Art of Forgiveness, chats to Jane Tara about her new release Tilda is Visible. Jane has published over a hundred children's books, several plays ya in romance novels, as well as travel and educational books and journalism. She spent 13 years wandering the world and lived in five countries, but is now happily at home in Sydney. Jane is also the general manager of Better Reading, a community of engaged readers, and a powerhouse of support for Australian writing. Her new novel Tilda is Visible, was one of the buzz titles of the 2023 Frankfurt Book Fair and is getting rave reviews. Jane chats to Meredith about the quite personal inspiration for the novel, the evolution of the story, her writing process, and the theme of the novel: the invisibility of women as they age. This is a fabulous conversation between two talented authors. Grab a cuppa or put on your walking shoes and enjoy this episode with Meredith and Jane. SHOW NOTES: Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook: click here Instagram: click here Twitter: click here W4W Patreon https://www.writes4women.com/support-us-on-patreon Jane Tara Website: click here Facebook: click here Instagram: click here Meredith Jaffé Website : click here Facebook: click here Instagram: click here Pamela Cook www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook: click here Twitter: click here Instagram: click here Turn Up the Tension online course: click here This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal land. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=trueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Charlotte Wood is an award winning Australian author of 10 books including the 2016 Stella Prize winner The Natural Way of Things and the 2020 international bestseller The Weekend. Her latest novel Stone Yard Devotional is about a woman who abandons her life, her marriage, her career and retreats to a religious community in a remote area of Australia, where she grew up. Charlotte and I talk about the themes that come up in her work, how her craft has changed over the course of her career, why it's so important to her to not over explain to the reader and of course, her favourite Australian fiction writers.LinksStone Yard Devotional - Charlotte WoodThe Weekend - Charlotte WoodThe Natural Way of Things - Charlotte WoodThe Writers Room - Charlotte WoodThe Slap - Christos TsiolkasThe Golden Age - Joan LondonThe Good Parents - Joan LondonThe Conversion - Amanda LohreyCharlotte Wood's Substack - charlottewood.substack.comcharlottewoodauthor.com.auNot Too Busy To Write on Substack - pennywincer.substack.com
With a deadline looming and his job at stake, a clerk develops perverse strategies to boost his productivity but soon discovers that a new employee is vying for his position.
The Writers Advice Podcast is bought to you by Booksprout. Booksprout is my go-to platform to share my stories with readers to engage with reviewers before they are launched with the rest of the world. Head to booksprout to increase your online reviews today! This week on the Writers Advice Podcast I am joined by the fabulous Australian author, Matthew Ryan Davies On this episode Matthew and I talk about: - His journey to becoming a writer - Writing YA and the rules around YA -Switching Genres - Getting an Agent - Getting Optioned for television - His New Relase, The Broken Wave -And all his advice for writers Check out all of Mathew's Books here GRAB YOURSELF A COPY OF THE WRITERS JOURNAL Grab a copy of my Shadow & Shifter Series here Grab a copy of my new dystopian release – Block Delete here. JOIN THE WRITERS ADVICE FACEBOOK GROUP Become a part of my ARC TEAM HERE To Contact Matthew:Instagram: @matthewryandaviesWebsite: matthewryandavies.com To Contact Me:Website: oliviahillier.comInstagram: @oliviahillierauthor
In today's episode Leanne and Chelle chat their way through everything written by Liane Moriaty, bestselling Australian Fiction author. Leanne and Chelle love a good plot twist and Liane Moriaty is masterful as blindsiding her audience. The Books: Nine Perfect Strangers Apple's Never Fall Big Little Lies What Alice Forgot The Husband's Secret Truly Madly Guilty Other Mentions: Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers were both turned into a made for tv mini series although BLL was extended into a 2 season mini series. Liane also wrote The Hypnotist's Love Story; The Last Anniversary; and, Three Wishes. Jaclyn Moriaty writes fiction for young readers. Nicola Moriaty, the youngest sister, wrote The Fifth Letter which Chelle referred to which is general fiction and had her captivated too. Leanne and Chelle wondered which other books of Lianne's have been optioned. We have since found an article dated 2017 that stating that What Alice Forgot; The Husband's Secret; and, Truly Madly Guilty had all been optioned. Further investigation revealed that Truly Madly Guilty is in development. It appears on IMDB that The Hypnotist's Love Story was released in 2019 starring Heather Graham and Jane Seymour however it only shows that there is one episode so may have had production stalled through the pandemic. Remember to keep reading and we'll see you Between The Lines.
In this episode of Writes4Women, host Pamela Cook introduces an exciting collaboration with four renowned anthologists for the upcoming book A COUNTRY VET CHRISTMAS. Featuring contributions from Pamela herself, Alissa Callan, Penelope Janu, Lily Malone, and Stella Quinn, this anthology celebrates a collection of novellas with a festive touch, all beautifully packaged with a gorgeous cover by HQ HarperCollins. Originating from diverse writing backgrounds, each contributor brings their unique flair to the project. While Pamela ventures into the realm of novella writing for the first time, she joins her fellow writers in sharing insights about the anthology, the process of penning shorter tales, and offering invaluable writing tips. The conversation promises to delve into the stories within A COUNTRY VET CHRISTMAS and the art of crafting compelling novellas. Join Pamela, Penelope, Stella, Alissa and Lily into this fascinating insight into novella writing, individual writing processes, inspiration, celebrating the spirit of Christmas and the joy of collaborative storytelling in A COUNTRY VET CHRISTMAS. SHOW NOTES: Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast W4W Patreon https://www.writes4women.com/support-us-on-patreon Alissa Callen Website : click here Facebook: click here Penelope Janu Website: click here Facebook: click here Instagram: click here Lily Malone Website: click here Facebook: click here Stella Quinn Website: click here Facebook: click here Instagram: click here Kell Woods Website : click here Facebook: click here Instagram: click here Pamela Cook www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook: click here Twitter: click here Instagram: click here This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal land. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=trueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's episode Pam chats to Australian author and writing mentor Lisa Ireland. Lisa has published novels across various genres, she has established herself as a thoughtful, nuanced voice in modern historical fiction and women's fiction. Lisa is a passionate community builder and enjoys supporting organisations that advocate for human rights and the arts—twin passions she explores in her latest novel, The One and Only Dolly Jamieson She lives with her husband in a small town in Gippsland, Victoria. When not writing, she spends her time mentoring aspiring authors, drinking coffee, and playing minion to her incredibly spoiled dog, Lulu. Pam and Lisa chat about the inspiration for Dolly, Lisa's writing process, writing dual timeline narratives and the importance of not giving up. Grab your favourite beverage and join Pam and Lisa on the Writes4Women Convo Couch * This episode was recorded on unceded Dharawal land in November 2022 SHOW NOTES: Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast W4W Patreon https://www.writes4women.com/support-us-on-patreon Lisa Ireland Website: click here Instagram: click here Facebook: click here Buy The One and Only Dolly Jamieson here Pamela Cook www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook: click here Twitter: click here Instagram: click here This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=trueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As part of this year's MQ PACE project on Indigenous Australian Fiction, Kate Milne discusses Barbed Wire and Cherry Blossoms by Anita Heiss (pronounced "Hice") and Nardi Simpson's Song of the Crocodile.
As part of this year's MQ PACE project on Indigenous Australian Fiction, Jasmine Oke discusses Claire G. Coleman's Enclave with Indigenous artist and Macquarie University alumnus, Dylan Barnes.
As part of this year's MQ PACE project on Indigenous Australian Fiction, Annie Paterson discusses Claire G. Coleman's The Old Lie as an example of Indigenous Speculative Fiction genre.
In this episode, Mark Smith takes us through the process behind writing his novel The Road to Winter. Mark talked about finding his writing voice in short stories, why and how he packs backstory into the first chapter, why he wrote the novel in first person present tense, the importance of pacing, dialogue, setting and keeping the writing process simple, and the writing mantras he lives by, including ‘What do I know and care about?'You'll find links to buy both paperback and ebook versions of The Road to Winter here.ABOUT MARK SMITHMark Smith is the author of four young adult novels, including his critically acclaimed Winter Trilogy.. The Road to Winter was shortlisted for multiple awards and is taught in schools around Australia. The sequel, Wilder Country won the 2018 Australian Indie Book Award for YA. An award-winning writer of short fiction, Mark's work has appeared in Best Australian Stories, Review of Australian Fiction, The Big Issue, The Victorian Writer, Island and The Australian.Mark is also an in-demand speaker at schools and an experienced facilitator at festivals and book launches.Website: https://www.marksmithwriter.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marksmithauthor/Twitter: https://twitter.com/marksmith0257For information about the Your Author Website course, go to https://www.writerscentre.com.au/store/courses/your-author-website/To enter this month's competition, head to Instagram or Facebook and look for the giveaway post.This podcast is recorded on the beautiful, unceded lands of the Garigal people of the Eora nation.Full show notes available at writersbookclubpodcast.com
Host Pamela Cook chats to three best-selling rural romance authors - Maya Linnell, Léonie Kelsall and Stella Quinn about writing in this popular genre. Maya Linnell - a previous guest and host on Writes4Women - writes best selling fiction, gathering inspiration from her rural upbringing and the small communities she has always lived in and loved. Maya has four published novels, Bottle Brush Creek, Wildflower Ridge, Magpie's Bend, and her most recent release Paper Bark Hill. A former country journalist and radio host, Maya also blogs for Romance Writers of Australia. Léonie Kelsall is also a previous guest on Writes4Women. Léonie is the author of three rural romances, The Wattleseed Inn, The Farm at Peppertree Crossing, and her most recent release, River Gum Cottage. She also writes women's fiction/romantic suspense under the pseudonym Laney Kaye. Léonie splits her time between her home and her professional counselling practice in the beautiful Adelaide Hills. Stella Quinn is a little newer to the writing scene. Her rural romance novels are warm-hearted and filled with characters you want to be best friends with. She loves rural small town settings, island settings, and everyday heroes, and describes her books as 'the babies of Sea Change and Virgin River. Fabulous. She has two rural romances published by Harlequin: The Vet from Snowy River and her very recent release A Town like Clarence. Join Pam, Maya, Léonie and Stella as they discuss how they got into what they love about writing rural romance, the characteristics of the genre, who reads it and more in the first part of this chat. Tune in next week as the discussion continues with writing sex scenes, social media, where the genre is headed and writing processes. SHOW NOTES: Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast W4W Patreon https://www.writes4women.com/support-us-on-patreon Maya Linell Website: click here Facebook: click here Instagram: click here Buy Maya's books here Léonie Kelsall Website: click here Facebook: click here Instagram: click here Buy Léonie's books here Stella Quinn Website: click here Facebook: click here Instagram: click here Buy Stella's book here Pamela Cook www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook: click here Twitter: click here Instagram: click here This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=trueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Victoria Brookman's debut novel, Burnt Out was published by Harper Collins in March 2022. It's about a writer called Calida who loses everything in a bushfire right after her husband has left her. And she really hits rock bottom. After a very public rant that goes viral, her life changes dramatically. Victoria is an author, activist and academic and lives in the Blue Mountains. Her resume as a political staffer and founder of feminist organisations speaks to her passion for women's and human rights. Victoria studied English and creative writing and is currently completing a doctorate and working on her second (and third) novel. In this episode Pam chats to Victoria about how she found the whole debut fiction experience, the whole process of putting yourself out there, along with the craft, heart and business of writing. It's a fascinating chat about the writing life. So grab a cup and join Victoria and Pam on the Writes4Women Convo Couch SHOW NOTES: Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast W4W Patreon https://www.writes4women.com/support-us-on-patreon Victoria Brookman Website: click here Facebook: click here Instagram: click here Buy Burnt Out here Pamela Cook www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook: click here Twitter: click here Instagram: click here This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=trueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Best selling Australian author, Cassie Hamer joins Pam for a chat writing her latest release The Truth About Faking It. This is Cassie's third women's fiction novel, following the huge success of her first two releases After the Party and The End of Cuthbert Close. Faking It is a story about three generations of women - Ellen, her daughter Natasha, and grand-daughter Georgie, who all have to grapple with the fallout from their husband/father's/grandfather's death as well as having multiple problems of their own. Each of the characters has a distinctive voice and Cassie weaves their stories together with an expert touch. This discussion also covers backstory, writing process, working with a publisher and a whole lot more. So much gold in here for writers and for readers - it's a great insight in the writing process. So grab a cuppa and join Pam and Cassie on The Convo Couch for this craft of writing episode on writing multiple viewpoints. SHOW NOTES: Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast W4W Patreon https://www.writes4women.com/support-us-on-patreon Cassie Hamer Website: click here Facebook: click here Instagram: click here Pre-order The Truth About Faking Ithere Pamela Cook www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook: click here Twitter: click here Instagram: click here This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cassie Hamer is one of Australia's best-selling authors. With three published titles to her name now, Cassie is fast cementing her reputation as an auto-buy author for meany reader across Australia.Her new book - with the most fabulous title ever - is called "The Truth About Faking It". I've read it and loved it. And I know others will feel the same. An absolute must-read. I was absolutely delighted to welcome Cassie back to the podcast a few weeks back.
Maryrose Cuskelly is an award-winning Melbourne-based author of both fiction and non-fiction.Her debut novel, "The Cane" was published earlier this year by Allen & Unwin. A gripping, atmospheric crime novel set in the fictional sugarcane town of Quala in North Queensland in the 1970s.I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and was delighted to have the chance to speak with Maryrose on the podcast recently.
**Warning: This podcast contains discussion of themes and issues some listeners may find distressing.**Back in 2020, I had the pleasure of connecting with West Australian author Monique Mulligan and chatting with her on the podcast about her debut novel, "Wherever You Go". A book which occupies a spot on the short list of books in recent times that has made me cry. A beautifully written and heart-achingly real portrayal of grief and guilt. Earlier this year Monique released her brand new novel, "Wildflower" (Pilyara Press). And, you guessed it...I cried AGAIN! "Wildflower" is a gut-wrenching novel about the effects of domestic violence on women and children. It shines a light on an insidious problem through the eyes of an 11 year-old girl in the summer of 1979/1980. A stunning novel that I cannot recommend highly enough. It was an honour to chat with Monique about this book on the podcast recently.
Mirandi Riwoe is the author of Stone Sky Gold Mountain, which won the 2020 Queensland Literary Award – Fiction Book Award and the inaugural ARA Historical Novel Prize, and was shortlisted for the 2021 Stella Prize and longlisted for the 2021 Miles Franklin Literary Award. In 2022 she has released The Burnished Sun, a collection of novellas and short stories. Mirandi's work has also appeared in Best Australian Stories, Meanjin, Review of Australian Fiction, Griffith Review and Best Summer Stories. Mirandi has appeared on The Garret before, and you can listen to her reflect on Stone Sky Gold Mountain here. About The Garret Read the transcript of this interview at thegarretpodcast.com. You can also follow The Garret on Twitter and Instagram, or follow our host Astrid Edwards on Twitter or Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"The Understudy" (Simon & Schuster) by Sydney-based author Julie Bennett is a brilliant new debut novel inspired by the Sydney Opera House and Julie's own childhood. A fascinating, page-turning glimpse into the underbelly of the theatre world, along with the rivalries, politics and machinations behind a history-making opera performance in 1973 Sydney. I am in complete awe of Julie's achievement with this magnificent novel and was delighted to have the chance to speak with her recently for the podcast.
Aoife Clifford is an award-winning, bestselling Australian crime writer of three novels including "All These Perfect Strangers", "Second Sight" and now her brand new novel "When We Fall".Published by Ultimo Press, "When We Fall" is a tense, gripping and propulsive novel with a racing plot that will leave you breathless til the very end. If you're a fan of crime fiction, you will love Aoife's work.Aoife and I had wide-ranging and insightful chat for the podcast recently.
Ali Lowe is a Sydney-based author who works as a journalist. I had the great pleasure of meeting Ali at a book launch back in December 2020 and was delighted to learn of her then upcoming debut novel. The book is now out in the world. Called "The Trivia Night" (published by Hodder & Stoughton) it's a page-turning, rip snorting read that will shock, delight and have you turning pages til the wee hours!A novel about 4 couples, one reckless night and the aftermath that threatens to rip their seemingly perfect lives apart. I had the best fun chatting with Ali recently about her book.
Jill Staunton is a North Queensland-based author of two novels, "Reiver's Moon" and "All That He Is". Both published by Boolarong Press. "All That He Is" was released late last year and boy oh boy, what a terrific read!This novel grabbed me from its opening pages and didn't let go until the very end. It had everything you want in a book: a cast of wonderfully depicted, strong and relatable characters, a rich plot, an incredible setting and vivid sense of place; mystery, suspense and a heart-wrenching love story to boot. It's a book that offers an enthralling glimpse into life in the outback, the impact of loss and trauma on our war veterans and hidden threats to our natural environment.I was absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to chat with Jill about "All That He Is" recently for the podcast.
Dinuka McKenzie is a crime writer who debuted on the Australian literary scene with an almighty bang. Wining the Banjo Prize in 2020, Dinuka secured her spot in literary history and scored a book deal with publishing giant, HarperCollins Australia.More than a year on from that win, Dinuka's debut novel "The Torrent" hit shelves.I was thrilled to welcome Dinuka as my first guest for 2022.
Dinuka McKenzie is a crime writer who debuted onto the Australian literary scene with an almighty bang.Winning the Banjo Prize in 2020, Dinuka secured her place in literary history and scored herself a book deal with publishing giant, HarperCollins Australia.More than a year down the track and her debut novel, "The Torrent" has finally hit the shelves. And what a cracker of a story it is.I was thrilled to welcome Dinuka as my first guest for 2022.
In collaboration with the Byron Writers Festival, Nicole speaks with Kavita Bedford about her perceptive debut novel "Friends and Dark Shapes," exploring millennial life, in contemporary Australia. SHOW NOTES: Nicole Abadee Website: https://www.nicoleabadee.com.au Facebook: @booksbooksbookspodcast OR @nicole.abadee Twitter: @NicoleAbadee Instagram: @nicoleabadee Kavita Bedford Website: https://www.kavitabedford.com Text Publishing "Friends and Dark Places": https://www.textpublishing.com.au/books/friends-dark-shapes Facebook: @Kavita Bedford Instagram: @kavita_bedford See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nikki Gemmell on her confronting new novel, “The Ripping Tree”, ten years in the making SHOW NOTES: Nicole Abadee Website: https://www.nicoleabadee.com.au Facebook: @booksbooksbookspodcast Twitter: @NicoleAbadee Instagram: @nicoleabadee Nikki Gemmell Website: https://www.nikkigemmell.com Harper Collins "The Ripping Tree": https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9781460751992/the-ripping-tree/ Facebook: @NikkiGemmellAuthor Twitter: @NikkiGemmell Instagram: @nikki.gemmellSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Maria Dahvana Headley has dusted off Beowulf with a new translation and author of The Cry, Helen Fitzgerald, has a new thriller centred around a boarding school.
Craig Silvey discusses his heartwarming new novel “Honeybee” about a chance meeting between two troubled people who forge a friendship that will change both their lives.SHOW NOTES: Nicole AbadeeWebsite: https://www.nicoleabadee.com.auFacebook: @nicole.abadeeTwitter: @NicoleAbadeeCraig SilveyWebsite: https://www.craigsilvey.comhttps://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/books/fiction/Honeybee-Craig-Silvey-9781760877224Allen and Unwin "Honeybee": Facebook: @craigsilveyauthorInstagram: @craigsilveyauthorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This episode I am joined by award-winning Australian author and environmentalist Jane Rawson. Formerly editor of the environment and energy section of The Conversation, she now works for the Tasmanian Land Conservancy, writing about nature conservation, and is also the co-founder of Read Tasmania. She likes cats, quiet, minimal capitalisation, and finding out that everything is going to be OK … don't we all! Jane is the author of two novels, a novella and co-authored a nonfiction guide to surviving climate change. Her stories and essays have been published in the Guardian, Lithub, Meanjin, Overland, Review of Australian Fiction, Kill Your Darlings and Australian Book Review and in 2017 she won the Aurealis Award for best science fiction for her novel From The Wreck. The pairings: A Treacherous Country by K.M. Kruimink Winner of the 2020 The Australian/Vogels Literary Award There is a woman, somewhere, here, in Van Diemen's Land, unless she had died or otherwise departed, called Maryanne Maginn. Gabriel Fox, the young son of an old English house, arrives in a land both ancient and new. Drawn by the promise of his heart's desire, and compelled to distance himself from pain at home, Gabriel begins his quest into Van Diemen's Land. His guide, a cannibal who is not all he seems, leads him north where Gabriel might free himself of his distracting burden and seek the woman he must find. As Gabriel traverses this wild country, he uncovers new truths buried within his own memory. For this Tasmanian setting written by a Tasmanian author, Jane suggested a Tasmanian wallaby stew, made with a Tassie Pinot of course, and whilst waiting for it to cook - ever so slowly - a Poltergeist unfilterd gin and tonic. Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir Brought up by unfriendly, ossifying nuns, ancient retainers, and countless skeletons, Gideon is ready to abandon a life of servitude and an afterlife as a reanimated corpse. She packs up her sword, her shoes, and her dirty magazines, and prepares to launch her daring escape. But her childhood nemesis won't set her free without a service. Harrowhark Nonagesimus, Reverend Daughter of the Ninth House and bone witch extraordinaire, has been summoned into action. The Emperor has invited the heirs to each of his loyal Houses to a deadly trial of wits and skill. If Harrowhark succeeds she will become an immortal, all-powerful servant of the Resurrection, but no necromancer can ascend without their cavalier. Without Gideon's sword, Harrow will fail, and the Ninth House will die. Of course, some things are better left dead. For this wildly dark space trip Jane suggests a Kaiju ‘Cthulhu on the Moon' Black IPA with a shot of Tasmanian moonshine for that extra strength hit. Everywhere I look by Helen Garner Spanning fifteen years of work, Everywhere I Look is a book full of unexpected moments, sudden shafts of light, piercing intuition, flashes of anger and incidental humour. It takes us from backstage at the ballet to the trial of a woman for the murder of her newborn baby. It moves effortlessly from the significance of moving house to the pleasure of re-reading Pride and Prejudice. This book is just filled with gorgeous little nuggets of observation and is so beautifully written. It doesn't need to be read as a whole but is easy to dip in and out of. I would pair it with a crisp, dry riesling and some perfectly fresh and crunchy salted or pickled cucumber sandwiches.
American screenwriter Charlie Kaufman pivots to the novel and Australian Jessie Tu's bold debut.
This episode I am joined by author Mirandi Riwoe. Mirandi is the author of the novella The Fish Girl, which won Seizure's Viva la Novella Prize and was shortlisted for the 2018 Stella Prize and the Queensland Literary Award's UQ Fiction Prize. Her work has appeared in Best Australian Stories, Meanjin, Review of Australian Fiction, Griffith Review and Best Summer Stories. Mirandi has a PhD in Creative Writing and Literary Studies and lives in Brisbane. She also writes the Heloise Chancey historical crime series under a pseudonym MJ Tjia. Her latest novel is Stone Sky Gold Mountain. The pairings: Pachinko by Min Jin Lee In the early 1900s, teenaged Sunja, the adored daughter of a crippled fisherman, falls for a wealthy stranger at the seashore near her home in Korea. He promises her the world, but when she discovers she is pregnant--and that her lover is married--she refuses to be bought. Instead, she accepts an offer of marriage from a gentle, sickly minister passing through on his way to Japan. But her decision to abandon her home, and to reject her son's powerful father, sets off a dramatic saga that will echo down through the generations. Richly told and profoundly moving, Pachinko is a story of love, sacrifice, ambition, and loyalty. From bustling street markets to the halls of Japan's finest universities to the pachinko parlors of the criminal underworld, Lee's complex and passionate characters--strong, stubborn women, devoted sisters and sons, fathers shaken by moral crisis--survive and thrive against the indifferent arc of history. Mirandi paired this beautiful story with a delicious and spicy Korean beef soup. The Singapore Grip (Empire Trilogy #3) by J.G. Farrell Singapore, 1939: life on the eve of World War II just isn't what it used to be for Walter Blackett, head of British Singapore's oldest and most powerful firm. No matter how forcefully the police break one strike, the natives go on strike somewhere else. His daughter keeps entangling herself with the most unsuitable beaus, while her intended match, the son of Blackett's partner, is an idealistic sympathizer with the League of Nations and a vegetarian. Business may be booming—what with the war in Europe, the Allies are desperate for rubber and helpless to resist Blackett's price-fixing and market manipulation—but something is wrong. No one suspects that the world of the British Empire, of fixed boundaries between classes and nations, is about to come to a terrible end. A love story and a war story, a tragicomic tale of a city under siege and a dying way of life, Mirandi pairs this beautiful book with the Stengah, a drink made from equal measures whiskey and soda - refreshing yet strong, simple and elegant.
Australian writer Anna Goldsworthy's first novel, “Melting Moments”, is about the life of Ruby Jenkins, wife and mother, from the 1940s over almost 7 decades. Anna discusses with Nicole Ruby's vague sense of dissatisfaction, and the limited opportunities available for women of her generation.SHOW NOTES: Nicole AbadeeWebsite: https://www.nicoleabadee.com.auFacebook: @nicole.abadeeTwitter: @NicoleAbadeeAnna Goldsworthy Website: http://www.annagoldsworthy.comhttps://www.blackincbooks.com.au/books/melting-momentsBlack Inc Books "Melting Moments" Facebook: @goldsworthyannaTwitter: @goldsworthyannaInstagram: @juseraphimtrioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australian fiction discussed with academic and critic Bernadette Brennan and novelist Robert Lukins, on Joan London's The Golden Age & Shirley Hazzard's The Transit of Venus
Plus Michael Robotham's latest crime novel and the Cost of Art series.
Stella prize winning author Carrie Tiffany on her latest Exploded View, Gerald Murnane on the release of A Season on Earth in full and the book to film adaptation of The Big Sleep.
Remembering Miles Franklin author Andrew McGahan, bestselling YA author Angie Thomas on her new novel The Come Up and the origins of Harper Lee's famous character Atticus Finch.
An all Australian show with Liane Moriarty's Nine Perfect Strangers, Maxine Beneba Clarke's latest picture book and Melissa Lucashenko's woman on a motorbike.
A look at toxic masculinity from two different writers, Tim Winton and Michael Mohammed Ahmad, inside the writing room of Miles Franklin winner Josephine Wilson, a history of the blurb and an ode to grammar with cabaret performer Louisa Fitzhardinge.
An all-Australian show: Kristina Olsson talks about Shell, her novel about the Sydney Opera House, Steve Hawke invites us in to the garage where he writes, and children's author Graeme Base explains his latest picture book, Bumblebunnies.
Markus Zusak on his new novel Bridge of Clay, Gary Shteyngart's novel about America called Lake Success and dip into the bad diaries of writers Jenny Ackland and William McInnes.
"There are things more miraculous than love." This is the first line of Robert Lukins' debut novel The Everlasting Sunday, set during the Big Freeze in 1960s England.
Melissa Lucashenko's novel Too Much Lip, a glimpse into the writing room of AJ Betts, Read Along Dads is a reading program for fathers in prison and the problematic literary hero, Roald Dahl.
How an exploration of grief led Tasmanian author Robbie Arnott to create a strange novel featuring a chorus of voices, including a water rat.
Holly Ringland learnt to read when she was three so perhaps it's no surprise she's now written a novel. In our debut writers podcast series Holly tells us about The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart.
The first in our special series on Australian debut writers beginning with Tracy Sorensen's The Lucky Galah.
Catherine is here today with Nicole Alexander. My family has been on the land in northern New South Wales, since 1893. Four generations have worked our properties and from an early age I grew up listening to the many stories passed down through the generations. My great-grandfather selected the original holding and is buried in the soil he loved. In 1893 he overlanded sheep from another Alexander property where he built a simple timber hut. The men spent their days cutting timber, erecting fences and shepherding sheep. I imagine the days and nights back then were equally long, the monotony only broken by the monthly arrival of the postal and supply rider who brought stores and mail to those remoter settlers. One of the items delivered to my great-grandfather in that first year was a copy of Alexander Duma's The Count of Monte Christo. The novel arrived in a saddle-bag on the back of a packhorse wrapped in brown paper and twine and I can only imagine my great-grandfather's excitement when he unwrapped the parcel. I heard these stories and many more as a child and from an early age I have loved Australian pastoral history. It is this love that led me to write novels that explore Australia's inland history. I am very conscious of my ancestors having walked the land before me and it was the need to return to my 'roots' that led to give up corporate life and return home. Initially I planned on having twelve months break in the country, but that was twenty-two years ago and I'm still involved in the family business. I've been writing for thirty years now, poetry, travel and newspaper articles to begin with, but it was only when I returned to the country that I began writing my first novel. It took me eight years to write 'The Bark Cutters'. I was working full time on the property, both in the office and outdoors (a steep learning curve in what was then a very male dominated agricultural industry), completed a Masters in literature & creative writing and released a volume of poetry. I wrote about the land and the emotional attachment that generational graziers have towards their properties and was fortunate that the work resonated with many people. The Bark Cutters was short-listed for an Australian Book Industry Award. Since then I've been on a book a year contract with Penguin Random House and An Uncommon Woman, out this July is my 8th novel. Nicole's works reflect a sense of continuity and an inherent love for the Australian landscape that is steeped in authenticity. She is the bestselling author of seven Australian Fiction novels; The Bark Cutters, A Changing Land, Absolution Creek, Sunset Ridge, The Great Plains, Wild Lands and River Run. The Bark Cutters remains the highest selling debut novel in the rural literature genre and was shortlisted for an Australian Book Industry Award in 2011. Absolution Creek and Sunset Ridge were both selected for the 50 Books You Can't Put Down Get Reading campaign. The Great Plains was nominated as a Top 100 Book by Better Reading in 2015 & 2016. Nicole's novels, poetry, travel, creative writing and genealogy articles have been published in Australia, America, Singapore, New Zealand, Germany & Canada. Non-fiction works include a poetry collection Divertissements: Love. War. Society (2008) and she was invited to be a contributor to the National Breastcancer Foundation anthology (2013) Dear Mum. An in-demand speaker, Nicole's past clients include; RaboBank, Landcare and The Community Mutual Group and she also conducts writing workshops. If you would like to discuss the possibility of engaging Nicole please send a query via the contact form on this website. Nicole is a current judge of The Cowley Literary Award & The MacIntyre Young Writers award and is a past judge of the Elyne Mitchell Writing Awards. Find Out More About Nicole Alexander Nicole's Website Follow Nicole on Facebook Nicole Alexander on Twitter @AuthorNicole Nicole Alexander on Instagram @nicole_alexander_novelist Sit back, tune in and enjoy the show! Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | RSS