This weekend: The Newstead Short Story Tattoo. Short stories, bonfires, lovely people. Majorly sad I have to miss it this year. Go if you can. Stop on the way for pies and cakes. Get intimate with masters of the short form from Josephine Rowe to Ian Irvine to Don Walker. In one week: Sydney Writers' Festival … Continue reading Quick update: festivals
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LiteraryMinded turns four
'I need you, the reader, to imagine us, for we don't really exist if you don't.' — Vladimir Nabokov At the moment I spend half my days at a scratched antique table, the chair beneath me creaking with age. On my left is a pile of books and papers including about eight literary journals I've … Continue reading LiteraryMinded turns four
Bothersome Words wins 'Word' category in Best Australian Blogs comp
Remember how a few weeks ago I said I was a judge in the Sydney Writers' Centre Best Australian Blogs 2011 competition? Well the winners have now been announced. Sydney Writers' Centre whittled down the entrants for me in the 'Word' category to a list of five finalists: Call My Agent, Bothersome Words, Creative Penn, Graham Storrs and … Continue reading Bothersome Words wins 'Word' category in Best Australian Blogs comp
Miles Franklin 2011: the short shortlist
Just in. The books shortlisted for the 2011 Miles Franklin Literary Award are: Bereft by Chris Womersley That Deadman Dance by Kim Scott When Colts Ran by Roger McDonald Of course, the comment has begun (on Twitter) about the fact that there are only three books. Martin Shaw says (@thebooksdesk) 'A shortlist of 3 becomes … Continue reading Miles Franklin 2011: the short shortlist
A literary proposal
A review copy of Christopher Currie's debut novel The Ottoman Motel is sitting neatly in my to-read pile, but the final edition that is officially released on 2 May and is circulating now contains a very special message on the acknowledgements page. Click here to take a look: Chris Currie's proposal But how did it all … Continue reading A literary proposal
Australian Book Review Online Edition launches today
Australian Book Review, as you may well know, is a monthly magazine featuring lengthy, considered book reviews plus poetry and essays (and soon fiction). It is 50 years old this year. Today they’re launching their Online Edition, which is an enhanced version of the magazine accessible to subscribers. ABR OE can be read on any device with … Continue reading Australian Book Review Online Edition launches today
Sydney Writers Festival program out now
In case you missed it on Twitter and Facebook (where I do most of my 'festival program' linking as there are just too many to blog about), the program for the 2011 Sydney Writers Festival (16-22 May) has been announced. The blurb: 'The 2011 Sydney Writers' Festival proudly presents some of the world's finest poets, … Continue reading Sydney Writers Festival program out now
Willy Lit Fest & my blogging workshop
Williamstown Literary Festival runs from 29 April to 1 May 2011. Williamstown (or 'Willy') is a gorgeous waterfront suburb of Melbourne, easily accessible by train. Last year Lisa Dempster and I spoke on blogging to a small crowd and this year they've asked me back to teach a short (hour-and-a-half) workshop on blogging and social … Continue reading Willy Lit Fest & my blogging workshop
Best Australian Blogs competition 2011, enter now
The Sydney Writers' Centre has created the Best Australian Blogs competition. Here's the blurb: 'You might be blogging to keep you focused on your writing dreams, or perhaps you're blogging to promote your business. You might hope your blog will lead to a book deal or maybe it's just a way to share your life … Continue reading Best Australian Blogs competition 2011, enter now
Miles Franklin Literary Award Longlist
I usually wait to blog about the Miles Franklin when the shortlist is announced, but I think the longlist is exciting this year so I wanted to mention it. I've read four of the books, and have another couple in my pile. It's great to see new voices getting recognition. And I'm happy to see … Continue reading Miles Franklin Literary Award Longlist
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