'Anxiety is a state of being tuned... like a hypersensitive nervous system, and that manifests in all sorts of terrible ways... but it also makes you very aware of what's happening around you, which is a quality that writers and other artists benefit from.'
Books I read in 2017
I feel so inadequate, really. It's not the number I would have liked, and honestly I think I bought more books than I read – so at least I am supporting the industry! But... I have a great excuse. I make books. In 2018, at this stage, 16 books I have acquired or co-acquired are … Continue reading Books I read in 2017
My debut novel, A Superior Spectre, acquired by Peter Bishop Books
I'm excited, delighted, nervous... It's been quite a journey to get to this point. If you've been reading this blog for the last 10 years – well, you've been along for much of the ride (thank you). I hope you'll enjoy it when it comes out in 2018 (I believe around August). Here's the official … Continue reading My debut novel, A Superior Spectre, acquired by Peter Bishop Books
What I’m Reading, for the Meanjin blog
I lost [my enthusiasm] for a while, recently. Another part of me took over, a part that couldn’t make those connections, couldn’t really envision those pathways. Every now and then, a lamp flickered and I caught sight of a few stones. For the most part though, I lost my capacity. It was an effort to … Continue reading What I’m Reading, for the Meanjin blog
Wild Gestures by Lucy Durneen
I launched Lucy Durneen's Wild Gestures on 11 January at Buck Mulligan's Irish whiskey bar-bookshop. This was my speech. * Lucy Durneen’s Wild Gestures is a stunning collection of stories, so full of insight on the unconquerable spaces between people, the missed or never possible opportunities, the mistakes that couldn’t be otherwise, the yearning for things we … Continue reading Wild Gestures by Lucy Durneen
2016 in reading
My favourite reads in 2016 were The Abyssinian Contortionist by David Carlin Along with his earlier book about his father's suicide, I think Carlin is one of the warmest experimental (in a creative nonfic sense) writers working in Aus. This book follows the story of - and the story of David's friendship with - Ethiopian/Australian circus performer … Continue reading 2016 in reading
All the love
What makes two people in a long-term loving relationship decide to let others in? For every couple, the reasons will be entirely different. For my ex-partner and myself, who explored the option of non-monogamy towards the end of our relationship, the reasons were varied. What I’m fascinated by is the amount of people I know … Continue reading All the love
Burning and pressing
I have not blogged for the longest time since I started LiteraryMinded, in 2007. But I use other forms the way I used to use this, and I write pieces both longer and shorter, both well thought-out (essays) and blasted (mini reviews or moments on Instagram or Twitter). Like this essay about literary bisexuality for Killings. … Continue reading Burning and pressing
‘Keys to Success’ in Cordite 51.1: Umami
What are my keys to success? Click to find out. (Am I now a poet? Selected by Luke Davies – woo!)
An unforgettable festival moment
Two days ago I did something that terrified me. I joined the open mic at a reading where everyone in the room was starkers. Krissy Kneen, a friend and an author I've long admired, was the feature reader. I was one of the last to get up on the open mic—everyone was being so brave, reading … Continue reading An unforgettable festival moment
