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
'What a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason, how infinite in faculty! In form and moving how express and admirable! In action how like an Angel! in apprehension how like a god! The beauty of the world! The paragon of animals! And yet to me, what is this quintessence of dust?' … Continue reading
Killings columnist
I'm delighted to join the Kill Your Darlings team as a Literary Columnist for Killings for the remainder of 2015. My column will be: Investigations into and explorations of literature and writing: literary places, literary lives and works, literary terms and methods, authors’ obsessions and concerns. Sometimes creative, often personal. Read more here. I'll post links to each piece as … Continue reading Killings columnist
