Affirm Press, 9780980790429 (Aus) Reviewed by Rachel Edwards Australia has seen an increase in the publishing, and the recognition of, short stories and their authors over the last few years. Cate Kennedy and Nam Le set the bar high, and Affirm Press are presenting reading audiences with some refined new voices through their innovative publishing of the … Continue reading Guest review: Rachel Edwards on Bearings by Leah Swann
The big bucks: Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards 2011
Last night I went along to the 'streamlined' Victorian Premier's Literary Awards, run by the Wheeler Centre. The awards took place in the grand Plaza Ballroom (part of the Regent Theatre), built in 1929. The decadent entrance and room is apparently in the Spanish Rococo style, but it seemed very eclectic to me: nouveau flourishes, … Continue reading The big bucks: Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards 2011
Review of :etchings 9 – Love & Something on Cordite
I recently reviewed issue nine of the journal :etchings for Cordite Poetry Review. The focus of the review is the issue's poetry, as that is Cordite's focus, but I mention the fiction and nonfiction also. It begins: 'Love & Something is the sub-header of :etchings 9, and the something seems to stand for the multitudinous meanings the … Continue reading Review of :etchings 9 – Love & Something on Cordite
Read just now: Re: Reading the Dictionary by Tim Sinclair
Spent the morning writing and editing. Checked my email. Read a press release on Tim Sinclair's new poetry book Re: Reading the Dictionary. Clicked the link. Bought it. Downloaded it. Read it from A to Z. Loved it. Wanted to tell you about it right away. Each piece from 'Afflatus' to 'Zombie, Philosophical' takes a … Continue reading Read just now: Re: Reading the Dictionary by Tim Sinclair
Birds of a feather: Melbourne Writers Festival 2011 diary, part two
Left: A burrowing owl In the back of my notebook is the beginning of a drawing of an escalator. I was hiding between things, being alone; couldn't sit still, started tweeting. Should have gone outside and found some birds. I attended the session Birds of a Feather mainly because I love to hear people … Continue reading Birds of a feather: Melbourne Writers Festival 2011 diary, part two
Lab coats, lit journals & marrying frogs: Melbourne Writers Festival 2011 diary, part one
It’s that time of the year again, where authors, poets, thinkers and drinkers congregate in Melbourne, and we go along to hear their thoughts about work and life. As I was away in the lead-up, I'm not doing any chairing or official duties this year. I get to go along and enjoy the talks, readings, … Continue reading Lab coats, lit journals & marrying frogs: Melbourne Writers Festival 2011 diary, part one
I’m back! A quick note…
I'm up at 1:27 eating cheese, which means I'm back, and jet-lagged baby. My intentions for the blog while travelling were very good, but, you know... Europe, summer, etc. Once my head feels right again (I also have a rotten cold) I'll be back in blog-land with news, reviews, some travel-related discoveries and more. I … Continue reading I’m back! A quick note…
Guest review: Portia Lindsay on Berlin Syndrome by Melanie Joosten
Scribe Publications, 9781921844140, July 2011, Australia Melanie Joosten’s debut novel is a taut and intimate psychological thriller. Clare meets Andi while on a working holiday in Berlin and they immediately share a strong attraction. At Andi’s behest, Clare decides to delay travelling on to Dresden, but their intense connection quickly morphs into a more sinister … Continue reading Guest review: Portia Lindsay on Berlin Syndrome by Melanie Joosten
A quick hello from Romania
I'm not feeling too well today. Isn't it dumb to be ailed and glum while travelling? Yesterday was an amazing day. From the magical city of Brasov, Gerard and I were driven through the Carpathians on what was advertised as a 'Dracula tour'. Basically, sites Vlad the Impaler inhabited (or just passed through). Vlad may … Continue reading A quick hello from Romania
20 classics in 2011 #6: The Sea, The Sea by Iris Murdoch
I’m reading 20 classic, modern-classic or cult books in 2011. Read more about this project here. Why did I want to read it? Years ago I saw the moving film Iris with Kate Winslet as Iris Murdoch. The film was an education, and I’ve been meaning to read one of her novels (and there are many) ever since. The … Continue reading 20 classics in 2011 #6: The Sea, The Sea by Iris Murdoch
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