I reviewed Owls Do Cry by Janet Frame (released with a new foreword by Margaret Drabble in the Text Classics series) for Readings Monthly, with the book still ringing in my head (hence the style of the review). When I read Frame I am reminded, too, that a writer might deliberately eschew grammar rules, in aid of rhythm or … Continue reading Review: Owls Do Cry by Janet Frame in Readings Monthly
Janet Frame
Review of Janet Frame’s In the Memorial Room for The Australian
Janet Frame is one of my all-time favourite authors. Her writing is surprising, absurd, knowing, funny, sad, dark, moving, imaginative and honest. She was an incredibly hard-working writer, often having to work in uncomfortable or strange conditions (while overcoming much personal tragedy). I've read quite a few of her novels; plus her short fiction, her … Continue reading Review of Janet Frame’s In the Memorial Room for The Australian
A very short break (+ fun links)
Lovely readers, I am taking a very short blog break (about a week) as I am off to Sydney for my Confimation of Candidature and to present a paper (on this, of all things) to the Writing and Society Research Group at UWS. A few bits and bobs to keep you occupied: Follow Steve Martin … Continue reading A very short break (+ fun links)
Literary heroes
Today was the first day of the Overland Masterclass for Progressive Writers. There are nine of us, giving (hopefully) constructive feedback of each others' stories, plus taking in feedback from Overlandassociate editor Rjurik Davidson. Each day, an established writer also participates in the workshop, and today it was Tony Birch. Tomorrow will be the incomparable … Continue reading Literary heroes
The Goose Bath: Poems – Janet Frame
9780980416541, WilkinsFarago (2008, Australia) After reading Faces in the Water by Janet Frame about a year ago, I vowed I would read more of her work. The prose was absorbing and raw, and really striking. When I heard that Melbourne publisher WilkinsFarago were bringing out a collection of her poetry I couldn't wait to dive … Continue reading The Goose Bath: Poems – Janet Frame
Janet Frame's 'Gorse is Not People', Mad Hatters and Confession Files.
Janet Frame's amazing short story, posthumously published in The New Yorker: 'Gorse is Not People' - Take some time to click and read. I was alerted to this story by Bookman Beattie and it has become one of my favourites. I recently got to meet Frame's niece Pamela Gordon at the launch of The Goose Bath: Poems (review … Continue reading Janet Frame's 'Gorse is Not People', Mad Hatters and Confession Files.
Literature Aspiring Writers Should Read – Part 2
Faces in the Water – Janet Frame (1961) Skills acquired by reading: ~ The way to create an external world and circumstances that symbolise or reflect an internal one. ~ The way to express loneliness, emptiness, and deprivation in subtle, tugging ways. ~ The way to write about large-scale oppression and unfairness in society by … Continue reading Literature Aspiring Writers Should Read – Part 2
LiteraryMinded 