The author of Molly Lee talks about his work, his new novel, his main character, why he writes, how to deal with writer’s block, his favourite authors, advice for aspiring authors, and more.
Carolyn Martinez talks about Finding Love
Carolyn Martinez, author of Inspiring IVF Stories and Finding Love: 7 Things you Need to Know Before You Date Again reads from and talks about her new book, about her path to becoming an author, about her writing process, the…
A review of Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee
To me, Go Set a Watchman is a worthwhile work, although I wish Ms. Lee had been more precise about the historical context and had made Jean Louise a little less naive. Stylistically, the novel is dated, but that makes it authentic to the place and time in which it is set. Given the shocking instances of racial violence in the United States this past year, it would seem that Go Set a Watchman is relevant to our times.
Ali Cobby Eckermann on her book Inside my Mother
Ali Cobby Eckermann joins us to read from and talk about her latest poetry collection Inside my Mother, as well as the “My Mother’s Heart” sesion at the Sydney Writers Festival, the many meanings of “mother”, both personal, universal, and metaphoric,…
A review of The Eye of the Sheep by Sofie Laguna
It’s not just the characters that descend to their lowest level in this book. It’s also the medical profession, governmental welfare programs, and Mobil Oil where Gavin works scraping rust off pipes. However, Laguna never lets the characters – not even the most peripheral – slip into stereotypes. The Eye of the Sheep is a tender and delicate novel, rich with sympathy and understanding, even when it becomes almost unbearably dark.
A review of Hell and God and Nuns with Rulers by John Collings
As Tristan struggles with school, the crush his best friend has on him, and the crush he has on the young man he met at the party, the reader feels true empathy for the character. Collings’ writing style is conversational, personable, and real; I could almost imagine Tristan sitting across from me at a table in a coffee shop (or maybe over burgers at The Burger House) telling me how he set on his path of self-realization to emerge triumphantly okay at the end of it all.
A review of Strength to Be Human by Mark Antony Rossi
These essays read like meditations for the well-being of four billion people. It’s a heady goal but likely a beneficial mission suited for the world-at-large. If Poverty and War have a permanent cure the medicine will arrive by natural means. No test tube or holy touchstone can bring people closer to peace until they settle the war raging in their own hearts.
Interview with Val Brelinski
The author of The Girl Who Slept with God talks about her novel, her journey to becoming a full time writer, her experiences growing up in a strict evangelical household, the events in her childhood that became the impetus for the novel, the relationship between science and religion, her characters and the ‘real-life’ people behind them, and lots more.
A review of The Boy Who Killed Demons by Dave Zeltserman
It’s an absorbing novel, and we’re quickly caught up in Henry’s concerns and anxieties. Zeltserman convincingly captures the grumpy, grouchy voice of an adolescent boy – spoilt yet with a core integrity.
A review of Invisible Streets by Toby Ball
I very much enjoyed Toby Ball’s novel, the way his snappy prose propelled the story forward, making everything both more convoluted and clearer at once. He conjured up a vital, bustling sense of place.