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It was during completion of a Creative Fellowship at the prestigious State Library of Victoria (2013-15) that Cooke literally unearthed the inspiration for Ada. Now with its nation-wide release (as published by Penguin Random House Australia), Cooke took some time out of her hectic schedule to discuss her exhaustively researched novel depicting the life of titular Ada Bell – one of the most sought-after travelling performers of the bygone era, chronicling her poverty-ravaged beginnings to the dizzying highs of her apex and the tragic fall thereafter.
Tag: Interview
An Interview with Lee J. Mavin
The author of Li Bai’s Shadow provides a sample of his new book and talks about his research into China’s most celebrated poet, key themes, his background, work in progress, and lots more.
An interview with Brian Paul Bach
Writer, artist, filmmaker and photographer Brian Paul Bach talks about his Forward to Glory series, his characters, favourite scenes, on the nature of film adaptations, provides a full list of who he would like to play Butterbugs in a movie adaptation, the best part of his writing journey, and more.
An interview with Toni Stern
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Toni Stern enjoyed a highly productive collaboration with the singer-songwriter Carole King. Stern wrote the lyrics for several of King’s songs, most notably “It’s Too Late” for the album Tapestry. Here, with affection and insight, she examines the breadth and boundaries of family, place, language, and self, and talks about her new poetry book About As Close as I Can.
Spotlight on Faber & Sarah Menary
Menary’s road to this prominent role with the Academy has been a long one, the provenance of which can be traced right back to Menary’s childhood where, as a child of seven or eight she already possessed a burning passion for writing and one that she largely kept hidden. ‘It was a very covert pleasure, because I didn’t get much validation at home for that, it was all about academic, getting a secure career, that sort of thing.’
An interview with Lex Hirst
Hirst enjoys the liaison aspect of her role, assisting to demystify much of what can be an opaque industry for authors while also finding burgeoning talent. ‘I think that it’s helpful and part of the reason I do go to events and chat to people, is to try and help people get an idea of who the publishing houses are here and how the system works and try to make that a bit clearer.’
Interview with Carol Smallwood
The author of In Hubble’s Shadow talks about her latest poetry book, the relationship between form and content, the value of poetry, her influences, advice for new writers, her work-in-progress, and lots more.
An interview with Daniel Findlay
The release of Daniel Findlay’s debut novel, Year Of The Orphan, suggests that we may now be on the cusp of a new era, one in which epic titles of this ilk receive the proper attention and accolades that they so richly deserve.
An interview with Pip Harry
The author of Because of You talks about the origins of her latest young adult novel, the key themes she explored in the book, on the importance of diversity and inclusivity, her characters, and lots more.
Interview with Brian Falkner
The author of That Stubborn Seed of Hope talks about writing and how it came to be his calling, the draw of short stories, on fear and hope, belonging and inclusion, and lots more.