Literature

  • Darling Day 3. Beautiful.

    Darling is a beautiful word. It sounds like a hummingbird bird, hovering sweetly in her field. It feels like a little bell that rings away the muck of a muddy day. There are words that I know. And there are… Continue reading

  • Michelle DeKretser. Melbourne Writers Festival

    It was time to tackle a difficult read—a bold move, on my behalf. I’d grown up reading only for pleasure and, up until that point in my life, I’d not felt the need to be challenged by books. Reality could… Continue reading

  • Alexis Wright: Boisbouvier Oration, Melbourne Writers Festival

    I’ve never read an Alexis Wright, book. Until she won the 2018 Stella prize, I’d never even heard her name. But I can’t stop thinking about the speech she gave at the Melbourne Writers Festival on Wednesday night, and I… Continue reading

  • The Miles Franklin Literary Award. Melbourne Writers Festival

    I was power walking and angry listening. In my earphones was the voice of an award-winning Aussie writer, discussing his concerns about the literary prizes of the world, and how potentially harmful he thought them to be, considering the subjective nature… Continue reading

  • Darling Day 6. To My Dearest, Beatrix

    Dearest Beatrix, I’ve thought a lot about it over the last few years, and now I’m ready to sing it to the world. Beatrix Potter: you and I would have been the very best of friends! There’s really no denying… Continue reading

  • The Wonder of the Muse

    It’s the cool rush of fire shooting down the limbs, filling up the head, the heart, the page. The spirit. The muse, some people call it. But what’s in a name? said the muse, to the writer who sat his desk once upon… Continue reading