Books
Uni Bookshop: Launch of Changing Universities
John Biggs
19.05.13 7:41 am
A memoir about academe in different places and times,by John Biggs.
Launched by Professor David Sadler, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students & Education)
At the University Co-op Book Shop
Students’ Union, Churchill Avenue
On Monday 27th May at 4 pm
Refreshments provided, all welcome
How have universities changed over the past 60 years? Are they functioning any better now than they once were? These are some of the issues that John Biggs faces in reviewing his long academic career.
From student days John Biggs wanted to apply psychology to education. It was a long journey via universities in Australia, the UK,Canada and Hong Kong. His experiences were variouslytraumatic, bizarre, and hilariousbut there were also some rewarding outcomes in the area of student learning and teaching.
Of interest to Tasmanian academics and alumni will be Chapters 1 and 2, about John’s student days from 1953-57. Chapter 2 also gives an unexpected perspective on the notorious Orr Case.
“A fascinating and readable account of the significant changes in universities wrought by the new managerial corporate style, with a loss of many of those features academics have prized as the key aspects of university life. Biggs enriches this account with his own personal story, which he tells vividly and frankly. I could not put it down. I found it first class.” Professor Alan Gregory in Times Higher Education
Books | What's OnLaunch of Justy Phillips’, The ‘Yellow Line’ by Lord Mayor of Hobart, Alderman Dam
Julian Punch AM Rainbow Communities Tas Inc
14.05.13 7:27 am
Media Launch Salamanca Memorial Launch
Salamanca Place Thursday 16 May 10.30 am
Rainbow Communities Tasmania and the Greater Hobart Coming Out Proud Community Liaison Committee welcomes the launch of Justy Phillips’, The ‘Yellow Line’ by The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of Hobart, Alderman Damon Thomas on Thursday 16 May 2013 at 5.30
The ‘Yellow Line’ commemorative art piece is one of four projects that formed part of the 2008 apology by the Hobart City Council for when it called on the Tasmanian police to make 130 arrests in 1988 for trespass at Salamanca Market of supporters of the Tasmanian Gay Law Reform Group (TGLRG) signing a petition calling on the state parliament to repeal laws that criminalised homosexuality.
The four projects including the commemorative art work alongside the HCC Salamanca Apology in 2008 were initiated by the Coming Out Proud Greater Hobart Community Liaison Committee in partnership with the Hobart City Council and represented the collective aspirations of the LGBTI Communities.
The Coming Out Proud Greater Hobart Community Liaison Committee raised $7000 to match the Council contribution to -wards the Salamanca Commemorative Art Installation Project. The funding was raised by a small sub Committee holding a Rainbow Artists Exhibition and Auction in 2009 and represents a contribution from the LGBTI Community in Tasmania (Rainbow Communities Tasmania Inc.).
Mr Punch from Rainbow Communities Inc. said “the apology and commemorative art installation are a courageous reversal of the actions of an earlier Council. They are an effective act of conciliation and wise leadership which removes the stigma of discrimination so important in the restoration of health and well -being for the LGBTI Community in Tasmania”
Mr. Punch added “this conciliation process needs to continue to wipe out the awful effects and vestiges of discrimination still existing in Tasmania to- day when same sex attracted young people (SSAYP) are three times more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual youth”
(Howard, J. et al, Same Sex Attracted Youth in Mental Health Promotion and Young People: Concepts and Practice. 2002. Eds Rowling, L, Martin, G., Walker, L. McGraw Hill, Australia)
Julian Punch AM
Rainbow Communities Tas Inc
WEB http://www.rainbowtas,org
Serendipitious Sailing to Success
Paula Xiberras
13.05.13 6:37 am
Danielle Wood, Heather Rose
Serendipity is defined as ‘a happy accident’ or ‘pleasant surprise’, and ‘finding something without looking for it’.
The latter at first seems in contradiction with the new novel ‘Serendipity’ by Angelica Banks (the pen name of Tassie authors Danielle Wood and Heather Rose), where our heroine, Tuesday McGillycuddy sets off intentionally searching for her missing mother, Serendipity and along the way finds many ‘happy accidents’ and ‘pleasant surprises’.
This wonderful adventure novel for young people is filled by Danielle and Heather with childhood memories of stories familar to all of us, a pinch of Poppins (flying) and Peter Pan (pirate ships) and a host of others. Amidst all the fun is the message that books and their creation can be incredible, fantastic and a great deal of fun and the underlying message that even the smallest girl’s actions can have a powerful affect.
Danielle and Heather were kind enough to answer some of my questions about ‘Finding Serendipity’ recently.
‘Finding Serendipity,’ published by Allen & Unwin is out now at all good bookstores and online.
Heather Rose and Danielle Woods (aka Angelica Banks)
Finding Serendipity celebrates books and writing, with a heroine who is an accident author, a father who is a wordsmith and a young boy who is an accomplished author himself. How did you come up with the idea for this book?
We first came up with the idea in Danielle’s kitchen in Fern Tree, when there was snow falling outside and the house was full of small children. We started to think up characters and ideas and it wasn’t long before we had come up with the notion of Tuesday following her famous author mother into the place where stories come from. We have both read and loved many wonderful children’s books, both when we were children ourselves, and more recently, as parents. Some of our favourites are Barbara Sleigh’s Carbonel, JRR Tolkein’s The Hobbit and Roald Dahl’s Danny, Champion of the World. We are also really inspired by our young readers and by how passionately children can love the books that are important to them.
What do you want children to take away from this book?
We want them to take away the sense of satisfaction that comes from finishing any good book (we hope our book is good). We also hope that they will learn, or be reminded, that adventures are right there, waiting to happen to people who are willing to take their own imagination and a pen, and see where those two things take them.
It’s refreshing to see a battle of rhymes instead of rapier (considering we have pirates) near the conclusion of the book. Do you hope children will see the power and the fun aspects of poetry by reading books like Finding Serendipity?
Yes. We had a huge amount of fun writing the rhyming couplets, and we enjoyed recreating special parts of our relationship with our parents as Tuesday learns the art of rhyming from her father, Denis.
Although Vivienne is small in size she is a powerful character. She has one elf ear in fantasy and presumably one human ear in reality, but her wings are wounded. Is there any special symbolism in her character?
Vivienne is proof that you don’t have to be big to be brave. We wanted her to be a quintessential adventure heroine, full of courage, but also tenderness for animals and with the capacity to be a truly great friend to Tuesday. Both Tuesday and Vivienne are daughters of Serendipity Smith, in a way, and they share quite a few characteristics.
Do you, like Morris Gleitzman, believe that the’ magic spaces’ where authors and readers meet are unique to each individual? What are your feelings if readers see something in your book that you didn’t consciously intend?
We think it’s great if readers find something personal and individual in a text!
Can we find serendipity or does it find us?
You may be able to find Serendipity if you get to The End; read the book and find out! ;)
Are we going to see more adventures starring the characters from Finding Serendipity?
Absolutely. The second Angelica Banks novel, which is currently in progress, is called A Week Without Tuesday. And, we imagine there will be a third book to make up a trilogy.
Books | What's OnNew book tells of Aussie woman’s emotional journey from the stillbirth of her baby girl ...
Sharon Evans, Big Sky Publishing - Marketing & Communications
09.05.13 10:21 am
New book tells of Aussie woman’s emotional journey from the stillbirth of her baby girl, the destruction of her dreams and a life changed forever.
“I did everything in my power to keep Olivia safe and yet it wasn’t enough. I had failed Olivia in the most basic way. I wasn’t able to protect my child. I thought a lot about whether Olivia was in pain when she died. The thought that she may have suffered broke my heart ... Ask any parent what their main role is and most will say ‘to protect their child’ and yet I hadn’t been able to.” – Liza Jankowski
In her powerful autobiography, Changed, Living with Stillbirth (Big Sky Publishing, $19.99), Adelaide woman Liza Jankowksi shares with incredible honesty her inner-most thoughts and the answers she found after the stillbirth of her daughter Olivia.
Described by midwives, SIDS & Kids and other bereavement support groups as the book that ‘needed to be published’ - Changed is a book that will offer comfort, hope and understanding. Liza shares - the impact on her relationships, her subsequent successful pregnancy and the realisation that although the pain can ease – a mother never forgets.
On May 16 2004, instead of celebrating the birth of her baby girl, Liza and her husband where advised that their much longed for babies heart was no longer beating – their perfect pregnancy was over, their daughter was dead. On May 17, after a nine and a half hour labour – scared, sad and broken hearted – Liza gave birth to Olivia Jankowski, beautiful and perfect but stillborn. Her parents hopes where crushed.
The much longed for meeting with Olivia was one Liza describes as the best and the worst day of her life. The best because she did meet her wonderful baby – the one her world had revolved around for over 9months- and the worst with the realisation they had lost their precious baby and with her, it seemed, all their hopes and dreams.
Over 7years later, with the birth of two healthy boys and the loss of another daughter to stillbirth, Liza is finally able to put pen to paper determined to provide a starting point for others to begin to comprehend the long reaching impact of the loss felt by parents of stillborn babies – and to offer mothers , like herself – an understanding regarding their own grief.
“Many of our family and friends found it hard to understand the depth of our grief, as we were in their eyes grieving the loss of a child that never was. Although Olivia never took a breath and was therefore never ‘alive’, she was very much alive for the nine months I carried her. I loved Olivia with all my heart and I continue to love her even though she is no longer a physical being in our life. I hope that by reading my story, you will get a sense of not feeling so alone on your journey, as you will see that many of the thoughts, feelings and emotions being experienced by you are common to many bereaved parents.”
Liza has included additional information and resources from a variety of organisations to support her own personal experiences and learning’s. Liza has volunteered as a parent support worker with SIDS and Kids bereavement service in Adelaide since 2010.
Changed has a message for everyone – Liza reminds us that it doesn’t matter what your event is – big or small – there are reminders in our lives that things will get better, that how we get there is our choice and that ultimately we all change you just have to be happy with who you’re left with or evolving to…
BooksNew Book on Islam and Christianity Launched in Melbourne
Paul Arnott
08.05.13 3:03 pm
A book that explores the relationship between Islam and Christianity has just been launched in Melbourne.
Titled ‘Islam and Christianity on the Edge: Talking Points in Christian-Muslim Relations into the 21st Century‘, it contains a series of essays that explore these two great world faiths.
The book has been edited by two Christian scholars of Islam, one of whom, Professor Peter Riddell, teaches at the Melbourne School of Theology in Wantirna.
Topics address the theological foundations of both faiths, Islam’s encounter with the West and the varied relationships between Islam and Christianity.
Two of the essays explore Islamophobia in the West and Westophobia in the Islamic world.
Some may believe the fact that all contributors to the book are all Christians is a weakness. However, Peter Riddell said, ‘It is important that both Muslims and Christians discuss the relationship between the two faiths within their own communities.’
The book addresses key questions for the twenty-first century, a period when Christianity and Islam are destined to interact more closely than ever before in human history.
Books | What's OnISLAND ANNOUNCES THE LONGEST WRITE
Rachel Edwards Island Magazine
08.05.13 2:16 pm
In an exciting opportunity for writers from around the country, Island is hosting The Longest Write, a fully catered weekend of workshops and writing time dedicated to the art, craft and business of writing.
It will take place over the Winter Solstice weekend of June 22 and 23rd and limited places are available.
The weekend will consist of workshops covering the process of writing, being edited, being published, promotion as well as dedicated writing time and it will be held in historic Highfield House in Hobart’s CBD.
The workshops include David Winter from Text Publishing discussing the industry from the inside and Danielle Wood, award winning novelist on the process of writing.
Last year, when Island hosted a similar event, The Rabbit Hole, as part of the Emerging Writers’ Festival,there was a waiting list – so participants are encouraged to register their interest early.
Following The Longest Write, some ongoing editorial feedback from Island staff will be provided tor participants.
Lunches of delicious, seasonal Tasmanian fare are included and for those travelling from interstate, Island can arrange a couch-surfing style billet.
It is expected that The Longest Write will work in a symbiotic way with Dark Mofo, which promises the most exciting Tasmanian Winter in a long time.
One of the ways The Longest Write plans to work in symbiosis with Dark Mofo is by enouraging all workshop participants to join the nude solstice swim, scheduled for 7.42 am on Saturday 22nd - a mere 2 hours before the first workshop of the day begins.
It’s easy to apply - send a short bio and a proposed writing project (if you have one) to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) - and payment can be made on our website $180 for the whole weekend).
Do you subscribe?
We publish and print a beautiful, inspiring and challenging quarterly magazine that may include your work one day -but we can only continue to do this with your help. It’s $60 a year (25% off) and easy as pie- http://islandmag.com/issues/
PLEASE NOTE - MY NEW EMAIL IS .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
MATTHEW LAMB CAN BE CONTACTED AT .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Rachel Edwards
Island Magazine
w: http://www.islandmag.com
t: https://twitter.com/IslandMagTas
f: http://www.facebook.com/islandmag
e: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
p: + 61 (0) 3 6234 9364
a: PO Box 4703 Bathurst Street PO Hobart Tasmania Australia 7000
Paula Xiberras
28.04.13 6:40 am
Like the eponymous song its hello Mary-Lou to former Hobart girl Mary-Lou Stephen who left and returned to Tasmania on 3 occasions when she was 18, 23, and 28. Mary-Lou started off as an aspiring actress in Tasmania, touring schools as part of a theatre troupe and true to her Renaissance girl nature also formed and performed in a band while she was living in Tasmania. When she did make the move to the mainland Mary-Lou made a successful radio career for herself which she enjoys today, as well as recently making another move, into the world of publishing as author of the memoir ‘Sex, drugs and meditation’.
Mary-Lou was encouraged to write her memoirs at the urging of friend, supporter, fellow author and one time Tasmanian resident Monica McInerney. Mary-Lou’s manuscript was sent to Monica’s literary agent in 2008 and created an instant interest. The publishers couldn’t get enough of Mary-Lou and 10 drafts later Mary-Lou was ready and so committed to the project she took 6 months without leave to bring it to fruition.
In her memoir, Mary-Lou Stephen offers us an honest and truthful account of a young woman that has been hurt by her experiences of romance gone wrong, drug and alcohol addiction, but Mary-Lou also shows us how these problems can be surmounted to enable any of us to take control of our relationships and alienate addictions.
Mary-Lou begins her memoir in her present situation working in radio and dealing with a difficult work situation and relationship woes, addiction to alcohol and food, and not finding the answer in conventional therapy, She decides to try Vipassana meditation, a course which she calls ‘meditation boot camp’. Its a bold move for a girl that makes her living by chatting to find herself in constant, calm, contemplating silence.
There is humour in that the meditation retreat is enlivened by curious and amorous kangaroos, dealing with uncomfortable sitting positions and guilt over mistreating mosquitoes.
During her stay Mary-Lou discovers that nothing is ever what it seems as her evaluation of her room mate and the elegant lady who she believes must be a model, after the course, confesses clumsiness. The adage Mary-Lou advises, is what others think about you is none of your business and often what you think of them couldn’t be further from the truth and the realisation that no one is perfect and that she has been persecuting herself for not being perfect and worrying what others thought of her instead of taking control of her own path to happiness.
The meditation, Mary-Lou say is on the border of the conscious and subconscious and teaches us to be present in the moment without worry of the past or fear of the future. it involves ‘being equanimous’ ie .of a composed frame of mind. It also involves being responsible and taking care of one’s own stuff without uploading to others
With her success as an author Mary-Lou still wants to keep working on radio where she feels a deep connection to people, completely different to the solitary life of a writer. Mary-Lou hopes to walk the balance between the two. Mary also recently relaunched her band ‘Chain of Hearts’.
And it would seem the future seems all sunshine for Mary-Lou. ‘Sex, drugs and meditation’ is out now and watch this space for news of more of Mary-Lou’s marvellous memoirs.
Island, riding high on subscribathon prizes! Still a chance to win great prizes!
Rachel Edwards Island Magazine
24.04.13 12:37 pm
Island magazine’s first ever subscribathon is in mid-flight and generating a great deal of interest and new subscribers to the magazine.
The subscribathon is still going on and there are plenty more prizes to give away to new subscribers. Th prizes include copies of the latest in Australian writing, signed copies of books as well as free subscriptions to other magazines.
Island is bigger, better and broader than ever and it is the smartest choice when it comes to reading about Tasmanian art and culture – alongside some of the world’s best writers.
Subscriptions are $60 a year, 25% discount off the cover price and this week’s prizes include subscriptions to Charlotte Wood’s The Writer’s Room Interviews, which are in depth interviews in the style of Paris Review – as well as copies of Georgia Blain’s latest collection of short stories.
The latest issue of Island, which will be in the post as soon as you subscribe, features the edgy drawings of Tasmanian artist Tom O’Hern, new fiction from Carmel Bird and Georgia Blain, a character profile of Frank Moorhouse’s effulgent character, Edith Campbell Berry, from his Edith Trilogy, an essay on translation by Daniel Hahn, the Director of the British Centre for Literary Translation some great new poetry and a lot more.
In the changing face of funding for arts organisations, Island recognises that subscriptions are the lifeblood of the magazine and is also offering extra editorial incentives for writers who both submit to the magazine and subscribe.
Subscribing is easy - click here - http://islandmag.com/issues/ and we’ll have the latest issue in the mail to you straight away!
If you have any questions, would like to request a review copy don’t hesitate to get in touch.
BooksSelf-published Hobart mums unlock family recipes and cookery secrets
Hobart Mums Network (HMN) Director Christine Jolly
18.04.13 2:42 pm
A group of volunteer Hobart mums has banded together to create and publish a quality cookbook of which
the whole community can be proud. Inspired Cooking: a compilation of family recipes from Hobart mums
has been created, produced, designed, photographed and printed entirely in Tasmania
Hobart Mums Network (HMN) Director Christine Jolly said she was thrilled to be launching the book, which
she said was certain to become a staple go-to book for all household chefs.
“The women involved in this publication have embodied our aim to encourage, support and inspire,” Ms
Jolly said. “Families across our community will be encouraged by the recipes on offer and inspired to add to
their own collection our healthy, cost-effective and locally-sourced recipes and ingredients.”
The profits will support the Hobart Mums Network and Small Steps, a Hobart City Mission initiative to help
young mums and their infants who would otherwise be homeless.
Michelle Folder from Hobart City Mission also welcomed the cookbooks launch.
“With the launch of this inspirational new cookbook, not only are you getting a great recipe book, but
you’re also supporting a program that will ensure mums will get the shelter and accommodation they
need,” Ms Folder said.
A fantastic team of local mums have come together over the past year, collecting a range of recipes from
members and other mums from the community. Each recipe was scrupulously tested and assessed on both
taste, accessibility and health merits. The end result is eighty delicious recipes that reflect what local mums
are preparing for their families’ daily needs.
Production manager and mum Penni Lamprey joined HMN to help launch her business via the various
networking events it offered and joined the Inspired Cooking team as she felt her experience in cookery
and nutrition would be of benefit.
“I’ve learned a lot about a number of things: the enormous amount of work required publishing a book
firstly, and secondly a new appreciation for the different techniques required to manage and communicate
with a dispersed virtual team of talented ladies,” Ms Lamprey said.
The team relied heavily on each member’s background and expertise. The team’s photographer, Leesa
Harrison jumped at the chance to use her skills as a professional photographer to give something back to
the community.
“It was an absolute pleasure to work with other members of HMN on this project, a very talented team of
ladies all bringing our own individual areas of expertise,” Ms Harrison said.
To raise money for the printing costs, the group turned to one of HMN’s core values: connecting local
families with local business. Tasmanian businesses jumped on board, keen to not only promote themselves
but also to assist the network.
Heidi Hanson, spokeswoman for Tassal said as producers of local, healthy salmon, and the proud employer
of numerous Tassie Mums, Tassal was delighted to support the Hobart Mums Network and the release of
‘Inspired Cooking’.
Inspired Cooking: a compilation of family recipes from Hobart mums will be launched by Mrs F
Underwood at 5pm TONIGHT (18 April 2013) at Fullers Bookshop (131 Collins St). Copies available presale
online at: http://www.hobartmums.net.
Tim Thorne joins James McAuley, Gwen Harwood
Editor
15.04.13 3:39 pm
Tasmanian poet, Tim Thorne, on Friday April 12, was awarded the 2012 Christopher Brennan Award, a national award given for a lifetime’s achievement in poetry of sustained quality and distinction.
Thorne is the third Tasmanian to receive the award, which was presented at a ceremony in Melbourne.
Previous Tasmanian winners were James McAuley and Gwen Harwood.
Books | PoetryPeter Henning
15.04.13 12:45 am
More than 200 Tasmanian nurses enlisted in military forces during the Second World War. The vast majority joined the Australian Army Nursing Service, smaller numbers joined the RAAF and the RAN nursing services and some joined military nursing services in England.
These women served in most theatres of war where Australian troops were sent, including the Middle East, Greece, Ceylon, Malaya and Singapore, New Guinea, Morotai, Bougainville, New Britain and Borneo. They worked in army hospitals and casualty clearing stations in most of these places. Some went to Canada with trainee air crew. Others served on hospital ships, particularly the Wanganella.
Some were captured by the Japanese and two of them died in captivity. Many others narrowly avoided being killed, injured or captured by enemy forces in Greece and in the flight from Singapore. Others avoided being bombed by Japanese raids on Colombo harbour by a matter of hours, as they were en route back to Australia from the Middle East.
Others worked in military hospitals throughout Australia, including the Northern Territory when it was exposed to regular Japanese air raids.
At the end of the war many of them continued to work well into 1946 outside Australia, as members of medical reception centres for allied prisoners of war. Some went to Manila, others to Rabaul and some stayed on at Morotai.
Also at the end of the war an entirely new army hospital was formed of experienced combat nurses to go to Singapore which was the main centre for receiving POWs before they returned home. A number of Tasmanian nurses were members of this unit, including some who had served in the Middle East, some in New Guinea and the south-west Pacific, and some who had escaped from Singapore in February 1942. One of the most emotional experiences in their lives was caring for the nurses who had been their colleagues in Malaya and Singapore in 1941-2 and who survived the war as prisoners of the Japanese.
The impact of the war on these nurses cannot now be fully evaluated. Their silence about their experiences has been more complete than the silence of men who went to war because it has been largely unnoticed.
This book is for Tasmania’s war nurses whose stories, in their diversity and in their similarity, have not been told at all, or have not been told within the context in which they worked, as active participants, closer to the action and to the realities of war than most members of the military except combat troops who actually fought the battles.
Veils and Tin Hats will be launched by Dr Alison Bleaney OBE at Petrarch’s bookshop in Launceston on 20 April at 4pm.
Download:
Veils_and_Tin_Hats_Poster.pdf
Island Magazine
15.04.13 12:40 am
We at Island would like everyone to know about how wonderful, enlightening, literary and just damn cool we are. And what’s the best way for you to find out?
You subscribe, of course. We are holding a SUBSCRIBATHON to encourage you to get yourself, your mum, your friends, your lovers the excellent gift of an Island subscription. Each week of the SUBSCRIBATHON we will be offering prizes to subscribers from that week.
We have the fantastic new price of $60 for four print issues, $39.99 for digital subscriptions, plus fantastic TAKE TWO subscriptions where you can buy Island AND either Overland, Griffith Review or Meanjin together for, again, a wonderful price.
Please join us in celebrating the wealth of creativity, literature and other-wordliness at our doorstep.
SUBSCRIBE HERE:
And thanks. You’re a real pal.
BooksNew Franklin River book reveals untold stories of UpRiver actions
Alice Hungerford
12.04.13 10:01 am
Thirty years ago, Alice Hungerford was one of the thousands to protest on the Franklin and Lower Gordon rivers to stop a dam that would destroy the World Heritage-listed South West Tasmanian wilderness. Today [Friday] she releases her first book, UpRiver: untold stories of the Franklin River activists. Its launch in Hobart today marks the commencement of her National Tour of the book, celebrating 30 years since the Franklin River was saved.
“UpRiver gleams because, wall-to-wall, it is the stories of the Franklin River blockaders from their own mouths. This is living history catching up after thirty years, thanks to a devoted job by Alice Hungerford. She was there throughout and has now interviewed 67 of the gallant people who defied Premier Robin Gray’s prohibition on ‘lurking, loitering or secreting’ in the remote riverside forests of the Tasmanian wilderness after he sent the bulldozers in to build the biggest rock-fill dam in the southern hemisphere.” Bob Brown
UpRiver is a real life adventure story, tracing many of the untold stories and events that occurred during the largest non-violent direct action ever seen in Australia.
The struggle saw over 1200 arrests, a change of Federal government, and eventually went all the way to the High Court of Australia. On 1st July 1983, the Federal government was found by 4 judges to 3, to have the constitutional power to stop the dam. This changed the face of Australian law and politics forever.
World Heritage protection was legislated for, and management plans were drawn up. Today, the area sees hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, all with the main aim to experience the rich and diverse natural and cultural values of the area. Now more than ever UpRiver provides essential reading, and draws attention to the rapidly disappearing wilds of Tasmania and why they were saved.
Launch of book:
Fullers bookshop, 131 Collins Street, Hobart
5pm with Alice Hungerford and Bob Brown
A story of guts and determination
Sharon Evans Big Sky Publishing - Marketing & Communications
11.04.13 7:56 am
“Brilliant story-telling.” — Bryce Courtenay
New book tells of a childhood of neglect and abuse in Canada to life in the lucky country in a story of guts and determination.
In this inspirational autobiography, Why God Hates Me (Big Sky Publishing $24.99), Sydney woman Patricia Barton tells her story of a childhood of abuse and neglect and her determination as a young 13year old to fight for her happiness. From Canada to Australia, orphan – beauty queen – actress – and finally to motherhood and the permanent home she longed for, this is the story of guts, determination and optimism.
Patricia was only 13years old when she decided to take control of her destiny and fight for her happiness. Growing up poor, fatherless and unwanted in a small Canadian town she ran away from home to find her father and with him a better life. Instead, her dreams broken, she finds herself in an orphanage, alone and abandoned ... again.
Growing up in a time when women were fighting for their place in society and overseas travel seemed far-fetched dream – the concept of escaping her small home town should have been something that for teenage Patricia an impossibility – but – it didn’t mean she wouldn’t set out to fight for it. Patricia grew up loving books, songs and movies – her desire to be an actress – something that for many seemed farfetched, would allow her access to a whole new world. Her determination would see her fight for her dreams.
Winning a beauty contest in Canada would open the door to Europe – Egypt and New York, acting and a final move to Australia with her new husband where she becomes a successful model, mother and finally found the permanent home she longed for. Life isn’t without its pitfalls and heartbreak but through it all Patricia’s optimism continues to shine and she never loses sight of her dreams.
Patricia’s journey is told with an honesty and generosity that will resonate with people everywhere - her story is not of the amazing and incredible – but founded in the reality and the successes, large and small, that mean so much and provide assurance that we can all overcome our own personal adversities. Patricia has suffered through the hard knocks in her later life, her first husband Pat and Michael one of her two sons died unexpectedly, she’s currently nursing her second husband Colin as he battles with cancer. She’s came from so little with just guts and determination and with such optimism.
Patricia is a fascinating and wonderful lady who still believes in miracles.
BooksHobart Bookshop: Moriarty’s Super Gene
The Hobart Bookshop
10.04.13 12:10 pm
The Hobart Bookshop and 40 South invite you to the launch of Melvin Freestone’s book Moriarty’s Super Gene.
Warren Boyles will launch this book, a studied and thoughtful reflection on consciousness and its awakening.
When: 5:30 Thursday April 25
Where: The Hobart Bookshop
Check the upcoming events page on our website for further information.
Free event, all welcome.
The Hobart Bookshop
22 Salamanca Square
Hobart Tasmania 7000
P 03 6223 1803 . F 03 6223 1804
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
http://www.hobartbookshop.com.au
CALLING LOCAL HISTORIANS AND AUTHORS.
Reg A. Watson
06.04.13 6:13 pm
The Lindisfarne Historical Society (LHS) will be putting together a publication which tells of the history of the area. Committee member of the LHS and Compiler, Tasmanian historian and author, Reg. A. Watson, said that there is an opportunity for locals to have a piece published in the book.
“It’s an exciting project for the Society,” said Mr Watson, “which is well over due.”
The publication is planned to cover all aspects of past life in Lindisfarne, Geilston Bay and into Risdon.
Mr Watson said that pieces can be up to 1200 words and can deal with their person’s own family history of the area or local happenings, wartime experiences, yachting, sport, education, policing, old houses, and picture theatres – indeed anything pertaining to Lindisfarne and surrounds.
“We are not expecting everyone to be a credited writer. It will be their own story in their own words,” added Mr. Watson.
“However, so not to duplicate, it would be best to contact me first with a brief description of what the writer proposes and hopefully being bereft of the subject, I shall ask the potential writer to go ahead.
“It is a great social project and it is hoped that by September 2014 it will be all completed at the very latest ;possibly even earlier.”
For those wishing to inquire they can contact Reg Watson on .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Lindisfarne is a very old area and was once the holiday place for many Hobartians. In its early times there were ample orchards. Now it is a vibrant suburban area, but it has the wonderful situation where descendants of the early families still live in the proximity.
“I am a fairly new to the area,” said Mr Watson, “having only being here for 13 years, but I have found it has a rich heritage of which I am constantly learning.”
Books | What's OnRachel Edwards
05.04.13 7:05 am
Island, Tasmania’s unique literary and cultural magazine has launched their first annual subscribathon, with great prizes up for grabs for new and renewing subscribers.
The magazine has recently been reformatted and redesigned – Publishing the best Tasmanian essays, commentary, fiction and poetry alongside their international counterparts, the magazine is the best way to showcase the intelligent aspects of the island state.
All new and renewing subscribers for the month of April will go in the running to win some great book prizes including signed copies of Australian literary legend, Frank Moorhouse’s Edith Trilogy and signed copies of Natasha Cica’s Pedder Dreaming.
The reasons for subscribing are many – The magazine is looking beautiful, the quality, intelligence and beauty of the work inside is hard to match so it’s a win-win situation (it is lovely to get home and find something magnificent in your letterbox).
The latest issue features the edgy drawings of Tasmanian artist Tom O’Hern, new fiction from Carmel Bird and Georgia Blain, a character profile of Frank Moorhouse’s effulgent character, Edith Campbell Berry, from his Edith Trilogy, an essay on translation by Daniel Hahn, the Director of the British Centre for Literary Translation some great new poetry and a lot more.
The annual subscription rate has been REDUCED to $60 a year, which is a saving of $25.
In the changing face of funding for arts organisations, Island recognises that subscriptions are the lifeblood of the magazine.
Subscribing is easy - click here - http://islandmag.com/issues/ and we’ll have the latest issue in the mail to you straight away!
Paula Xiberras
01.04.13 7:09 am
Fiona McIntosh is a prolific author. Last year she thrilled us with her blockbuster ‘The Lavender Keeper’ and this year the long awaited sequel ‘French Promise’ will be released.
‘The French Promise’ continues the story of Luc and Lizette post war and now building a life together in the UK and later in a lavender farm in Tasmania. Fiona travelled widely in her research for this book, as well as in her beloved Tasmania, she even even spent time studying lighthouses in England to prepare for the scenes in the book when Luc works as a lighthouse keeper in the UK.
I conclude perhaps incorrectly that Fiona has selected his career for Luc to symbolise the fact the war is over and there is the light of hope in the world. I decide to ask Fiona my question, prompted by a discussion with Morris Gleitzman, about the ‘magic places’ where author and reader meet and bring their life experiences to a book and make their own meaning from that. Fiona said that she was looking for the loneliest job in the world for Luc, but that it is possible that she may have been thinking about the other meaning also.
Fiona found writing the second book that even though the war was over there was still plenty of conflict and tension between the many characters, all of them in some way damaged by their experiences during the war. I ask Fiona if there was a potential for a third in the series and she says to do that would mean taking the story into the 70s and 80s and on and she isn’t that comfortable about writing about that period but if someone were to twist her arm ...
This novel also has what Fiona calls ‘shock slips’ where events are seemingly dictated by the characters themselves in spite of her own wishes. Some of these events may shock her readers but Fiona assures me they happen as they are meant to.
One of the saddest things in the novel is the prologue and something that dumped on her heart in one great lump, and a outpouring of the pain of humanity was her writing of the Auschwitz scenes. In the sadness there is admiration for the defiance and bravery of characters not to give in. To balance these scenes there is also the continuation of the beautifully written romance we expect from Fiona.
Fiona’s book may be called ‘The French Promise’ but when I spoke to Fiona we also discussed another promise. Fiona tells me it involves her publishing another book in November. The novel is an intimate story rather than a sprawling saga and is even described as domestic, much quieter than her customary cast of characters.
That may seem very soon to be doing another book, but Fiona explains to me it is a promise she made to Bryce Courtney. Fiona was Bryce’s protege and at a recent meeting he asked Fiona to talk before the students, as an example of a successful writer that had put in the hard yards and was now enjoying success. Bryce asked that Fiona would continue his tradition of bringing out a new book every November, a task he has done for 25 years.
Fiona says her special memory of Bryce was a recent one when they went walking together and then both spontaneously burst into laughter it’s a beautiful memory she holds dear and Fiona has dedicated ‘The French Promise’ to Bryce and promises him that she will continue his tradition.
Fiona has also another book to be published in March next year, this time based on an amazing British event that is not so well known to people outside of England. Much to her editor’s amazement Fiona is going to weave the story into into one of her fantasy novels.
Talking of the cast of characters in Fiona’s novel I ask her does she hope the book will be made into a movie and when might that happen? She says it may get a step closer when the novel is released in Britain and her choice for a pivotal male character for The Lavender Keeper … Daniel Craig!
Fiona will be talking about her new book in an event sponsored by Dymocks on Thursday 11 April at the Royal Yacht Club Tasmania, Sandy Bay.
Hobart Bookshop: The Smallest Carbon Footprint in the Land
The Hobart Bookshop
27.03.13 11:47 am
The Hobart Bookshop would like to invite you to the following event.
It is free, and all are welcome to attend.
Book launch: The Smallest Carbon Footprint in the Land (Ann Morgan)
Where: The Hobart Bookshop
When: 5:30pm, Thursday April 11
Patsy Jones is launching Anne Morgan’s book The Smallest Carbon Footprint in the Land, a book of eco-tales for children, illustrated by Gay McKinnon.
Please check our Upcoming Events page ( http://www.hobartbookshop.com.au/upcoming/ ) for more information on all future events.
The Hobart Bookshop
22 Salamanca Square
Hobart Tasmania 7000
P 03 6223 1803 . F 03 6223 1804
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
http://www.hobartbookshop.com.au
‘Don’t Be Boring’: An interview with Matthew Lamb, new editor of Island
The Wheeler Centre
24.03.13 5:03 am
Matthew Lamb, the new editor of Island magazine, is also the editor and co-founder of the digital short-story publication Review of Australian Fiction. This makes for an interesting and varied perspective on the world of literary magazines in Australia.
We spoke to Matthew about the changes afoot at Island, his approach to editing a publication, the fact that submissions to literary magazines far outweigh subscribers … and the fact that there’s a lot of boring writing out there in Australia, because boring equals safe. ‘Don’t be boring’ he says. ‘It may not lead to immediate publication, but at least your integrity will be intact.’
You’ve recently come on board as an editor at Island –what drew you to the magazine?
In terms ...
BooksBoyce, Wilson, Johnson, Hay/ Thorne, and Cica ...
Editor
23.03.13 3:58 pm
The Tasmanian Literary Prizes (formerly the Tasmania Book Prizes) are the Tasmanian Government’s biennial literary awards, which have existed in various forms since 2001. The prizes celebrate the richness of the Tasmanian literary sector and acknowledge the particular influence that Tasmania has on written work.
While the prizes recognise established writers, with past winners including Richard Flanagan, Robert Dessaix and Nicholas Shakespeare, they have been reimagined for 2013 to ensure that emerging writers are also celebrated and that literary content in its many different forms is valued.
And this year’s winners include James Boyce, Rohan Wilson, Katherine Johnson, Pete Hay/Tony Thorne, and Natasha Cica ...
BooksNew Book challenges many of the cherished myths of the landing at Gallipoli
Sharon Evans Big Sky Publishing - Marketing & Communications
22.03.13 9:40 am
New Book challenges many of the cherished myths of the landing at Gallipoli — myths that have endured for almost a century.
“Peter Hart, a British historian who has written on Gallipoli, states The Landing at Anzac, 1915 is the first truly cogent account the Anzac landing.”
Canberra author and highly-awarded retired serviceman Chris Roberts’ new book The Landing at Anzac, 1915 (Big Sky Publishing)breaks new ground as it uncovers the sequence of events of that historic first day at Gallipoli. Roberts’challenges many of the cherished myths of the most celebrated battle in Australian and New Zealand history — myths that have endured for almost a century and delivers some startling findings. However the author’s interest extends beyond the simple debunking of hallowed myths, and he produces a number of lessons for the armies of today.
Chris Roberts seeks to not only question the commonly accepted myths that have coloured the perceptions of several generations, but also to describe the battle from ‘both sides of the hill’, considering the actions of the Anzacs and also those of their Ottoman opponents. Including interviews with Veterans of the landing, this meticulously researched account questions several of the claims of Charles Bean’s magisterial and much-quoted Australian official history and presents a fresh examination of the evidence from a range of participants.
The Landing at Anzac, 1915 pulls the Gallipoli campaign into the modern era and provides a compelling argument for its continuing relevance.
To be launched by Alex Sloane, Presenter ABC Radio Canberra
Date: Thursday 11 April
Time: 4:30pm for a 5pm start
Venue: The Military Shop, 65 Kembla Street, Fyshwick
RSVP: Wednesday 3 April | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Or 02 9918 2168
The Landing at Anzac, 1915 Number 12 in the Australian Army History Units – Campaigns Series.
The Landing at Anzac, 1915
Chris Roberts
Paperback | 192pgs | Full colour - photos & illustrations
Australian – Military – History – WW1 - Gallipoli
Bookstores April 2013
$19.99
978-1-922132-20-8
Available on Amazon, Google and IBooks.
Number 12 in the Australian Army History Units – Campaigns Series.
The Series focuses on leadership, command, strategy, tactics, lessons and personal experiences of war.
Paula Xiberras
22.03.13 5:39 am
Krissy photo credit: Anthony Mullins
When I interviewed authors Krissy Kneen and Chris Somerville recently I was in for some surprises in that both authors have a Tasmanian connection. Both are completely delightful. There is something quite special in seeing two young people talk about books with the enthusiasm we might see people talk about the latest music or fashion fad..
Krissy and Chris are friends and writing partners. They bounce ideas off each other and support each others work. Yet, their styles are completely different. Krissy writes with passion and the books are written quickly. Chris is more steady and minimalist but together they compliment each other.
The two met at the Newcastle writers festival 6 years ago, with coincidentally Tassie’s own Danielle Wood. Later they began talking about books on Facebook. They admit to sometimes disagreeing and having heated discussions but the two are incredibly supportive of each others work.
I am lucky enough to be sitting with them in a Hobart coffee shop prior to their event at Fullers. They are here a few days early, and in Krissy’s case a few days more, to enjoy catching up with what’s happening in Tassie. Chris is formerly from Launceston and misses Tassie raspberries which he was getting reacquainted with at the farmers market yesterday . Krissy’s ties to Tassie are through her dad. Every year she and her partner make the trip to Tassie to go motorcycling with her dad.
On this trip she says she has found a Dover boat shed that appeals as a writing retreat even more so that she is at this time working on a new book about the a poet and in a strange case of serendipity she discovered the boat shed is being used by a local poet and the walls are lined with books that she too is studying in her research of her poet. Perhaps it’s a message that she needs to get herself a writing retreat here!.
However, we are not here to discuss the future book, but her new release ‘Steeplechase’. A book centreing on the story of sisters and their competitiveness, brilliantly realised in their childhood passion of the hurdles and obstacles of steeplechasing.
Just as in the steeples race, one sister races ahead, with the other always trying to catch up. The story has a shock twist that is not predictable but like an accomplished painter builds with brush strokes, pixelling into a smile as striking and mysterious as Mona Lisa’s. This story of two sisters made reclusive by their grandmother was inspired in part by the documentary film called ‘Grey Gardens’ about a mother and daughter recluse.
A pivotal character in Krissy’s book is Raphael, not named for the painter but the angel.
There is a story of the angel Raphael and how he removes the gall from a fish to enhance healing. This has a coincidental correlation in the novel with the main protagonist Bec having recently had her gall bladder removed and perhaps with it some of the gall for her sister, so healing between them can take place.
I am always interested how authors react to someone seeing certain things in their novel that they may have not consciously but perhaps subconsciously intended and how they feel about Morris Gleitzman’s calling this “the magic spaces”, the place where author and reader meet with each individual reader bringing their own experience and interpretation to the book.
A case in point comes up when we discuss the appearance of a pigeon, a dead pigeon in Chris’ story ‘Snow on the mountain’, a story he gave Krissy as a birthday present. The story revolves around two people who take a trip up the mountain and may or may not be headed for the trip of romance. Krissy says that a pigeon is a symbol of romance and possibly due to its state meaning a dead romance. Chris surprises us, as he does in his stories with lots of little clues, some red herrings and in this case it looks like this one is too, as he doesn’t recall it intended to mean anything other than the pigeon met its ill fate because it shouldn’t have been flying up there. So our Icarus pigeon leads us to the same conclusion perhaps there this story is about a romance that isn’t meant to happen?
Krissy’s books are filled with passionate and lush language, Chris is a minimalist short story writer that makes us work hard and he is keenly observant, however we are not meant to intellectualise too much! Chris thinks its nice when readers search for meaning from the information he has given but says there is a great deal of ambiguity with no clear resolution in his stories!
Once Chris entered a short story competition with no luck, so Krissy wrote a story similar to Chris’s in style, with more success. Chris calls this the instance when Krissy “stole his voice”, but the two are absolutely okay about it!
The chat is over with the lovely Chris and Krissy heading off to Mona, Krissy’s confessed spiritual home. She is hoping to pitch an idea to the powers that be there that might see her doing some virtual reading.
Krissy’s ‘Steeplechase’ and Chris’s ‘We are not the same Anymore’ are out now.
Island Issue 132 launched tnoight, 5.30 Highfield House
Rachel Edwards Co Editor Island Magazine
21.03.13 11:51 am
Issue 132 of Island magazine and the magazine’s exciting redesign will be launched at the new Island offices in Highfield House TONIGHT from 5.30pm.
The launch will also showcase the historic Highfield House (built 1880) and feature a series of short talks including one from architect, Bevan Rees about the history of the building.
Natasha Cica and Helen Hayward will discuss the new ongoing partnership that has been forged between Island magazine and the University of Tasmania’s Inglis Clark Centre for Civil Society, two institutions devoted to fostering Tasmania’s cultural and intellectual life.
The partnership between the Inglis Clark Centre and Island will take the form of an essay series called The Tasmanian Papers, co-edited by Assoc Prof Cica.
Tom O’Hern, whose art work has recently (dis)graced the new Mona ferry and is this issue’s featured artist’s work will be on display and two translators, Imma Hilly and Ian Johnstone will respond to an essay by Daniel Hahn, Director of the British Centre for Translation that is in this issue.
Highfield’s current architect, Bevan Rees will speak about this history of this many faceted building.
This is a free launch and all are welcome to attend, though reservations are essential.
http://islandmag.eventbrite.com/
Refreshments will be served.
w: http://www.islandmag.com
t: https://twitter.com/IslandMagTas
f: http://www.facebook.com/islandmag
e: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
p: + 61 (0) 3 6226 2325
a: PO Box 210 Sandy Bay Tasmania 7006 Australia
Hobart Bookshop: The Ambitions of Jane Franklin
The Hobart Bookshop
19.03.13 5:50 pm
Hobart Bookshop warmly invites you to the launch of
The Ambitions of Jane Franklin
by Alison Alexander
launched by the current Governor’s wife, Mrs Frances Underwood
at Ancanthe, Lenah Valley Road
on Wednesday 27 March at 11 a.m.
* period music by ‘Loose Canon’
* exhibition of Jane Franklin art by Kit Hiller
* Franklin memorabilia * bonnets from ‘Roses from the Heart’
* refreshment served by convict wenches
Free Event
All welcome
The Hobart Bookshop
22 Salamanca Square
Hobart Tasmania 7000
P 03 6223 1803 . F 03 6223 1804
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
http://www.hobartbookshop.com.au
ISLAND LAUNCH AND SHOWCASE OF HISTORIC HIGHFIELD HOUSE
Rachel Edwards Co Editor Island Magazine
15.03.13 2:43 pm
Issue 132 of Island magazine and the magazine’s exciting redesign will be launched at the new Island offices in Highfield House on Thursday, March 21st between 5.30-8pm.
The launch will also showcase the historic Highfield House (built 1880) and feature a series of short talks including one from architect, Bevan Rees about the history of the building.
Natasha Cica and Helen Hayward will discuss the new ongoing partnership that has been forged between Island magazine and the University of Tasmania’s Inglis Clark Centre for Civil Society, two institutions devoted to fostering Tasmania’s cultural and intellectual life.
The partnership between the Inglis Clark Centre and Island will take the form of an essay series called The Tasmanian Papers, co-edited by Assoc Prof Cica.
Tom O’Hern, whose art work has recently (dis)graced the new Mona ferry and is this issue’s featured artist’s work will be on display and two translators, Imma Hilly and Ian Johnstone will respond to an essay by Daniel Hahn, Director of the British Centre for Translation that is in this issue.
This is a free launch and all are welcome to attend, though reservations are essential.
http://islandmag.eventbrite.com/
Refreshments will be served.
Rachel Edwards
Co Editor
Island Magazine
w: http://www.islandmag.com
t: https://twitter.com/IslandMagTas
f: http://www.facebook.com/islandmag
e: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
p: + 61 (0) 3 6234 9364
a: PO Box 4703 Bathurst Street Post Office Hobart Tasmania 7000 Australia
Paula Xiberras
14.03.13 6:34 am
Dawn Barker has only been to Tasmania once and that was when her baby was six months old. Dawn remembers visiting Salamanca, the beauty of the port city and memories of watching an old village fisherman. Her memories also climb to Mt Wellington, freezing in the summer, but not a bother for Dawn having come from slightly cold and similarly beautiful Scotland!
Dawn is surprised and delighted to know of her book’s reception and mainstream promotion. This, Dawn considers a particular success as her book deals with confronting subject matter.
Dawn is a psychiatrist and is well informed to write this book about one of the most taboo subjects there is, it deals with what may go wrong when a mother suffers severe post natal depression and psychosis.
Dawn says that society is changing and that now we can talk about conditions like diabetes and illnesses like bowel cancer but still there is some stigma assigned to mental illness which makes it hard to enter mainstream conversation.
The protagonist of Dawn’s novel is an likeable, intelligent, university educated young woman who sets herself high goals for successful mothering but finds the process of coping with a new baby and resultant sleep deprivation a constant problem. Like some mothers in mothers group she can’t confess her problems thus admitting she is not textbook material.
We later learn that her own mother suffered depression and so we become familiar with the saying ‘there are ghosts in every nursery’ and that we need to know what came before in our own childhood to help our own child-raising.
The book poses the question if there was more openness between daughter and mother of the latter’s own mental illness, would it have helped the daughter understand these difficulties and seek help.
Having said that, guilt from other characters does surface in the story include a mother -in- law that blames what happens on a decision made years ago and sees this as some sort of divine retribution. Anna’s husband also feels guilt for not being more attentive to her needs when he knew instinctively she was having problems.
Dawn is keen to stress none of the characters did anything wrong. Dealing with post -natal depression is difficult simply because we don’t talk about it and so don’t necessarily know how to deal with it.
Perhaps the most important thing to learn from Dawn’s book is to be alert to recognising the signs of post natal depression that go beyond the usual normal baby blues that many new mothers experience.
Dawn says what may seem like a difficulty in bonding can develop into something more dangerous and the measurement of this is the longevity and severity of the baby blues. If it lasts longer than it should and if the mother is not coping and finds little pleasure or happiness in anything then we need to be attentive to this and offer help.
The book doesn’t have the tidy fairytale ending simply because to do that, Dawn says would belittle the problem.
To add to the suspense of the novel the chapters are superbly headed ‘the day before’ the day after’ and probably most ominously ‘the day’.
Its a stunning debut and although the subject matter is something that we don’t necessarily like reading about, it is something we should all read to learn more about a condition that has been for too long silenced from polite conversation.
The more informed we are and the more attuned to recognise the signs the better we are to protect and support mothers and children.
Fractured is available now.
New books provide a fresh new perspective on ANZAC Day - women, families and myth smashing!
Sharon Evans, Big Sky Publishing - Marketing & Communications
13.03.13 4:09 am
Fantastic titles just in time for ANZAC Day from some of Australians leading military-historians.
Fresh perspectives on Gallipoli – told from both sides; Turkish & Anzac – The Landing at Anzac, 1915 by Chris Roberts challenges many of the cherished myths around the landing at Gallipoli and Shadows of Anzac by David W. Cameron offers a personal perspective of soldiers and non-combatants.
In Here, There and Away we hear stories – never before published – from ex-service families as they explain their own experiences as part of the defence family. An entertaining and uplifting book. Linda Hurley – the wife of the current Chief of Defence said, “Here, There and Away” was a book I didn’t want to put down ...”
Download details:
Big_Sky_Publishing_New_Releases_Anzac_Day_-_April_2013_MR.pdf
Books
Fullers Bookshop: Steeplechase and We Are Not the Same Anymore
Susan Hornbeck
12.03.13 5:40 am
Writing companions Krissy Kneen and Chris Somerville launch their books together at Fullers Bookshop, Hobart
Steeplechase and We Are Not the Same Anymore
Wednesday 20th March
5.30pm for a 6.00pm start
Krissy Kneen and Chris Somerville have been writing companions for five years. Kneen’s third book Steeplechase and Somerville’s debut collection of short stories We Are Not the Same Anymore are being launched at Fullers Bookshop at a combined celebration that brings these two friends and authors together to talk about writing, reading and friendship. (Invitation attached.)
The two friends and writing companions have supported each other’s writing practice since they first met at the Newcastle National Young Writer’s festival six years ago. Kneen (44) and Somerville (28) have remained firm friends and challenging sparring partners throughout the years. Krissy Kneen is thanked first in the acknowledgements of Chris Somerville’s debut book. Krissy Kneen’s Steeplechase is dedicated to Chris Somerville.
Find out about this very special friendship that has supported the work of two of Australia’s most exciting new voices. This combined launch celebration brings these friends together to talk about their work and the care and support that goes into not only a book but a writing career.
Krissy Kneen is a bookseller and writer in Brisbane. Her memoir, Affection, was published in 2009 and shortlisted for the Queensland Premier’s Literary Award and the ABIA Award in 2010. Krissy is also the author of the erotic adventure, Triptych, which was published in 2011. Steeplechase is her first non-erotic novel (Text).
Chris Somerville was born in Launceston, Tasmania in 1984 and now lives in Queensland. In 2003 he won the State Library of Queensland Young Writers Awards and in 2009 he was shortlisted for the Queensland Premiers Literary Awards, Emerging Author category. His short fiction has appeared in numerous literary journals, including Voiceworks, The Lifted Brow, Paper Radio, Islet and Stilts.
He has taught in the creative writing programs at both Griffith University and the University of Queensland. We Are Not the Same Anymore (UQP) is his first book.
Praise for We Are Not the Same Anymore
‘These are such damn fine stories: surprising, deft and always revealing.’ – BENJAMIN LAW
‘Chris Somerville has a unique voice, intelligent, quiet and yet very funny. These stories of emotional disconnection, familial ties and the melancholy bonds of marriage have, above all, a fundamental sense of truth.’ – KRISSY KNEEN
‘A very talented writer [whose] work is emotionally true, real and full of depth. He writes with a unique rhythm and voice that captures the essence of the story so well.’ – FAVEL PARRETT
‘The stories are at once funny and achingly sad in their exploration of the minutiae of daily life.’ – KRISTINA OLSSON
Download:
somerville_hobart_launch.pdf
Somerville_UQP_MR.pdf
TASMANIAN AUTHOR TURNS TO CRIME
Alisa Krasnostein
09.03.13 4:33 am
Murder and good cooking don’t often go together, but Tasmanian author Livia Day has combined the two in her first crime novel “A Trifle Dead”, a fun murder mystery set across the city centre and suburbs of Hobart, due for release in March 2013.
The book will be launched by Stephanie Smith at the Hobart Bookshop in Salamanca Square on Thursday 28 March at 5:30 PM. TehaniWessely will MC the event.
A Trifle Dead is narrated by Tabitha Darling, a young cafe owner with a penchant for gossip, as she is caught up, perhaps not quite unwittingly, in a series of crimes in her neighbourhood.
Livia Day is the crime-writing pseudonym of Tasmanian author Tansy Rayner Roberts, author of the award-winning ” Creature Court” series published by Voyager, and the internationally acclaimed “Love and Romanpunk” published by Twelfth Planet Press.
“A Trifle Dead” is also the first novel to be published by Deadlines, the new imprint from Australian boutique publisher Twelfth Planet Press. “A Trifle Dead” and other Twelfth Planet Press books can be purchased online attwelfthplanetpress.com.
MORE ABOUT LIVIA DAY, TANSY RAYNER ROBERTS & A TRIFLE DEAD
Tasmania has caught international attention in recent years as a tourism destination and a centre of the arts. New crime novel A Trifle Dead by Livia Day was designed to show what an energetic and dynamic Hobart is to live in these days.
“When I was growing up, so many novels I found using Tasmania as a setting were pretty grim,” says Roberts. “I wanted to put the Hobart that I knew on the page – a place of creativity and indie fashion boutiques, crazy art projects, social media and delicious food. It’s not all convict history and ghosts around here. Since I first started writing this book, the outside perception of Hobart has changed a lot – even Lonely Planet thinks we’re a great place to visit! Our fiction should reflect that, and I’m doing my bit to show a more positive Tasmania than I got to read about when I was younger.”
Tansy Rayner Roberts sold her first novel at the age of nineteen. Mostly writing in the fantasy genre, she has had six novels published by major publishing houses, and a boutique short fiction collection, Love and Romanpunk from Twelfth Planet Press.Twelfth Planet Press is an independent publishing house based out of Perth, Western Australia. In recent years they have published works by such notable speculative fiction authors as Margo Lanagan, Lucy Sussex, Robert Shearman and Marianne de Pierres.Tansy and Twelfth Planet Press have had a successful working relationship for many years: the novelette “Siren Beat,” in which mythological creatures invaded the city of Hobart, won the prestigious international Washington SFA Small Press award, and only last year Tansy’s story “The Patrician” from Love and Romanpunk won the same award, making her the first author to win it twice.
Now Twelfth Planet Press are launching a crime imprint, Deadlines, with A Trifle Dead, and Tansy is launching a new pen-name, Livia Day, to mark her shift in genres.Twelfth Planet Press hope to publish many more novels in this range. Livia Day is already contracted for a sequel, Drowned Vanilla, set in a fictional town near Huonville and there will be further announcements about Deadlines later in the year.
Tansy is an award-winning blogger and an accomplished audio presenter. Last year, she received a Hugo nomination for Galactic Suburbia, a podcast about the publishing industry. Her upcoming public speaking events include a presentation at the Stranger With My Face film festival in Hobart, a panel at the Anime Island convention, and a Sisters in Crime event in Melbourne in June.
A Trifle Dead by Livia Day
Paperback • 300pp • RRP $19.95
ISBN 978-0-9872162-9-8
Livia Day’s website: http://www.liviaday.com/
Tansy Rayner Roberts’ blog: http://tansyrr.com/
Twelfth Planet Press: http://www.twelfthplanetpress.com/
