If you’ve been following the Speakeasy blog for the past six months you will have become familiar with AWM intern TJ Wilkshire. Unfortunately, TJ’s time at AWM has come to a close, but before she headed off, AWM decided to take five with her to find out what it’s like being an emerging writer and … Continue reading »
TAKING FIVE WITH MATTHEW REILLY
Since self-publishing his first novel, Contest, in 1996, Matthew Reilly has gone from strength to strength. Known for his explosive, hectic storytelling, Matthew has published fifteen novels and in 2011, his novel Scarecrow and the Army of Thieves was Australia’s best-selling fiction title. AWM intern took some time to chat with Matthew about all things action-thriller: research, self-publishing, … Continue reading »
TAKING FIVE WITH CHRISTOPHER CURRIE
Christopher Currie is an award-winning fiction writer, whose first YA novel, Clancy of the Undertow, took the Australian YA scene by storm. AWM intern TJ Wilkshire took some time to talk to Chris about the writing process, small towns, and writing as a bookseller. Your second novel (and first YA novel) was released last year. Are … Continue reading »
TAKING FIVE WITH JODI PICOULT
As one of the best-selling authors in the world, Jodi Picoult needs no introduction. Known for her powerful, evocative fiction examining the way people deal with difficult ethical conundrums, Jodi’s most recent work, Small Great Things, is her most hard-hitting yet. While Jodi was on tour recently to promote her latest release, AWM intern TJ … Continue reading »
TAKING FIVE WITH SHASTRA DEO
Shastra Deo burst onto the Australian poetry scene this year when she won the 2016 Thomas Shapcott poetry prize. But it takes years to become an overnight success, and Shastra’s journey has taken her from Fiji to Australia and trained her sharp ear for the emotional weight of language. AWM intern and fellow poet TJ Wilkshire … Continue reading »
TAKING FIVE WITH WOMBAT BOOKS
Wombat Books is a uniquely Australian independent publishing house that focuses on publishing quality children’s picture books. AWM intern TJ Wilkshire recently took five with publisher Rochelle Manners to discuss the running of a publishing business and the process of bringing a children’s book into print. You founded Wombat Books some time ago. How did … Continue reading »
TAKING FIVE WITH SARAH HOLLAND-BATT
Sarah Holland-Batt is an award-winning Australian poet. Rising to critical acclaim after winning the Thomas Shapcott prize for her first collection, Aria (UQP), Sarah has continued to make waves across the Australian and international poetry sphere, with work published in The New Yorker, Slate, Poetry, Agenda, Michigan Quarterly Review, and many more. Her second collection, The Hazards (UQP) has won her further attention … Continue reading »
TAKING FIVE WITH MELISSA ASHLEY
Melissa Ashley’s meticulous attention to detail is on show in her first novel, The Birdman’s Wife, which explores the life and relationships of artist Elizabeth Gould. AWM intern TJ Wilkshire spent some time with Melissa to discuss birds, art, poetry, and secret women’s history. Your debut novel tells the story of Elizabeth Gould, wife of … Continue reading »
TAKING FIVE WITH KATE FORSYTH
Multi-award winning novelist Kate Forsyth has written work spanning from the smallest of tales to the biggest of epic sagas. But her latest works have centred on fairy-tales, the women who write them and the women who live them. Earlier this month, AWM intern TJ Wilkshire spoke with Kate about writing, retreats, and Rapunzel. I … Continue reading »