2018 is promising to be a very productive writing year for me, with two wonderful residencies now confirmed. First up, I’m delighted to be receiving a Varuna Residency Fellowship to complete my first historical fiction, The Fourteenth Wife.
Helen Thurloe
Wikipedia can wait
In this refreshing alternative to the Wikiplace, I challenge you not to laugh at the photo captions (with or without laundry baskets, and/or sharpie pens). Author Robin Elizabeth’s Write or Wrong blog (Uninspiration for the uninspired) is as entertaining as it is genre-defying. She assures me that the Promising Azra self-scribble (inspired by the book’s cover) that her three-year-old son undertook, has now all but faded away.
August appearances
I’m looking forward to being Guest Speaker for the August Literary Luncheon of the Society of Women Writers NSW, at the State Library of NSW. In Too close to home; or not close enough, I’ll be discussing the research behind the writing of Promising Azra. You don’t need to be a member of the Society of Women Writers to come along – you can find details about booking here.
Beachcomber Website Wins National Trust Heritage Award
This website documents the history of a mid-century project home, the Lend Lease Beachcomber. A popular choice for Sydney’s hilly terrain, the Beachcomber was a budget-priced piece of Bauhaus architectural design.
Promising Azra on NSW Premier’s Literary Award Shortlist
Major excitement! Promising Azra was one of six shortlisted books for the Multicultural NSW Award in the 2017 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards. See the Judges’ Comments.
Manicured words
Some reviews of Promising Azra have slipped in recently from the Tasmanian Times, and ReadPlus. But Bassima in particular would delight in discovering Azra’s fabulous matching manicure, which celebrated the Top 5 Young Adult titles for Beachside Bookshop’s First Birthday (and showcased the excellent talents of the Bookish Manicurist). Thanks everyone!
Coming up in 2017
Events for 2017 are now taking shape, starting with a Literary Lunch at Mona Vale library on Wednesday 3 May. Please come along to say hello, and bring all your Azra-related questions! Books will also be available for personalised signing.
Excellent Reading
The second highlight of my recent Melbourne visit was stumbling into Dymocks in Collins Street, to find an “Excellent!” on the Staff Picks recommendation for Promising Azra. Thanks Melbourne, I’ll be back as soon as I can. x
Fabulous Melbourne
There are many ways to have a wonderful time in Melbourne. The first highlight of my recent visit was a book-chat about forced child marriage with Kathy Landvogt and Yvonne Lay of Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand.
Coming up in November
October 18, 2016
Events
As part of Avalon Beach Market Day on Sunday 20 November, I’ll be talking about becoming a debut author at an event organised by Beachside Bookshop. Check their website for details on how to book.
Promising Azra Reviews
