Monthly Archives: September 2010
From the Editors
Hunches and the historical novel
I have always tried hard not to mysticise the creative process. To me, imagination, although precious and powerful, is not supernatural; ideas come to us through a process of conscious and subconscious suggestion. Writers draw upon facts, or experience; they write from a position of knowledge or … Read more
From the Editors
Failing Critical Failure: The problem with engaging in real conversation about literary criticism
It was a great privilege to be invited on the panel for ‘Critical Failure: Books’ at the Wheeler Centre on Tuesday evening. The session – which was one of four discussions on the state of critical writing in Australia – originated, according to the Wheeler Centre, from … Read more
Books
Review: Chris Womersley’s Bereft
Mrs Cranshaw stepped closer. Rain gathered on her eyelashes. ‘I must ask you again: did she say anything to you, sir?’ Her breath hung in the air between them as thick as candle smoke… ‘We charge for messages from the other side, you know?’ After attending a … Read more
From the Editors
Surprising dilemmas: on being pigeonholed as a writer
It’s interesting, after days of listening to various writers talk, to watch certain themes emerge – particularly the ones you’d least expect. One surprising thread of conversation across the Melbourne and Brisbane Writers’ Festivals was the mixed blessing of finding a niche as a writer. Kathy Charles, … Read more
Books
“City Stories”: an excerpt from Jenny Sinclair’s When We Think About Melbourne: The Imagination of a City
‘The North is a growing, pulsating sore on the map of my city, the part of the city in which I, my family, my friends, are meant to buy a house, grow a garden, shop, watch TV and be buried in. The North is where the wog … Read more
From the Editors
Five Things I Learned at MWF This Weekend
1. Keep your notebook within arm’s reach at all times On Saturday, KYD were hosting an afternoon of 15-minute events at Magazine – a Yarra-side shipping container, done up like a Fitzroy bar. One of those events featured Estelle Tang (our online editor) interviewing Ben Law and … Read more
