That great storytelling can have huge effect upon a reader – that books can allow us the possibility of transportation, escape, discovery – is why so many people braved the uninviting weather to come to the National Young Writers Festival 2014 launch on a rainy Tuesday night. That, and for the chance to hear Zimbabwean…
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Within the chaos of Melbourne’s Federation Square, there sits a modest caravan. Beyond the rounded windows the square is full of people. You can hear the clip-clopping of befeathered clydesdales leading grinning tourists in gilded carriages. You can smell the petrol fumes of heavy traffic, and watch a cheeky busker crack a whip and…
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The Bookshelf Diaries takes a peek into the reading life of writers, readers and book lovers. The Melbourne Writers Festival kicks off next week, and to celebrate, Festival Director Lisa Dempster revealed her literary loves. What are you reading right now? I’m just finishing Indonesia Etc by Elizabeth Pisani. It’s a portrait of Indonesia but it’s part travelogue…
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Women’s crime writing has come a long way, but it hasn’t been smooth sailing. Like walking in high heels, there have been moments of comfort and ease, and a stumble here and there and the odd blister. But central to the ongoing success of female crime authors is the support of fellow writers, providing an…
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