Author event: Heidi Sze on her book Nurturing your new life

A book primarily intended for postpartum mothers is not really the sort of book Whispering Gums' readers would expect to see here, but let me explain. Melbourne-based Heidi Sze started her food blog, Apples Under My Bed, the same year I started mine. However, that's not our link. Rather, it's that later that year, Daughter … Continue reading Author event: Heidi Sze on her book Nurturing your new life

Jessica White in conversation with Inga Simpson

Hearing Maud, author Jessica White told us in her conversation with Inga Simpson two weekends ago, was 15 years in the making. This is something I already knew, because, as the result of our involvement in the Australian Women Writers Challenge, I've met Jess and we've talked about this book. However, it was excellent to … Continue reading Jessica White in conversation with Inga Simpson

Hobart Writers Festival 2019, Part 2: Guest post

And now for the second and final part of my brother Ian Terry's 2019 Hobart Writers Festival experience. The eagle-eyed among you will notice that this report is much shorter than yesterday's. This is because Ian went to four sessions on Saturday, and two on Sunday. Part 2: Sunday 15 September Day two dawned with … Continue reading Hobart Writers Festival 2019, Part 2: Guest post

Monday Musings on Australian Literature: Canberra Writers Festival 2019 Recap

Just when you thought it was safe to return to my blog, I'm at it again, talking about this year's Canberra Writers Festival. However, if you are like me you are intrigued about what other readers and festival goers like, so I thought I'd share what the Canberra Writers Festival sent us subscribers. But, I'll … Continue reading Monday Musings on Australian Literature: Canberra Writers Festival 2019 Recap

Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 2, Session 3: In our backyard

Suddenly it was my last session! How quickly the two days went. The reason I chose In Our Backyard is obvious. It was described as "Get up close and personal with four of Canberra’s literary gems", and was moderated by ABC journalist, Emma Alberici. It was a warm-hearted session, characterised by a sense of respect … Continue reading Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 2, Session 3: In our backyard

Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 2, Session 2: PM’s Pick (Brian Castro with Genevieve Jacobs)

PM's Pick, featuring the multi-award-winning Brian Castro, was another must-attend session. The night before, while dining at Muse, I checked to see whether they had any Castro in their classy little bookshop. They did, including a second-hand copy of his fourth novel, After China. I snapped it up, and as I did, bookseller Dan reminded … Continue reading Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 2, Session 2: PM’s Pick (Brian Castro with Genevieve Jacobs)

Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 2, Session 1: Identity (Tara June Winch with Yvette Henry Holt)

Today was the day I was able to devote to fiction writers. There were still clashes, but there was never any doubt that I would attend this Tara June Winch session, even though it meant missing a panel featuring Charlotte Wood, Brian Castro, and Simon Winchester. Why were these scheduled opposite each other?! The Festival-goers … Continue reading Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 2, Session 1: Identity (Tara June Winch with Yvette Henry Holt)