Anthology Launch

It was my pleasure to attend this year’s launch of the Tasmanian Writers’ Prize anthology for 2016. The first half of the event was a panel discussion on writing for Tasmania 40⁰ South, with regular magazine contributors joining editor Chris Champion for a vibrant chat. If you’ve not yet had the pleasure of diving into this pictorially exquisite publication, I encourage you to check it out. You won’t be disappointed.

After nibbles and drinks, Chris Gallagher (Director of the Tasmanian Writers’ Centre and one of the competition judges) gave a wonderful speech and facilitated a Q&A session with the finalists. Having sipped (quaffed? guzzled?) a couple of glasses of fine Shiraz, I think I coped okay with responding to a question here and there. I certainly had a great time, chatting to fellow finalists and listening to some readings from winning entries.

On the subject of winners, I would like to mention last year’s Young Tasmanian Writers’ Prize winner, Ben Smith Noble who read beautifully from his story. I went to the same school as Ben – Taroona High. I am sure his is a name we will hear more of in the future.

The evening was seamlessly coordinated and overseen by the vivacious Lucinda Sharp. Thanks Lucinda for a memorable night!

Another Ship finds a Port

I’m thrilled to report that my story ‘Baked Beans and Wisteria’ has won a place in this year’s Big Issue Fiction Edition to be launched on 26^th August at the State Library of Victoria. We writers send out our ships, all polished and splashed with champagne, and try not to worry about them as they navigate the deep blue. It is always a joy when they find their home port. 

Meanwhile, I’m heading down to Hobart tomorrow to attend the launch of the Forty South anthology of the best of this year’s Tasmanian Writers’ Prize stories. It will be fun to meet some of the other finalists. I’m really looking forward to reading their stories and seeing my own ‘Jack Frost’ in the mix.

 Ah, this writing life!