NEWCASTLE WRITERS FESTIVAL 2015: Marion Halligan

Goodbye Sweetheart is the name of the latest book by Marion Halligan, but we heard Marion in all her glory talking about all sort of things relating to her life as an author.

 

I first heard Marion speak at the first NWF about memoir and she fascinated me then, and she still does now. I haven't read any of her full books, but a few of her short stories. I want to read some of her stories, but I have so many other books to read, I know I don't have time for her at the moment, but I know I will soon. I am a Librarian, not being able to read everything is an occupational hazard!

 

Despite all this I just love hearing Marion speak, she looks like someone's posh granny, in fact she reminds me of my own grandmother. She is a little bit posh, very well spoken and presented. However, she has this sassy and spicey side to her which belies her appearance...I love that! She'll be talking about something and Bam, a swear word or a sexy tidbit, I love people like that!

 

The talk started referencing the fact that the Australian Women's Weekly refused to publish one of Marion's short stories some years ago. She was told there was "too much unease" for AWW readers within her story. You have no idea how much this amused me! She had already been published in literary journals and knew that Sylvia Plath has tried to publish in similar magazines and did not have success either. Marion had given up on AWW and was ok with it she smirked. Of course she is, my heart just melted a little there and then.

 

Although she did say she didn't like the title of Literary Fiction, but she is aware she doesn't really do happy endings.

 

She likes to explore grief and said she loved Joan Didion's Year of magical Thinking...tick...so did I! In fact I adore Joan's writing.

 

Marion changed publishers when she was told her book, The Fog Garden, had too much sex in it. It was a fictional take on her husbnad dying, but she had made a lot of it up. She was refused a Miles Franklin nomination because of this, people suggested it was not fiction. Marion had spoken about this, the fine line between memoir as fiction, in the first NWF.

 

She then referenced her actual memoir, A Taste of Memory, about food, travels and so forth, it is a memoir in essays.

 

She likes to write about grief as it is a part of life. The worst thing you can say to a grieving person is, 'don't worry, you'll get over it, it will pass." She said she didn't want that when her husband died, she earned her grief and she wanted that. Death is a fact in our lives.

 

Death is a catalyst in her new book. She likes her characters, even those that might not be that nice. She feels that 'novels are ways of asking people to think about their lives.'

 

There was a small digression here about naming characters, and she admitted to judging people on the names they give their children...I do the same!

 

Marion also spoke about sense of place within novels and find those that work best are based on some sort of reality, that is concrete details of something real, you get the essence of that in the work, and you believe it. 

Marion doesn't do much research, just uses what is in her head...and what a remarkable head it is.

NEWCASTLE WRITERS FESTIVAL 2015: Going it Alone

Going it Alone was a panel on self publishing hosted by my good friend, Linda Drummond, and featuring self published authors, Greg Field, Nim Gholkar, and Francesca Suters.

 

I went along to support my friend, who I might add was a quite wonderful host and interviewer, and came away with some interesting little gems and stories.

 

Here is some of what I learned:

 

Timeframes and deadlines are still important, and design is in your hands when you self publish.

 

It is really hard but don't be discouraged.

 

It is important to create a buzz well in advance - online presence and social media can assist with that. Some have shared small chapters on line as tidbits, and use comments to help edit them. They are not left up forever though. Also great to show covers when you have them designed.

 

There are so many ways and places to market online, you need to look at all the options and work out what fits best with you.

 

Some use blogging to practice writing, this can develop an audience. Also to review other books on the blog, can lead to return reviews. The beauty of self publishing is you can pick and choose what works for you.

 

Nim calls herself an authorpreneur, and Francesca says that self publishing gives you complete control over your story.

 

Greg spoke about editing, he has a group of 'beta testers' he trusts and a cousin who is an editor. You do need an editor who understands what you are doing, and a good editor can allow you to assess your work critically and objectively.

 

The group were asked if they could make a living Self Publishing. Francesca says she does if for love, not money, and still keeps a job. Greg says it is a platform to express his artistry. Nim says don't give up your day job.

 

Greg also said to be careful of sharks, but there are good people out there that won't take all your money.

 

Francesca says she started by searching Self Publishing online and narrowed it down by eliminating those with grammatical errors.

 

Nim says to understand your target audience. 

I found this whole panel fascinating, and tenacious in terms of getting their work out there. So don't be discouraged, there is hope if you want to be a published author.

NEWCASTLE WRITERS FESTIVAL: The Treatment of Asylum Seekers

The Treatment of Asylum Seekers: Australia's Heart of Darkness? was a panel discussion hosted by Felicity Biggins.

The panel consisted of Georgina Ramsey, an anthropologist; David Manne, a human rights lawyer; Rosie Scott, author; and Munjed Al Muderis and Aran Mylvaganam - both actual refugees.

This was a very intense session and I will admit to being in tears for most of, especially when Munjed and Aran told their stories.

Georgina Ramsey was a young anthropologist. She has spent time in Uganda, and spoke about how they had thought Australia was difficult to get into but found there were no queues. This was a subject matter raised again and again by the panelist, these mythical, scare mongering queues - they simply do not exist.

David Manne is a human rights lawyer who helps vulnerable people from life threatening harm, "there is a simple beauty in that."

Aran Mylvaganam was a refugee, escaping the Sri Lankan military at 13 years old. He was at school in 1995 when seven bombs hit. He witnessed his own brother being killed, cut in half by shrapnel. He also had cousins killed by the same strike. His uncle rounded him and his cousins that survived and sent them away. They were in Villawood for 3 months. This is part of his story, one can only imagine what this tragedy has done to him. Aran assists other refugees now, using his experience as a positive example.

Rosie Scott edited a book with Thomas Keneally on refugees, in hope of bringing these issues into the mainstream. They had many famous Australians collaborate with them.

Munjed Al Muderis fled Saddem Hussein's regime because, as a surgeon, he did not want to amputate ears as part of torture. He is now a well respected surgeon dealing with robotics for prosthetics, in particular knees and legs. I will also add he is my brother-in-law's prosthetic leg surgeon and a much loved figure in our family. I knew he was a refugee but I had no idea his background was so traumatic. He was the most eloquent man but you could feel his devastation when speaking, not his story, but the way refugees are being treated now. He also reiterated there is no queue. He feels this is the biggest crisis since WWII, and we all need to grow up and be part of this society.

Aran reiterated that to stop the boats, we really need to stop the terror the people are fleeing from. And that the Australian government aided the Sri Lanken Army with tanks etc - we need to stop aiding them.

David Manne said it was not as simple as good and evil or dark and light, there are many layers to this problem. 

And then conversation turned to children.

Munjed said we are all involved whether we like it or not, and that he didn't "think anyone on earth should prevent children from education for one day." Europe don't detain people like we do here, and there were explanations on their processes which sounded fair and stealthy enough in terms of capturing anything untoward. Munjed has translated for children who had been molested when he was in his 10 month stay at detention. He didn't go into detail, he didn't have to, the look on his face, and the tone of his voice said it all.

David Manne spoke about "deprivation of liberty of a child in this society."

I felt totally gutted by this session, I guess it was nothing I didn't know already, but to hear these stories, especially Munjed and Aram's, they were the epitome of soul destroying. Yet here were these fine, intelligent, beautifully spoken men helping educate us, and having strong and important roles in society. To me, this is the best advocate for the cause. It helped ease my pain and the huge supportive crowd also helped soothe my soul.

But what more can we do, at a grass roots level?

We need to educate those that do not have the facts, and explain what is happening, and help turn them around and the more people we get through to, to larger the cause is and that might just get through to our government.

Kindness and understanding for our fellow humans on this precious planet...that is all...it really shouldn't be difficult at all!

After the session I bought Munjed's book for my brother-in-law, and headed over for him to sign it. I introduced myself and mentioned my brother-in-law, he knew who I meant immediately and asked after him, my sister and their children. We had a lovely chat and he wrote some beautiful words in the book, too personal to mention here, but when I read them in private later, tears came to my eyes. Imagine if he had not been able to escape, imagine all the lives he has helped since arriving here, not just with his skills as a surgeon, but with his kindness. It's too painful to think about.

NEWCASTLE WRITERS FESTIVAL: Purple Elephants Book Launch

Day one of Newcastle Writers Festival started in the most delightful way. My good friend, Susan Whelan, launched her first book at Newcastle Library, as part of the children's day festivities. 

Don't think About Purple Elephants is a children's book collaboration with the illustrator, Gwynneth Jones, and is the most beautiful looking book. The illustrations are bright and imaginative with magnificent purple elephants rollicking throughout. The story is essentially a self-help for young children (but possibly everyone) who over-think things and become so anxious that sleep becomes problematic. It's a great story told subtlety without being preachy, yet it's message is clear. It is supported by the perfect illustrations, and both ladies should be equally pleased with their work. I know I am proud of my friend realising her dream of becoming a published author.

The morning was fun and whimsical, thanks to Newcastle Library staff doing a superb decorating and marketing job for the book and to Susan for her own fabulous ideas including 6 onesie cladded purple 'elephants' wandering around.

Following purple footprints up to the launch area, we were dazzled with cutout elephants, and a delicious array of purple and yellow treats to celebrate the book. The room was packed with excited children and adults alike and the buzz level was high and enthusiastic.

After some passionate speeches regarding the book and the process, Susan read the story to the excited young crowd, and the session drew to a close and those cupcakes were devoured.

I still need to get my book signed, but am sure I will get that sorted at some point...after all, I know the author!

And don't forget, if you are struggling with an over active mind, try thinking about purple elephants instead.

Here is Susan in her own words, writing about the book.

If you want to read an interview with the author, read this great interview with Anita Heiss.

NEWCASTLE WRITERS FESTIVAL 2015: Opening Night, The Book That Changed Me

It's been a few weeks since the Opening Night of the Newcastle Writers Festival and I am still thinking about the wonderful panel discussion about "The Book That Changed Me."

After all the important speeches by those involved in the festival, including the luminous founder of the festival Rosemarie Milsom, we were delighted by the outstanding panel as we sat in Newcastle City Hall, our home for the next few days.

The panel, hosted by Caroline Baum, were Helen Garner, Jessica Rudd, and Michael Robotham.

Now I have to say I worship the ground Helen Garner walks on, so you have been forewarned. And she made me love her even more, which I didn't think possible. However, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Jessica Rudd and Michael Robotham also, both being authors I don't read.

Listening to them all talk about the books that changed their lives was fascinating. As a Librarian, I always love insight into people's choices in terms of literature.

Helen started it off by mentioning Arthur Mee's The Children's Encyclopeadia. This immediately struck a chord with me, I remember pawing through them at my grandparent's when I was a child. I couldn't get enough, and Helen was the same when she was a child. Surely this would make us firm friends if we were to meet! She also mentioned Hemingway's A Moveable Feast, which is one of my life changing titles, so I then knew we would be firm friends, though I knew if I ever came close to meeting her my knees would shake and words would never form, thus making any thoughts of friendship fail before I ever had a chance!

Caroline moved through the panel many times with interesting questions and here is what I remember.

Helen belongs to a Reading Group - this is different to a bookclub - they select a book and take turns at reading it aloud until it is finished, what a marvelous idea! They have recently completed The Illiad!

Helen can read other books while she is writing, though she usually gets caught up in her writing and doesn't get time. Both Jessica and Michael do not read in their genre while writing as they find it can influence their writing in a negative way.

Jessica Rudd's books that changed her were Pride and Prejudice, she read every year during high school, and Primary Colours, which saddened her as she had always been very idealistic about politics. Pride and Prejudice is one of my all time favourite books, but not life changing for me. Helen Garner mentioned she loves it, and finds it very funny. I do too Helen. Primary Colours was a cracking romp. As I read it it was obvious it was about Clinton, and a few months after this my thoughts were confirmed.

Rudd also loves Caitlin Moran, as do I, and called her the feminist of our generation, that I am not so sure of. As a feminist writer she is good, but flawed. Roxane Gay writes about this in her book, Bad Feminist, which I read a week after the festival. I love it when topics turn up and confirm your thoughts immediately after having them.

Michael Robotham also listed A Moveable Feast, both Helen and Michael had read it whilst in Paris when they were younger, he set out to go to every location mentioned in the book. I too read it in Paris, and visited some areas, but not specific haunts, I am saving that for my return trip.

Helen also spoke of Charles Reznikoff, an American Jewish poet, as the writer that most changed her life. She spoke so beautifully yet at times stumbled over the correct words to describe her feelings, which for a writer as spare and eloquent as Helen shows the impact he has had on her. He writes poetry based on court testimonies, specifically The Holocaust, but other topics as well. You can see, given her own writings, why she would be attracted to such unusual words.

Helen also spoke of police crime photography that also influenced her work, she described what was essentially ordinary photos of macabre scenes in such a magical and beautiful way. I always knew her brain was a thing of beauty, and her heart and soul full of respect and kindness, as this shines through in her extraordinary writing. But to hear her speak about such things was something else all together!

Michael Robotham had the most moving stories. One from his childhood years, the cat and mouse game he played with a battered copy of The Lord of The Rings and his school Librarian was as funny as it was poignant. He is such a natural storyteller, he had the audience in the palm of his hands, myself included. But it was his story about Ray Bradbury that had me in tears. He loved Ray as a kid (or maybe teen?) and read all he could get his hands on, but not everything written was published in Australia. He wrote a fan letter to Ray, and Ray wrote back and included a copy of all the books not available in Australia. How amazing is that? He wrote again to Ray later on in life to explain he was a writer now and again Ray responded, and Michael was to meet him on a recent American tour but Ray passed away just prior to the meeting. Robotham was clearly upset at this, but thrilled for the experience.

Michael also spoke of a less than impressive day at John Irving's house and Helen, a similar story, in meeting her hero, Janet Malcolm. The later showing, that everyone gets tongue-tied in the presence of their heroes.

It truly was a fabulous night, one we were sorry to see end.

But it made me think of The Book That Changed Me. The Diary of Anne Frank was my immediate choice, I read it in my early 20s and it had a profound effect on me. Then I came up with A Moveable Feast by Earnest Hemingway, having bought a copy of it in Paris and read it whilst there. Also Maya Angelou's I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, which I read in my early 30s after the breakdown of my then relationship, her (far worse) pain helped me through my own. I realised that I had a book for each decade of my life, Hemingway being my early 40s. I am still thinking about what - if any - changed my childhood and teens. And this will be the subject of a post in time, so stay tuned.

FEBRUARY ROUND UP

February was crazy busy, still recovering I think, hence my tardy post!

January ended so brilliantly seeing Neil Gaiman, I rested on the first day of February.

I caught up with more Oscar Films, Still Alice, Foxcatcher, Finding Vivian Maier, Into The Woods, The Theory of Everything, and then of course, the big day itself. You can read all about my predictions, the event, and the fashion.

I had a lovely afternoon in Newcastle wandering around The Mall, up to Scotties for lunch and back via the sadly abandoned rail line.

Work has been insanely busy with the lead up to recruitment, staff on leave and sick, having new storage being built, and the commencement of all our new programming.

I finally caught up with D, and we had a lovely lunch at Merewether Surf Club. It was my first visit and I will be back...for the views and the Peking Duck Pancakes.

I volunteered at The Regal and The Hospital.

C & I trekked to Maitland Art Gallery to see The Archibalds and their regular exhibitions, both of which were impressive. We then headed to Morpeth, for a wander and lunch at the Pancake and Crepe place. Then the afternoon at my sisters.

I caught up with my beautiful friend A for lunch at Lambton.

L & I visited Newcastle Art Gallery for a talk about Feminism in Photography which coincided with a great exhibition, then we headed to our first Bibliotweeps bookclub of the year where we discussed The Secret River.

My beautiful friend J brought me this present for Book Giving Day, she made me cry at her generosity.

The month ended in style with my gals, A, J & L, and a Scotties picnic and drinkies prior to Carriage Shed Cinema where we saw the wonderful and provocative Venus in Fur.

I've been reading, watching, and listening here.

I've been writing a bit for 500 words again. Themes this month were Music and Water, two of my favourite things, so they were my muse:

How Bridge Over Troubled Water became my go to song. 

How I've heard three different versions of Hallelujah live.

My love for The Sound of Music

Photo and words about my Green point walk

Three sisters at Burleigh Heads

Romance near The Lake

And, as always, here are some photos:

FEBRUARY REVIEWS

What I've been reading

Not a great deal to be honest, desperately need reading glasses and therefore reading far less than normal.

I did read The Secret River by Kate Grenville for Bibliotweeps bookclub. A modern Australian classic, it tells the story of settlement on the Hawkesbury River by convicts and the interaction between them and 'the natives'. Whilst a work of fiction, it was based on mostly fact and written very well. This is not the sort of book I would normally read, but enjoyed it thoroughly.

I followed it up with Searching for the Secret River, Kate's follow Non-Fiction book which details her research and findings for the background material of The Secret River. It's a fascinating read, and especially promotes the worth of libraries for research.

I did dream away and drool over Veranda.  A coffee table book with the best photography from Veranda Magazine. Veranda does beautiful European homes, gardens and so forth. Always amazing, and always stunning, the book was a heightened version of the magazines.

I also had a flip through a whole lot of little pamphlet type books of photography Newcastle suburbs. Whilst some of the photography was quite good, I thought most of it was very ordinary and no reflection of the suburbs chosen at all. What a shame. It was locally produced and I know so many amazing local photographers, I just thought it could have been done so much better and with more substance and depth.

What I've been watching

Broadchurch S2 - started with a bang and so far has kept my attention much as the first series has. Tennant and Coleman continue to shine as melancholy detectives. Also love seeing Charlotte Rampling and Eve Myles (Torchwood) in this season.

Fortitude - new series set in The Arctic Circle with Christopher Eccleston, Richard Dormer, Michael Gambon, and Stanley Tucci. Whilst it is no Broadchurch, it is an interesting murder series, mostly due to it's location and stunning scenery...ok and Stanley Tucci!!!

The Moodys - Love this series, I wish they would make more. Australian family in suburbia, very funny, slapstick at times, yet incredibly endearing.

The Office  - the final season part 1, look this is still better than most comedies, but they should have closed this off earlier, it's starting to drag. As always the most laughs are from Rainn Wilson, who is superb.

Once Upon a Time S3 - I love this show so much. Yeah the acting can be a bit wooden or OTT showy, but it's fairy tales!!! It has to be!! I love the inclusion off Wizard of Oz this season, very clever. ANd that's it, the way the show interweaves the characters from all sorts of fairy tales (not just the regular ones) from books and film, is incredibly clever, very witty, and also heartwarming. It's all the cliches and then some, great costumes, and a lot of magic. How can you turn your nose up at that. Plus the very sexy Robert Carlyle at Rumpelstiltskin...oh my!

Brilliant Creatures - was a great documentary about Clive James, Germaine Greer, Robert Hughes, and Barry Humphries. This was just delicious, so interesting and fiercely intelligent. A must see...if only to see what a spunk a young Robert Hughes was!!!

Belle and Sebastian - is a great french family film about a young boy who befriends a wild dog during WWII. Beautifully filmed and acted, and at times quite sad, this is highly recommended.

What I've been listening to

Popular problems by Leonard Cohen - this is another great album of originals by the master, he just gets better with age.

Shadows in the night by Bob Dylan - this is Bob's new one and like Leonard also getting better and better. This is a covers album of standards, and whilst that might make you cringe, it is really listenable and quite good. Interpreted in his way, with his cracking band, but the interpretations - to me - are all about the words of the music. Which is very interesting, and so very Bob.

A-Z Jazz by James Morrison - The is a great double of jazz classics, moderns, and standards. Bright and buzzy and very James Morrison.

OSCAR WATCH: The Fashion

Yes, the post is overdue and also completely vacuous.

But I do love great art and fashion can be great art.

To be honest all these white or cream or blush dresses are boring, I love a bit of colour and flair or something that stands out from the rest.

So these were the best of the boring.

 

Julianne and Reese in similar styles, though the later was actually pale blue.

   

Silver blue for Felicity and metallic silver for Laura.

Marion in Dior, loved the front, unsure about the back.

  

Lupito looked amazing as always, and Patricia divine.

And then there are the best dressed:

Emma Stone rarely gets it wrong, a true movie star. The perfect colour against her translucent skin tones and glorious red hair. 

Thank goodness for Scarlett Johansson, love the colour, the dress is perfect, and that necklace is absolutely awesome. Very modern and chic.

And this is why Cate Blanchett is a style icon, simple black, perfectly fitted dress and turquoise statement piece necklace, luminescent and a star.

And then there's Meryl

I love her style, it's in a class of her own, a go fuck off attitude that says I will wear what I like and feel comfortable in. She always looks great.

And this is my wild card pick:

The lovely lady on the left, wearing the pom pom wrap! 

Oh I love her roaring twenties style.
They won for best documentary short.

And she spoke about suicide.

Stunning all round.

And the men don't get enough attention:

   

Both Matthew and Ethan look cool, and their wives also should make the best dressed lists for some classic fashion.

Is it just me or does Steve Carell get better and better with age?

 I think the beard and glasses help. I'm a fan so I guess I'm biased. But really it's that smile and face loving the hell out of his wife, Nancy, that wins me over.

  

Jared and JK, both Oscar winners, having the time of their lives and looking sharp, each in their own way.

 

The 'couple' having the most fun of the night go to Jeff and Adrian.

Also the most swoon-worthy, hmm-mmm.

Never really been a fan of the white tux, but they are working it!

  

And no Oscars would be complete with out Benedict!!!

And so my annual Oscar Watch wraps up for 2015.

Enjoy the movies and see you next year!!!