My latest novel, Smothered, is now available from ICOE Press, or at online bookstores. It will soon be available in bookshops. It is a story depicting a father-son relationship that goes awry right from the outset and never recovers. Visit the Books page for more information.
I recently found a publisher for one of my manuscripts, Macaulay Station, a quirky satire about middle-aged men’s insecurities. It should be coming out in August. Closer to the date, I’ll post more details.
I recently received first prize for the Fellowship of Australian Writers’ Jim Hamilton Award for An Unpublished Manuscript. My entry was called Death of An Author, which is a spoof on the famous essay by Roland Barthes, The Death of The Author.
Last year I entered a novel, Macaulay Station, in the JIM HAMILTON UNPUBLISHED MANUSCRIPT AWARD for the Fellowship of Australian Writers National Literary Awards.
I received a commendation.
“Of the highly commended entries: Macaulay Station – some fine writing
and a terrific ending save. A tale of inner urban angst from an essentially crapulous world view.”
Click to access aFAW-National-Literay-Awards-2016.pdf
It encouraged me to return to the manuscript, which I’d shelved but have now completed. It is a satire of middle-aged men’s insecurities.
I’ll soon try to find a publisher.
An excerpt of Beyond Tijuana appears in the latest edition of Azuria, an independent literary journal, published by Geelong Writers Inc. Ed: Edward Reilly.
I have stopped teaching and settled into early retirement, hoping to spend more time writing. I want to attempt to write fiction again. Previous attempts, sadly, haven’t been up to scratch, but I have learnt from my mistakes with these. I recently shifted into a house with a reasonable sized back yard where I have built (with the help of a few willing friends) a small cabin. It now has a desk, bookcase and armchair – all the essentials.
I will be talking about You Never Met My Father at the Ex Libris Port Fairy Festival of Words, from12.15 – 1.15pm, Sunday, September 13. $15. Join me for lunch and talk. I look forward to seeing you there. For more details visit the website: http://www.exlibris.port-fairy.com
The Williamstown Literary Festival (13th – 14th June)
I will be talking about my book, You Never Met My Father, on a panel, Madness, Poetry and Memoir, with Dr Kate Richards (Madness: A Memoir) and the poet Sandy Jeffs (Flying With Paper Wings), which will be chaired by Jen Watkins.
The event is at 3.30pm on Saturday 13th June, in the Council Chamber at the Williamstown Town Hall.
Cost: Full $15, Conc $12, Early $10, which can be purchased at the festival website.
For more details visit: http://willylitfest.org.au
Hope to see you there!
I’ll be discussing my memoir, You Never Met My Father, at the Coburg Library, as part of the Moreland City Council Read More Program, 7pm, Tuesday 23rd June.
If you’d like to attend, please register online (www.moreland.vic.gov.au/libraries) or phone (03) 9353 4000.
Writing, Reading and Loving Like a Mother
Graeme Sparkes 