Aussie Readers discussion

This thread is for all news related to Aussie books and reading. Please add any news or views of your own.:)

In "The Australian" today:

PUBLISHING agent Bruce Kennedy has given the thumbs-up to the news that influential publisher and businessman Kevin Weldon and ad-man John Singleton will launch on Australia Day next year an all-Australian publishing house, Australia's Heritage Publishing. We can expect to see "great Australian books, by Australians, for Australians".

POETS of Australia, unite! That's the rallying call for the newly formed Australian Poetry, the result of a merger between the Australian Poetry Centre and Poets Union. Paul Kooperman, who has been acting director of the APC, takes on the role of national director, and an advisory committee will be set up.

Here's the latest news about Peter Carey's inclusion in the shortlist for this year's Man Booker Prize:

AUSTRALIA'S literary statesman Peter Carey is eyeing off his third Man Booker Prize. The Victorian born and raised writer is among the short list of six authors in the running for the literary world's most prestigious prize for his novel Parrot and Olivier in America.

He won his first Booker in 1988 for Oscar and Lucinda and his second in 2001 with True History of the Kelly Gang. If he wins again he will be the first person in the 42-year history of the prize to win three times. His latest novel Parrot and Olivier in America in America follows the travels of French historian Alexis de Tocqueville around the US in the 1830s. The winner is announced 12th October.

Here is a link to an interview with Peter Carey talking about his nomination.

Upcoming writers and readers festivals:

15-17 October - Tropical Writers Festival, Cairns. Two of our own group members will be starring there - David and Jacqueline. Have a great time guys!

16-17 October - Redact 2010, Geelong, Victoria.

Here's a selection of new release Aussie books in October:

Lloyd Jones Hand Me Down World
Lian Hearn Blossoms and Shadows
Maris Morton A Darker Music
Kerry Greenwood Dead Man's Chest
Posie Graeme-Evans The Dressmaker
Toni Jordan Fall Girl
David Rollins Ghost Watch
Caroline Overington I Came To Say Goodbye
Roberta Lowing Notorious
Steve Holden Somebody to Love
Kim Scott That Deadman Dance
Roger McDonald When Colts Ran
Dorothy Porter Love Poems
Kay Danes Beneath the Pale Blue Burqa
Jim Haynes Great Australian Racing Stories
Ian Britain (ed) The Donald Friend Diaries: Chronicles and Confessions of an Australian Artist
Tony Grant & Alison Leigh Eight Steps to Happiness
Tim Flannery Here On Earth: An Argument For Hope

More new releases. Some of these are not yet in Goodreads but will be added as time goes on. In the meantime you can find them via Google.

Paul Kelly How to make Gravy
Peter Lloyd Inside Story
Victoria Laurie The Kimberley: Australia‘s Last Great Wilderness
Corinne Grant Lessons In Letting Go: Confessions of a hoarder
Jill Robertson MacRobertsonland
Andrew Mueller Rock and Hard Places
Kate Holden The Romantic
Delia Falconer Sydney
Mohamed Khadra Terminal Decline
E. C McSween Things Bogans Like: Tribal Tatts to Reality TV: How to Recognise the 21st Century Bogan
Tom Keneally Three Famines
Hugh Mackay What Makes Us Tick?: The Ten Desires That Drive Us

Mandy wrote: "More new releases. Some of these are not yet in Goodreads but will be added as time goes on. In the meantime you can find them via Google.

Paul Kelly [book:How to make Gravy|9364..."

Great list Mandy. Had to laugh about the title of McSween's book. I live right in the middle of rural Boganland so don't need an ID kit. (but have to admit I wear a flannel check shirt when in the garden vegie patch).

I added How to Make Gravy the other day.

Paul Kelly [book:How to mak..."

Stephanie wrote: "Great list, Mandy. :) I just read and enjoyed The Dressmaker by Posie Graeme-Evans--quite the fun read (and lots of gutsy female characters, too!)"

Yes there are so many new releases I'm keen on in that list. For me it is definitely 'That Deadman Dance (the blurb and even the title seem magical to me!), 'Love Poems', 'How to Make Gravy', 'Three Famines', 'Fall Girl' and 'Things Bogans Like...'!
Maybe 'Beneath a Pale Blue Burqa' as well although I usually avoid those sort of books. But this one is more a political commentary than a sensationalist 'suppression of muslim women' story. My Christmas wish list is full.:)

Some new releases in Children's and Young Adult books coming up in October:

Genesis Lara Morgan
Hamlet Nicki Greenberg
Mademoiselle Lisa Delphine Perret
Museum of Thieves Lian Tanner
Noni the Pony Alison Lester
The Project Brian Falkner
6 Karen Tayleur

Unfortunately Peter Carey didn't win his third Man Booker Prize this year. Howard Jacobson (not one of the favourites!) has won the £50,000 prize for his novel The Finkler Question. The award was announced at a presentation dinner in London overnight.

I had checked out the books on the booker prize list a month ago. That is why I am reading and I plan to read The Finkler Question didn't catch my attention at all.

They look good Gail! I think out of us two you definitely have the best taste in books! Haha.

The winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature 2010 is famous Peruvian author Mario Vargas Llosa.

Oooops, I posted the wrong book it wasn't The Road it was In a Strange Room


(I am still planning to read The Road. I think I got The Road confused with Room which you would never get me reading in a million years)

Here is a link to the Archived Booker Prize winners. I've only read a handful of them.
http://www.themanbookerprize.com/priz...

Hello
Well, here's another Aussie release, '33 a gay love story'. The name identifies it, so, if the genre is not yours, don't visit my site http://33agaylovestory.com or my GR profile for the description and excerpts.
For members who like reading gay love and descriptive scenes, I hope you enjoy.
Cheers,
Justin South

Has anyone read any of Peter Yeldham's books? Just wondering because I haven't run across him before. He has quite a few titles and a new book launch last week At Borders - Glory Girl. http://www.borders.com.au/book/glory-...

I also just noticed that online Borders (NSW) advertise their book launches/author signings. here

http://www.borders.com.au/nsw-events

Yes, I've been glancing at a few pages of his book 'Barbed Wire and Roses' over the last two years. An interesting story. Highlights the stupidity of the arrogant English military brass towards Aussie troops and war strategies. (They hadn't a clue.)
It's worth a read if that's your interest. I bought it after I visited the Somme and Ypres. It was a mistake to buy it, really. For I'd been there, done that, seen it. But BWR has a nice story about one soldier, who beat the bastard poms.

Justin wrote: "Yes, I've been glancing at a few pages of his book 'Barbed Wire and Roses' over the last two years. An interesting story. Highlights the stupidity of the arrogant English military brass towards Aus..."

Thanks Justin!, I will check his books out at the library. I'd like to do the Kokoda Trail one day, my grandfather was over there, but I need to get fitter first. ;)

David Hicks' memoir is being released today. Under the terms of his release from Guantanomo Bay he will have to surrender all profits to the Federal Government. I don't know what other group members think of this book being published but I'm very interested to hear his side of the story.



Here are some extracts from the book:

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/so...

A new release non-fiction book that might interest you:

Eaten by a Giant Clam: Great Adventures in Natural Science (this isn't an Aussie author but there's a big section on Joseph Banks plus it just looks like a fun book!)

Carmel wrote: "Justin wrote: "Hello
Well, here's another Aussie release, '33 a gay love story'. The name identifies it, so, if the genre is not yours, don't visit my site http://33agaylovestory.com or my GR pro..."

Hello Carmel,
Thank you, nice to hear your comments. I'm sure your brother and partner would probably relate to some of the themes in 33.
Cheers to you too,
Justin

Carmel wrote: "If you're interested at all Justin in YA novels that break the mold, in particular having same sex characters (male in this case) who develop into a relationship, Cassandra Clare's "The Mortal Instruments" series may appeal to you. She has fans from all walks of life (young & old)and is a great advocate for equality of the sexes whatever religion,sexual preference, nationality, etc..."

Thanks for the recommendations Carmel.:)

Mandy wrote: "David Hicks' memoir is being released today. Under the terms of his release from Guantanomo Bay he will have to surrender all profits to the Federal Government. I don't know what other group member..."

That's fairly crap he has to give them the profits. Will look out for the book, I too would like to hear his side of things.

Velvetink wrote: "Mandy wrote: "David Hicks' memoir is being released today. Under the terms of his release from Guantanomo Bay he will have to surrender all profits to the Federal Government. I don't know what othe..."

Yep I'm definitely buying it. It's supposed to be released today so I'll keep an eye out for the book. I might start a discussion in the 'Individual Book Discussions' thread cause it should be fairly popular and controversial.:)

Guantanamo: My Journey

Carmel wrote: "Justin wrote: "Carmel wrote: "Justin wrote: "Hello
Well, here's another Aussie release, '33 a gay love story'. The name identifies it, so, if the genre is not yours, don't visit my site http://33..."

Thanks Carmel, I'll certainly look at her series.
Strange you mentioned YA novels, for I have a problem with the age grouping of same.
Biologically, YA is defined as persons aged 18 to 40. I agree with this. Yet, in the literary game it is defined as those 13 to 15yo.
My two quandaries are - what happened to pre-pubescence and pubescence, and to teenagers.Doesn't the literary market recognise same nowadays? Would any mother here consider her pre-pubescent 13 yo child a young adult? I don't think so.
Yet YA literature, often containing candid sexual descriptions, is shunted towards this age market, a tactic I despise.
Children that age should not be so targeted and should be left free to enjoy those tender years uncorrupted by marketed sexual innuendo.
I consider 16 as the earliest age for YA lit containing graphical sex scenes.
Hope I have not bored you with my mind's wanderings.
Kindly,
Justin

Mandy wrote: "Velvetink wrote: "Mandy wrote: "David Hicks' memoir is being released today. Under the terms of his release from Guantanomo Bay he will have to surrender all profits to the Federal Government. I do..."

Thank goodness his story is finally told! Long overdue and sad it has to happen so long after a political change.

Carmel, LOL, I just realised you were finished and deleted my msg. I think we keep crossing eachother. Don't ever think you're in trouble! I love all these conversations, but when they go on for a while it's confusing for new people coming to this thread to find the info they're looking for. If you're having a great convo with someone feel free to ask them to meet you in another thread or even start a new discussion yourself Thanks heaps. :)

Carmel wrote: "Justin wrote: "Carmel wrote: "Justin wrote: "Carmel wrote: "Justin wrote: "Hello
Well, here's another Aussie release, '33 a gay love story'. The name identifies it, so, if the genre is not yours,..."

Oh Carmel, what you have said does not deter me in the least, in fact I'm delighted you agree with me. My characters are aged 18 to ~30, however, I decided to give one of the 18 yo's a mindset of a 16yo, so to introduce the quaintness and innocence of a mid teen groping with loneliness and typical heartfelt desires. You might like to read the excerpt from Chapters 18/19 on my site. Don't worry, it's a clean read and may be similar to Cassie's writings. I've enjoyed this chat with you and hope you will enjoy the read.
Regards, Justin

Justin wrote: "Carmel wrote: "Justin wrote: "Carmel wrote: "Justin wrote: "Carmel wrote: "Justin wrote: "Hello
Well, here's another Aussie release, '33 a gay love story'. The name identifies it, so, if the genre..."

Justin we've moved this great conversation to another folder so we can talk for a while. Go to http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/4...

In today's Australian, this excellent article on the emergence of ereaders and their impact on publishing (Murray you're gonna love this one!)

Digital devices are fuelling a publishing revolution that may not have a happy ending
IT'S more than four months since the release of Apple's iPad, and gadget fiends still hover over demo models on shop counters. Heads still turn when one of the bright touch screens powers up in a cafe or on a plane, and tellingly it is not just grown men and small boys who are interested.

One competitor, however, is refusing to compete, and in doing so seems not only to have avoided being crushed, but has instead fashioned a success that not only rivals Apple's, but promises, or possibly threatens, to transform an industry in the same way the iPod and iTunes remade the music business.

Read the rest of the article here: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/...

Mandy wrote: "In today's Australian, this excellent article on the emergence of ereaders and their impact on publishing (Murray you're gonna love this one!)

Digital devices are fuelling a publishing revolutio..."

Interesting article, Mandy. I'm looking for an ereader which you can download books from where ever. I've heard you can only download Amazon books on Kindle. Many of the ebooks advertised on Amazon are nearly as expensive as the paper books. Laurel

I know there are lots of mums in this group and you might be interested in the latest coffee table book release from famous Australian photographer Anne Geddes. She went into retirement a few years ago but has just returned with a new book and the pictures are stunning! You can catch a slideshow preview here.

Awwh Mandy they are so beautiful, as always.

Laurel wrote: "Mandy wrote: "In today's Australian, this excellent article on the emergence of ereaders and their impact on publishing (Murray you're gonna love this one!)

Digital devices are fuelling a publis..."

Laurel, I don't have a Kindle, but I understand you can download some files like word or PDF to your Kindle. There potentially is a fee ($0.99 I think) per file, Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/custome...

But I think that's still a far cry from a single device being able to accommodate any ebook format.

Highly anticipated new release for Oct/Nov is Lazarus Rising by former Prime Minister John Howard. Will we finally learn what went wrong between him and Peter Costello? Mmmm... We'll get one side of the story at least.

Mandy wrote: "I know there are lots of mums in this group and you might be interested in the latest coffee table book release from famous Australian photographer Anne Geddes. She went into retirem..."

I applied to be a model in her upcoming book and docu on pregnancy and nature, but missed the casting call because it was in Sydney and I was very close to due date (don't wanna take chances travelling). I really wanted to be part of her amazing project, the pic would have been great memory keepsake of my amazing journey into mommyhood.

Carmel wrote: "Mandy wrote: "Highly anticipated new release for Oct/Nov is Lazarus Rising by former Prime Minister John Howard. Will we finally learn what went wrong between him and Peter Costello?..."

I saw the shoe throwing incident briefly this morning before I left for work Carmel! I felt a bit sorry for him actually but I guess that's what happens when you put yourself out there as a political leader. Not everyone will like your policies.

Here are some new and recent releases of Aussie books:

Non Fiction and Biographies


Women's Fiction and ChickLit


Children's and Young Adult


General Fiction and Crime/Mystery/Thriller

Feeling a little peckish? Sink your teeth into these new and recent release cookbooks. Yum!





I think my favourite is the Great Gourmet Weekends!

New sporting books:

And The Crowd Went Wild: Sporting Days That Thrilled A Nation


Yes I Can: My Breakthrough Years 2009-10


Great Australian Cricket Stories

Here's a great article on best-selling Author Kate Morton coinciding with the release of her new novel The Distant Hours: A Novel.

She is a writer of wildly popular sagas – creating them between child care and school drop-offs.

With three million books sold, she is being compared to iconic novelists such as Colleen McCullough.

But unlike McCullough and her American-published 1977 hit Thornbirds, Morton is an all-Australian success story.

Morton's novels – The Shifting Fog (2006) and The Forgotten Garden (2008) – have been sold to 38 countries, guided by an Australian agent (Selwa Anthony) and an Australian-owned publishing house (Allen & Unwin). Read more.

Xcite books - the UK's award-winning erotica imprint is now available in Australia both as print ($15.99) and ebooks (from $1.99) at http://www.xcitebooks.com.au

Here are some recent releases:





and ebooks



We have opportunities for reviwers so please message me if you're interested.

Hi Miranda,
Thanks for posting here. Just so you're aware, this thread is for Australian authors or books about Australia. So if any of the above weren't written by Aussies they shouldn't be here. ta.:)

A couple of interesting articles from today's Australian Newspaper:

THE book industry is in trouble. That's the message from senior figures in the Australian publishing business as it heads towards a rather bleak Christmas. Read more.

NOT sure you'd call it a leap forward, but it looks like things are moving on the e-book front. Monocle, an open-source (that is, free) digital reader designed by Inventivelabs, is now working with bookshops in Australia to develop something called Book.ish, to bring together e-books and the e-reader. Looks like this means some of those frustrations encountered by e-reader users may soon be a thing of the past. The Book Industry Strategy Group, chaired by Barry Jones, is calling for submissions by December 10. Read more.

Fresh new Aussie fiction:

Traitor


Silk Chaser


Utopian Man


Reading Madame Bovary


How It Feels


The Body in The Clouds


The Distant Hours: A Novel



On the Broken Shore


The Half-Child

Mandy,
Perhaps the only culture people care about is cafe culture, while the only book they're avidly reading adopts the prefix Face.

The above is a quote from your newspaper article, and I always thought that book culture was all to do with yoghurt. :-o)
cheers

Mandy wrote: "Hi Miranda,
Thanks for posting here. Just so you're aware, this thread is for Australian authors or books about Australia. So if any of the above weren't written by Aussies they shouldn't be here...."

Mandy, great article. I especially liked the bit where a well know author (wonder who) passed his book to his fav publisher who loved it but the marketing guys figured it wouldn't sell more than 3000 so they didn't publish it. ( "Would that it were likely to sell as well as it read"). This trend worries me as a writer (for obvious reasons - my latest book is finding no luck at the feet of the publishing houses) but also as a reader. If we're only going to get books that sell and interesting stories/good writing be damned, we're left trying to find our own way through the maze of self-publishing, small publishing houses, ebooks... I am unclear on what the future looks like for people who just like to read a good book.

I would have throught uncertainty in the literary field was a given no matter what the age. In the last 20 or so years it has probably been easier to get published than at any other time. This is my gut feel rather than hard fact.

@ Carmel
I'm curious whether uncertainty like this would turn future writers off, knowing that the competition to get your work published would be a real concern. Would hate to see readers denied works by talented writers due to fear of the future in the literary field.
Interesting points Carmel. I've read other articles which say that there are more books being written these days than ever before. So I don't know that authors are being turned off writing. Maybe just that there's less remuneration to share between them all. Except for the bestsellers I don't know if being an author has ever been very profitable? Some authors write free stories online. I never knew it existed but you can find a few gems there. A few new authors that I like have started out writing free online and been picked up by the publishing houses that way. A bit like how new musicians are found through youtube and myspace.

@ Laura
If we're only going to get books that sell and interesting stories/good writing be damned, we're left trying to find our own way through the maze of self-publishing, small publishing houses, ebooks...
One of the changes these days is the rise of online book groups and online reviewers. I have certainly found more good books (that fit my tastes) since joing goodreads and subscribing to some amateur book blogs than I ever did just going through the shelves at my local book store.

@Gail
I would have throught uncertainty in the literary field was a given no matter what the age. In the last 20 or so years it has probably been easier to get published than at any other time.
I get the same feeling as you Gail. There's no doubt there are some incredible changes going on in the writing industry but I hope that some good comes out of it as well. Most of these 'Doom and Gloom' stories are coming from the publishers too so I think they have there own agenda which is not choice and good pricing for the reader!

New and getting great reviews in Aussie Non-Fiction:

Abandoned: The Sad Death of Dianne Brimble by Geesche Jacobsen

Delusions of Gender by Cordelia Fine

Savage or Civilised?: Manners in Colonial Australia by Penny Russell

The Korean War by Cameron Forbes

Reg Grundy by Reg Grundy

Carmel wrote: "Mandy, not sure about anyone else but I remember how sick I felt during the courtcase following the death of this innocent woman. I felt such despair for her & her family, how awful it must of been for them to hear what those men did to her. There are some real lowlives in this world!..."

Yes, totally agree Carmel. These guys were total losers. I felt for her family too.

Lots of good books in that list Mandy - don't think I could read about Dianne Brimble, remember crying through all the news footage.