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Through discussions and interviews with writers, artists and health professionals, author friends James McKenzie Watson and Ashley Kalagian Blunt explore the big questions: how do books get written? How do people navigate life with chronic illness? And just what are you reading?

Ashley Kalagian Blunt is the author of Dark Mode, an internationally published psychological thriller. Her earlier books are How to Be Australian, a memoir, and My Name Is Revenge, collected fiction and essays. Her writing appears in the Sydney Morning Herald, Overland, Griffith Review, Sydney Review of Books, and more. Ashley is an enthusiastic teacher of writing and creativity. Originally from Canada, she has lived and worked in South Korea, Peru and Mexico. Find her on Twitter and Instagram or visit her website.

James McKenzie Watson is the author of Denizen, which won the 2021 Penguin Literary Prize and was shortlisted in 2023 Ned Kelly Awards for Best Debut. His writing has appeared in The GuardianMeanjinKill Your Darlings and the Newtown Review of Books. He has appeared at events including the Sydney Writers Festival, Newcastle Writers Festival and BAD Crime Sydney. He works as a nurse. Find him on Twitter and Instagram or visit his website.

Jun 22, 2020

James and Ashley turn the focus of their interviews inwards, with James interviewing Ashley about her new book, 'How to Be Australian.' They discuss the book's influences and inspiration, what its early drafts looked like, and how being part of a writing group transformed it into its current form. 

'How to Be...


Jun 7, 2020

James and Ashley interview Lee Kofman, author of 'Imperfect - How Our Bodies Shape the People We Become.' They discuss scars, body image, and the incredible experiences that have informed Lee's writing. Lee is an author of four other books, including the memoir The Dangerous Bride, and co-editor of Rebellious Daughters,...


Jun 1, 2020

A special episode in which Ashley reads the first chapter of her new book, 'How To Be Australian.'

 

Get in touch!

Ashley's Website: ashleykalagianblunt.com

Ashley's Twitter: @AKalagianBlunt

James' Website: jamesmckenziewatson.com

James' Twitter:


Jun 1, 2020

James and Ashley introduce their new podcast, in which they'll be discussing writing, health, and staying at home. 

 

Get in touch!

Ashley's Website: ashleykalagianblunt.com

Ashley's Twitter: @AKalagianBlunt

James' Website: jamesmckenziewatson.com

James' Twitter: