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 Guardian, Meanjin, Kill 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.
Jul 18, 2022
'Denizen,' the Penguin Literary Prize winning novel from James McKenzie Watson is finally out in the world! In this episode, Ashley asks James about the experience of taking 'Denizen' from idea to published novel. He shares insights into how to seriously improve your writing craft and how to understand your work as a reflection of your life. James also answers the big question – what does his mum think of 'Denizen?'
James McKenzie Watson writes fiction with a focus on health and rural Australia. His novel 'Denizen' won the 2021 Penguin Literary Prize. 'Denizen' also received a 2021 Varuna Residential Fellowship and a 2021 KSP Residential Fellowship. His writing has appeared in Meanjin and the Newtown Review of Books. He works as a nurse in regional New South Wales.
Get your copy of 'Denizen' from your local bookshop, Booktopia or wherever else good books are sold. Shout out to Australia's hardworking independent booksellers!
Books and authors discussed in this episode:
- David Vann (of course);
- Dirt Town by Hayley Scrivenor;
- The Liars by Petronella McGovern (from ep 12), out in September 2022;
- The Writer Laid Bare by Lee Kofman (from ep 4);
- RWR McDonald (from ep 32);
- Lyn Yeowart (from ep 39)
Denizen launch events:
- Dubbo Launch – Macquarie Regional Library, 19 July at 6:30pm (hosted by Book Connection, with special guest Nic Healey). Free, book here!
- Online Launch – hosted by @daniveebooks_wordsandnerds, 21 July at 8pm (with special guests Petronella McGovern and Lyn Yeowart). Follow Dani Vee Books – Words and Nerds Podcast on Facebook to join on the night!
- Sydney Launch – Gleebooks, Glebe, 28 July at 6:30pm, with special guest Ashley Kalagian Blunt, $12/$9/free, book here!
- Melbourne Launch – Readings Emporium, Melbourne, 3 August at 6pm, with special guest Lee Kofman. Free, book here!
Ashley's next online writing workshop, The Joy of Creative Writing, is on Monday 25 July, 7:45-9 pm AEST online via Zoom. Book in here!
Get in touch!
- Ashley's website: ashleykalagianblunt.com
- Ashley's Twitter: @AKalagianBlunt
- Ashley's Instagram: @akalagianblunt
- James' website: jamesmckenziewatson.com
- James' Twitter: @JamesMcWatson
- James' Instagram: @jamesmcwatson