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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 bestselling author of five books, including Dark Mode, Cold Truth and Like, Follow, Die. 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 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 and Kill Your Darlings. He has appeared at events including Sydney Writers’ Festival, Newcastle Writers Festival and BAD Sydney Crime, and teaches creative writing for organisations such as Writing NSW. He works as a nurse. Find him on Instagram or visit his website.

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  2. 73 | Getting an agent and a publishing deal – 'Dark Mode' mini-ep #3

73 | Getting an agent and a publishing deal – 'Dark Mode' mini-ep #3

Feb 21, 2023

Keen for insights into how to get an agent and a book publisher? This is the ep for you! 

This is one of four weekly mini-episodes in celebration of the March 1st Australian release day!

A riveting psychological thriller drawn from true events, Ashley's debut novel Dark Mode delves into the terrifying reality of the dark web, and the price we pay for surrendering our privacy one click at a time.

You can pre-order Dark Mode in Australia and in the UK, from these links or your favourite bookshop. 

Join Ashley and Anna Downes at the Sydney launch of Dark Mode! (James will be there too!) Friday 3 March, 6.30-7.30pm, Better Read Than Dead, Newtown – free, bookings essential.

Join Ashley and JP Pomare at the Melbourne launch of Dark Mode! Thursday 9 March, 6.30-7.30pm, Readings Carlton, 309 Lygon St – free, bookings essential.

James' novel 'Denizen' is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy here. 

Get in touch!