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 4, 2023
It wasn’t until a year into working on her novel 'Madukka the River Serpent' that Julie Janson decided to make it a crime novel. At once a story of corporate greed, environmental destruction and government inaction, 'Madukka the River Serpent' also celebrates older women who hold their families together in the face of extreme challenges.
In this episode, Julie discusses the writing of her first crime novel, how she juxtaposes humour with serious political issues, and why she recommends getting involved with some outrageous men.
The South Coast Writers Festival is happening 18 to 20 August at Wollongong Town Hall. Hear from James, Ashley, Hayley Scrivenor, Shankari Chandran, and more!
Authors include Alan Baxter, Alexis Wright, Caroline Baum, Emma Viskic, Helena Fox, Indira Naidoo, Kate Holden, Kate Scott, Loraine Peck, Meredith Jaffe, Mykaela Saunders, Pamela Cook, Sara Ayoub, Sarah Saleh, Tim Ayliffe, Tim Flannery and Will Kostakis.
Julie Janson is a NSW Burruberongal woman of Darug Aboriginal nation and a critically acclaimed novelist, playwright, and poet. 'Madukka the River Serpent' is Julie's first Indigenous crime novel. Her earlier work, 'Benevolence', is an Indigenous historical novel. 'Madukka the River Serpent' has been longlisted for the 2023 Miles Franklin Award.
Upcoming events:
- Boorowa Literary Festival is happening July 14 and 15 – see Ashley and James in person!
- Mark Brandi in conversation with Ashley Kalagian Blunt, Thursday, 20 July, 6.30-7.30 pm
- Ashley is conversation with Hayley Scrivenor about Dark MOde at Penrith Library, Monday 7 August, 6.30 pm
- Ashley and James in conversation about Dark Mode at Mona Vale Library, Tuesday 8 August, 7pm
- South Coast Writers Festival, 18-20 August, Wollongong Town Hall – see Ashley and James in person!
- Building Suspense in Writing – Ashley is teaching this online workshop through Writers Victoria, Sunday 27 August, 10am-4pm
Books and authors discussed in this episode:
- Benevolence by Julie Janson;
- Compassion by Julie Janson;
- Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami;
- The People of the River by Grace Karskens;
- Nardi Simpson (from ep 18);
- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte;
- Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky;
- Praiseworthy by Alexis Wright;
- The Trial by Franz Kafka;
- Mistakes and Other Lovers by Amy Lovat;
- Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier;
- Things We Do in the Dark by Jennifer Hillier;
- A Country of Eternal Light by Paul Dalgarno
Ashley's psychological thriller 'Dark Mode' is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy.
James' novel 'Denizen' is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy.
Get in touch!
- ashleykalagianblunt.com
- jamesmckenziewatson.com
- Twitter: @AKalagianBlunt + @JamesMcWatson
- Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson