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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 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.

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  2. 90 | 'I was going to ask this privately, but...' - James and Ashley at the Boorowa Literary Festival

90 | 'I was going to ask this privately, but...' - James and Ashley at the Boorowa Literary Festival

Jan 9, 2024

The tables are turned! Recorded live at the Inaugural Boorowa Literary Festival, festival director, book lover, and all-round excellent human Jeremy Clarke interviews James and Ashley. 
 
Learn more about the Absolutely Superb Bibliothèque and Occasional Wine Bar and its upcoming literary events here!
 
Hear the James and Ashley Stay at Home origin story! Discover the connection between wine bars and readers. Plus, get an answer to the classic question, 'You’ve just had a farm visit – how was it?'  
 
Learn more about Ashley's psychological thriller Dark Mode and get your copy here or from your local bookshop. 
 
Learn more about James' award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy here or from your local bookshop.
 
Upcoming events
 
Books and authors discussed in this episode
  • The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
  • The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes
  • The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home by Joanna Nell
  • Mistakes and Other Lovers by Amy Lovat (from ep 83)
  • Bound to Happen by Jonathon Shannon (from ep 84)