I’ve been locked in a research task for much of the last six months – useless to talk about it as there’s an even money chance it will go nowhere. But fascinating! And all in my own South Australian backyard, which has become increasingly central to my story-making. From having rejected my own background as a younger woman I find myself newly bewitched by my home country. The landscape is breathtaking, particularly the regions to the north and south of Adelaide, and Adelaide itself is an idiosyncratic encapsulation of Australia’s troubled colonial history. Though perhaps I am looking backwards in part because trying to look forwards or even around is so terrifying. (And because one should not write such a word without offering an antidote, can I quickly mention the work of Australian Buddhist nun, Jayasara for anyone who shares my fears).
Apart from that, I have had two workshop/readings of my adaptation of a contemporary Australian novel that is now scheduled for performance with the STCSA in the latter half of 2023. I have no doubt that the title may be the worst kept secret in Adelaide but I’m keeping mum until the company officially announces its season in October of this year.
I’ve continued to work on my poetry collection, Snake, which is scheduled for publication in the UK at some point when all stars align. I recently published a poem in the Griffith Review #76: Acts of Reckoning, a volume which is so worth a read quite apart from my offering.
One of my poems, In Which Miranda Returns to Her Island is longlisted for the Perennial Press’s Heroines Anthology to be launched in November 2022.
And I’m off for foreign climes very shortly for research for one old and one new project,
which feels exciting and intimidating at the same time given it will be the first time I’ve traveled far since Covid reared its unhappy head.
And, together with yoga and chant teacher Sally Riddell I held a (most successful!) yoga/meditation/storytelling and writing retreat near Blinman in the mid-Flinders Ranges. We have another one planned in September. See Sally’s website for details: https://www.ruby9yoga.com.au. We are keeping numbers tight so if you’re interested sign up soon!
And, together with yoga and chant teacher Sally Riddell I held a (most successful!) yoga/meditation/storytelling and writing retreat near Blinman in the mid-Flinders Ranges. We have another one planned in September. See Sally’s website for details: https://www.ruby9yoga.com.au. We are keeping numbers tight so if you’re interested sign up soon!