Crime, History, Barbie & the Matildas

It was terrific to have Michael Burge as my guest on Thursday Book Club last week. Our conversation ranged from journalism to fiction writing to growing up gay in rural Australia. If you weren't able to join us, you can watch our interview here.

When I arrived in Canberra yesterday, the sight of new Parliament House was, as always, so arresting, especially at dusk. I'm in Canberra for a couple of days and tonight I'll be in conversation with Barbie Robinson at The Book Cow in Kingston. I'd love to see you there. The event is free and you can register for it here.  

The shortlists for the Ned Kelly awards were announced last week, as were those for the NSW Premier's History Awards. To my delight, Running with Ivan has been included on the shortlist for the Young People's History Prize, together with The Goodbye Year by Emily Gale (Text Publishing) and The Wearing of the Green by Claire Saxby (Walker Books). You'll find a full list of the shortlisted titles below. 

I've never really understood the appeal of watching sport on TV but the Matildas seem to have turned me around. What a team!  And so, on Saturday evening, I'll be at the local park watching them on the big screen as they take on France - after I accompany sixteen girls to the Barbie movie for my twelve-year-old's birthday. And to my utter astonishment, I can't wait for the game or the pink dream house.