How do I even begin to speak about @hollygoeslightly . It feels fitting to be by the ocean while I talk about her. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Whenever I go back home I find myself watching “Back to Nature” with my parents. Sitting in “my” seat on our couch with my family learning about Australian culture and nature through her. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Discovering that she was visiting Ukee and was the Author of our book club book, my mind blew. I had to reach out. I felt such a connection to her without ever having met her. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And boy, when we met, did we cackle?! It blows my mind how briefly you can meet someone but feel so connected, like your souls knew one another. That’s how I felt with Holly. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ She is an absolute light, a force of good and kindness and love and joy. That has known darkness which makes her even brighter. I’m so thankful to have been able to spend this brief time with her and Sam. And it goes to show, when you feel that connection, don’t deny it, act. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And also read her books!
How do I even begin to speak about @hollygoeslightly . It feels fitting to be by the ocean while I talk about her. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Whenever I go back home I find myself watching “Back to Nature” with my parents. Sitting in “my” seat on our couch with my family learning about Australian culture and nature through her. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Discovering that she was visiting Ukee and was the Author of our book club book, my mind blew. I had to reach out. I felt such a connection to her without ever having met her. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And boy, when we met, did we cackle?! It blows my mind how briefly you can meet someone but feel so connected, like your souls knew one another. That’s how I felt with Holly. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ She is an absolute light, a force of good and kindness and love and joy. That has known darkness which makes her even brighter. I’m so thankful to have been able to spend this brief time with her and Sam. And it goes to show, when you feel that connection, don’t deny it, act. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And also read her books!
How do I even begin to speak about @hollygoeslightly . It feels fitting to be by the ocean while I talk about her. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Whenever I go back home I find myself watching “Back to Nature” with my parents. Sitting in “my” seat on our couch with my family learning about Australian culture and nature through her. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Discovering that she was visiting Ukee and was the Author of our book club book, my mind blew. I had to reach out. I felt such a connection to her without ever having met her. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And boy, when we met, did we cackle?! It blows my mind how briefly you can meet someone but feel so connected, like your souls knew one another. That’s how I felt with Holly. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ She is an absolute light, a force of good and kindness and love and joy. That has known darkness which makes her even brighter. I’m so thankful to have been able to spend this brief time with her and Sam. And it goes to show, when you feel that connection, don’t deny it, act. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And also read her books!
How do I even begin to speak about @hollygoeslightly . It feels fitting to be by the ocean while I talk about her. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Whenever I go back home I find myself watching “Back to Nature” with my parents. Sitting in “my” seat on our couch with my family learning about Australian culture and nature through her. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Discovering that she was visiting Ukee and was the Author of our book club book, my mind blew. I had to reach out. I felt such a connection to her without ever having met her. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And boy, when we met, did we cackle?! It blows my mind how briefly you can meet someone but feel so connected, like your souls knew one another. That’s how I felt with Holly. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ She is an absolute light, a force of good and kindness and love and joy. That has known darkness which makes her even brighter. I’m so thankful to have been able to spend this brief time with her and Sam. And it goes to show, when you feel that connection, don’t deny it, act. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And also read her books!
How do I even begin to speak about @hollygoeslightly . It feels fitting to be by the ocean while I talk about her. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Whenever I go back home I find myself watching “Back to Nature” with my parents. Sitting in “my” seat on our couch with my family learning about Australian culture and nature through her. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Discovering that she was visiting Ukee and was the Author of our book club book, my mind blew. I had to reach out. I felt such a connection to her without ever having met her. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And boy, when we met, did we cackle?! It blows my mind how briefly you can meet someone but feel so connected, like your souls knew one another. That’s how I felt with Holly. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ She is an absolute light, a force of good and kindness and love and joy. That has known darkness which makes her even brighter. I’m so thankful to have been able to spend this brief time with her and Sam. And it goes to show, when you feel that connection, don’t deny it, act. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And also read her books!
Knowing that I was going to finish 4 months of touring with a final event in my home state at @briswritersfest felt so sweet and so good that as it drew closer, I started to let myself romanticise about the high I wanted to end on. Beautiful audience? Check. Wonderful host? Check. Great venue? The State Library of Queensland – check, check, check. What did I not envisage for myself in my concluding hour of glory? Sitting on stage and gagging for the first time ever as I read aloud from my own book (words I wrote and have read over countless times before) about what dung beetles rolling the shit of other animals can teach us about our own creative processes. But there I was. Gagging and giggling and gasping for air as I read about these little beetles who not only need shit to survive but also navigate by the stars through said shit. And, of course, Sam caught the precise moment on camera. I realised afterwards It was obviously a perfect conclusion to this utterly extraordinary, exhausting time. To the Meanjin/Brisbane crowd who joined us, you were such a delight and filled my heart. Thank you so much for coming. Thank you @becmacstudio for hosting our conversation with such kindness, generosity, energy and wonderful questions. To all the festival staff, volunteers and booksellers, thank you so much for taking care of us. And to everyone who waited in the signing line and were so lovely, kind and supportive, you’re a sky full of stars. It is an incredible thing to write a book, have it published and meet the readers to whom it matters. The power of it will never wear off for me. 🪲💩🌟
Knowing that I was going to finish 4 months of touring with a final event in my home state at @briswritersfest felt so sweet and so good that as it drew closer, I started to let myself romanticise about the high I wanted to end on. Beautiful audience? Check. Wonderful host? Check. Great venue? The State Library of Queensland – check, check, check. What did I not envisage for myself in my concluding hour of glory? Sitting on stage and gagging for the first time ever as I read aloud from my own book (words I wrote and have read over countless times before) about what dung beetles rolling the shit of other animals can teach us about our own creative processes. But there I was. Gagging and giggling and gasping for air as I read about these little beetles who not only need shit to survive but also navigate by the stars through said shit. And, of course, Sam caught the precise moment on camera. I realised afterwards It was obviously a perfect conclusion to this utterly extraordinary, exhausting time. To the Meanjin/Brisbane crowd who joined us, you were such a delight and filled my heart. Thank you so much for coming. Thank you @becmacstudio for hosting our conversation with such kindness, generosity, energy and wonderful questions. To all the festival staff, volunteers and booksellers, thank you so much for taking care of us. And to everyone who waited in the signing line and were so lovely, kind and supportive, you’re a sky full of stars. It is an incredible thing to write a book, have it published and meet the readers to whom it matters. The power of it will never wear off for me. 🪲💩🌟
Knowing that I was going to finish 4 months of touring with a final event in my home state at @briswritersfest felt so sweet and so good that as it drew closer, I started to let myself romanticise about the high I wanted to end on. Beautiful audience? Check. Wonderful host? Check. Great venue? The State Library of Queensland – check, check, check. What did I not envisage for myself in my concluding hour of glory? Sitting on stage and gagging for the first time ever as I read aloud from my own book (words I wrote and have read over countless times before) about what dung beetles rolling the shit of other animals can teach us about our own creative processes. But there I was. Gagging and giggling and gasping for air as I read about these little beetles who not only need shit to survive but also navigate by the stars through said shit. And, of course, Sam caught the precise moment on camera. I realised afterwards It was obviously a perfect conclusion to this utterly extraordinary, exhausting time. To the Meanjin/Brisbane crowd who joined us, you were such a delight and filled my heart. Thank you so much for coming. Thank you @becmacstudio for hosting our conversation with such kindness, generosity, energy and wonderful questions. To all the festival staff, volunteers and booksellers, thank you so much for taking care of us. And to everyone who waited in the signing line and were so lovely, kind and supportive, you’re a sky full of stars. It is an incredible thing to write a book, have it published and meet the readers to whom it matters. The power of it will never wear off for me. 🪲💩🌟
Knowing that I was going to finish 4 months of touring with a final event in my home state at @briswritersfest felt so sweet and so good that as it drew closer, I started to let myself romanticise about the high I wanted to end on. Beautiful audience? Check. Wonderful host? Check. Great venue? The State Library of Queensland – check, check, check. What did I not envisage for myself in my concluding hour of glory? Sitting on stage and gagging for the first time ever as I read aloud from my own book (words I wrote and have read over countless times before) about what dung beetles rolling the shit of other animals can teach us about our own creative processes. But there I was. Gagging and giggling and gasping for air as I read about these little beetles who not only need shit to survive but also navigate by the stars through said shit. And, of course, Sam caught the precise moment on camera. I realised afterwards It was obviously a perfect conclusion to this utterly extraordinary, exhausting time. To the Meanjin/Brisbane crowd who joined us, you were such a delight and filled my heart. Thank you so much for coming. Thank you @becmacstudio for hosting our conversation with such kindness, generosity, energy and wonderful questions. To all the festival staff, volunteers and booksellers, thank you so much for taking care of us. And to everyone who waited in the signing line and were so lovely, kind and supportive, you’re a sky full of stars. It is an incredible thing to write a book, have it published and meet the readers to whom it matters. The power of it will never wear off for me. 🪲💩🌟
Knowing that I was going to finish 4 months of touring with a final event in my home state at @briswritersfest felt so sweet and so good that as it drew closer, I started to let myself romanticise about the high I wanted to end on. Beautiful audience? Check. Wonderful host? Check. Great venue? The State Library of Queensland – check, check, check. What did I not envisage for myself in my concluding hour of glory? Sitting on stage and gagging for the first time ever as I read aloud from my own book (words I wrote and have read over countless times before) about what dung beetles rolling the shit of other animals can teach us about our own creative processes. But there I was. Gagging and giggling and gasping for air as I read about these little beetles who not only need shit to survive but also navigate by the stars through said shit. And, of course, Sam caught the precise moment on camera. I realised afterwards It was obviously a perfect conclusion to this utterly extraordinary, exhausting time. To the Meanjin/Brisbane crowd who joined us, you were such a delight and filled my heart. Thank you so much for coming. Thank you @becmacstudio for hosting our conversation with such kindness, generosity, energy and wonderful questions. To all the festival staff, volunteers and booksellers, thank you so much for taking care of us. And to everyone who waited in the signing line and were so lovely, kind and supportive, you’re a sky full of stars. It is an incredible thing to write a book, have it published and meet the readers to whom it matters. The power of it will never wear off for me. 🪲💩🌟
Knowing that I was going to finish 4 months of touring with a final event in my home state at @briswritersfest felt so sweet and so good that as it drew closer, I started to let myself romanticise about the high I wanted to end on. Beautiful audience? Check. Wonderful host? Check. Great venue? The State Library of Queensland – check, check, check. What did I not envisage for myself in my concluding hour of glory? Sitting on stage and gagging for the first time ever as I read aloud from my own book (words I wrote and have read over countless times before) about what dung beetles rolling the shit of other animals can teach us about our own creative processes. But there I was. Gagging and giggling and gasping for air as I read about these little beetles who not only need shit to survive but also navigate by the stars through said shit. And, of course, Sam caught the precise moment on camera. I realised afterwards It was obviously a perfect conclusion to this utterly extraordinary, exhausting time. To the Meanjin/Brisbane crowd who joined us, you were such a delight and filled my heart. Thank you so much for coming. Thank you @becmacstudio for hosting our conversation with such kindness, generosity, energy and wonderful questions. To all the festival staff, volunteers and booksellers, thank you so much for taking care of us. And to everyone who waited in the signing line and were so lovely, kind and supportive, you’re a sky full of stars. It is an incredible thing to write a book, have it published and meet the readers to whom it matters. The power of it will never wear off for me. 🪲💩🌟
My final event at @sydwritersfest this year stole my heart – I was honoured to do an event on Dharug Country at @phive.ps with a sold out crowd in the company of incomparable human, author, woman @katemildenhall. In our conversation about The House That Joy Built – which Kate so beautifully, thoughtfully and skilfully curated – we laughed, cried, unearthed glimmers and to my own surprise I shared a story I’d never told publicly before. Such was the power of Kate, and our Parramatta crowd. Kate, thank YOU for giving your time and energy so generously – I’m so thankful that this writing life brought us together too. Thank you so much to everyone who joined us on the day including festival volunteers and booksellers, and Councillor Patricia Prociv. Special thanks to everyone I met in the signing line – you shared profound gifts with me, and my gratitude for your time, readership and support is evergreen. Final thanks also to @rackcityvintage @rollasjeans @fluevog for the 70s newsreader/disco combo that didn’t know I’ve always needed. ❤️🔥 🪩 ❤️ Repost • @kmildenhall Honestly, getting to hang with this woman, on stage and off, is one of the great delights of this writing life. A JOY, as always dear @hollygoeslightly to speak with you out in Parramatta at @phive.ps for readers & writers & creatives of all stripes. Thank you, as always Holly, for laughs, for making me cry, and for your generous stories and insights which make others feel like they, too, can make the stuff, come out of the fire, share what makes their heart bust. Dear @sydwritersfest you’ve been such a delight xxx Thank you for having me (and thank you dear @catherineishome & Lil for all the things xx) #sydneywritersfestival #writingcommunity #thehousethatjoybuilt #writersfestival
My final event at @sydwritersfest this year stole my heart – I was honoured to do an event on Dharug Country at @phive.ps with a sold out crowd in the company of incomparable human, author, woman @katemildenhall. In our conversation about The House That Joy Built – which Kate so beautifully, thoughtfully and skilfully curated – we laughed, cried, unearthed glimmers and to my own surprise I shared a story I’d never told publicly before. Such was the power of Kate, and our Parramatta crowd. Kate, thank YOU for giving your time and energy so generously – I’m so thankful that this writing life brought us together too. Thank you so much to everyone who joined us on the day including festival volunteers and booksellers, and Councillor Patricia Prociv. Special thanks to everyone I met in the signing line – you shared profound gifts with me, and my gratitude for your time, readership and support is evergreen. Final thanks also to @rackcityvintage @rollasjeans @fluevog for the 70s newsreader/disco combo that didn’t know I’ve always needed. ❤️🔥 🪩 ❤️ Repost • @kmildenhall Honestly, getting to hang with this woman, on stage and off, is one of the great delights of this writing life. A JOY, as always dear @hollygoeslightly to speak with you out in Parramatta at @phive.ps for readers & writers & creatives of all stripes. Thank you, as always Holly, for laughs, for making me cry, and for your generous stories and insights which make others feel like they, too, can make the stuff, come out of the fire, share what makes their heart bust. Dear @sydwritersfest you’ve been such a delight xxx Thank you for having me (and thank you dear @catherineishome & Lil for all the things xx) #sydneywritersfestival #writingcommunity #thehousethatjoybuilt #writersfestival
My final event at @sydwritersfest this year stole my heart – I was honoured to do an event on Dharug Country at @phive.ps with a sold out crowd in the company of incomparable human, author, woman @katemildenhall. In our conversation about The House That Joy Built – which Kate so beautifully, thoughtfully and skilfully curated – we laughed, cried, unearthed glimmers and to my own surprise I shared a story I’d never told publicly before. Such was the power of Kate, and our Parramatta crowd. Kate, thank YOU for giving your time and energy so generously – I’m so thankful that this writing life brought us together too. Thank you so much to everyone who joined us on the day including festival volunteers and booksellers, and Councillor Patricia Prociv. Special thanks to everyone I met in the signing line – you shared profound gifts with me, and my gratitude for your time, readership and support is evergreen. Final thanks also to @rackcityvintage @rollasjeans @fluevog for the 70s newsreader/disco combo that didn’t know I’ve always needed. ❤️🔥 🪩 ❤️ Repost • @kmildenhall Honestly, getting to hang with this woman, on stage and off, is one of the great delights of this writing life. A JOY, as always dear @hollygoeslightly to speak with you out in Parramatta at @phive.ps for readers & writers & creatives of all stripes. Thank you, as always Holly, for laughs, for making me cry, and for your generous stories and insights which make others feel like they, too, can make the stuff, come out of the fire, share what makes their heart bust. Dear @sydwritersfest you’ve been such a delight xxx Thank you for having me (and thank you dear @catherineishome & Lil for all the things xx) #sydneywritersfestival #writingcommunity #thehousethatjoybuilt #writersfestival
My final event at @sydwritersfest this year stole my heart – I was honoured to do an event on Dharug Country at @phive.ps with a sold out crowd in the company of incomparable human, author, woman @katemildenhall. In our conversation about The House That Joy Built – which Kate so beautifully, thoughtfully and skilfully curated – we laughed, cried, unearthed glimmers and to my own surprise I shared a story I’d never told publicly before. Such was the power of Kate, and our Parramatta crowd. Kate, thank YOU for giving your time and energy so generously – I’m so thankful that this writing life brought us together too. Thank you so much to everyone who joined us on the day including festival volunteers and booksellers, and Councillor Patricia Prociv. Special thanks to everyone I met in the signing line – you shared profound gifts with me, and my gratitude for your time, readership and support is evergreen. Final thanks also to @rackcityvintage @rollasjeans @fluevog for the 70s newsreader/disco combo that didn’t know I’ve always needed. ❤️🔥 🪩 ❤️ Repost • @kmildenhall Honestly, getting to hang with this woman, on stage and off, is one of the great delights of this writing life. A JOY, as always dear @hollygoeslightly to speak with you out in Parramatta at @phive.ps for readers & writers & creatives of all stripes. Thank you, as always Holly, for laughs, for making me cry, and for your generous stories and insights which make others feel like they, too, can make the stuff, come out of the fire, share what makes their heart bust. Dear @sydwritersfest you’ve been such a delight xxx Thank you for having me (and thank you dear @catherineishome & Lil for all the things xx) #sydneywritersfestival #writingcommunity #thehousethatjoybuilt #writersfestival
My final event at @sydwritersfest this year stole my heart – I was honoured to do an event on Dharug Country at @phive.ps with a sold out crowd in the company of incomparable human, author, woman @katemildenhall. In our conversation about The House That Joy Built – which Kate so beautifully, thoughtfully and skilfully curated – we laughed, cried, unearthed glimmers and to my own surprise I shared a story I’d never told publicly before. Such was the power of Kate, and our Parramatta crowd. Kate, thank YOU for giving your time and energy so generously – I’m so thankful that this writing life brought us together too. Thank you so much to everyone who joined us on the day including festival volunteers and booksellers, and Councillor Patricia Prociv. Special thanks to everyone I met in the signing line – you shared profound gifts with me, and my gratitude for your time, readership and support is evergreen. Final thanks also to @rackcityvintage @rollasjeans @fluevog for the 70s newsreader/disco combo that didn’t know I’ve always needed. ❤️🔥 🪩 ❤️ Repost • @kmildenhall Honestly, getting to hang with this woman, on stage and off, is one of the great delights of this writing life. A JOY, as always dear @hollygoeslightly to speak with you out in Parramatta at @phive.ps for readers & writers & creatives of all stripes. Thank you, as always Holly, for laughs, for making me cry, and for your generous stories and insights which make others feel like they, too, can make the stuff, come out of the fire, share what makes their heart bust. Dear @sydwritersfest you’ve been such a delight xxx Thank you for having me (and thank you dear @catherineishome & Lil for all the things xx) #sydneywritersfestival #writingcommunity #thehousethatjoybuilt #writersfestival
A couple of weeks ago I was in Sydney trying to calm my nerves: I was on my way to the biggest event of my writing career. As I got into my taxi, I recalled something Sam had said to me earlier: “don’t forget to give yourself a moment to take this in.” When I found that moment en route, I also found 14 year old me, clacking away on my secondhand IBM, writing my heart out. Funny how quickly our younger selves can bring sense and courage to a moment: I kept that nerdy, emotionally-porous kid close to me as I stood in the wings of Sydney’s City Recital Hall with @juliabaird and @michaelakalowski – two women I greatly admire. I kept that kid close as my heart pounded while we walked onto the stage and took our seats. For the next hour in that stunning venue we talked about creativity, joy and grace in front of a warm, generous crowd. I was humbled when Michaela asked me to speak about one of my favourite sections from The House That Joy Built: creativity is the light we leave on inside of ourselves, no matter how long we’ve resisted or neglected our own homecoming. Always shining, no matter how dim. Always waiting, for us to return. (At that point, in my mind’s eye, 14 year old me turned at her keyboard and gave me a nod of approval.) Heartfelt thanks to Michaela, Julia and everyone who joined us. To readers who waited patiently in the signing line. To @sydwritersfest for inviting me to be a part of something so special. To the festival volunteers, staff and booksellers who made the magic happen. To Will and Theresa, ASL interpreters. And special shout out to the sound crew who played us off stage to my beloved Pearl Jam. To allow ourselves to feel joy and to choose grace is often difficult. To embody either/both is the best of who we are and what we have to offer each other. In the words of poet Ross Gay, from The Book of Delights: “What if we joined our sorrows, l’m saying. I’m saying: What if that is joy?” This event was a powerful reminder of how important it is to share stories of imagination, humanity and courage. It was a career highlight, honour and privilege. I am so grateful to have been a part of it.
A couple of weeks ago I was in Sydney trying to calm my nerves: I was on my way to the biggest event of my writing career. As I got into my taxi, I recalled something Sam had said to me earlier: “don’t forget to give yourself a moment to take this in.” When I found that moment en route, I also found 14 year old me, clacking away on my secondhand IBM, writing my heart out. Funny how quickly our younger selves can bring sense and courage to a moment: I kept that nerdy, emotionally-porous kid close to me as I stood in the wings of Sydney’s City Recital Hall with @juliabaird and @michaelakalowski – two women I greatly admire. I kept that kid close as my heart pounded while we walked onto the stage and took our seats. For the next hour in that stunning venue we talked about creativity, joy and grace in front of a warm, generous crowd. I was humbled when Michaela asked me to speak about one of my favourite sections from The House That Joy Built: creativity is the light we leave on inside of ourselves, no matter how long we’ve resisted or neglected our own homecoming. Always shining, no matter how dim. Always waiting, for us to return. (At that point, in my mind’s eye, 14 year old me turned at her keyboard and gave me a nod of approval.) Heartfelt thanks to Michaela, Julia and everyone who joined us. To readers who waited patiently in the signing line. To @sydwritersfest for inviting me to be a part of something so special. To the festival volunteers, staff and booksellers who made the magic happen. To Will and Theresa, ASL interpreters. And special shout out to the sound crew who played us off stage to my beloved Pearl Jam. To allow ourselves to feel joy and to choose grace is often difficult. To embody either/both is the best of who we are and what we have to offer each other. In the words of poet Ross Gay, from The Book of Delights: “What if we joined our sorrows, l’m saying. I’m saying: What if that is joy?” This event was a powerful reminder of how important it is to share stories of imagination, humanity and courage. It was a career highlight, honour and privilege. I am so grateful to have been a part of it.
A couple of weeks ago I was in Sydney trying to calm my nerves: I was on my way to the biggest event of my writing career. As I got into my taxi, I recalled something Sam had said to me earlier: “don’t forget to give yourself a moment to take this in.” When I found that moment en route, I also found 14 year old me, clacking away on my secondhand IBM, writing my heart out. Funny how quickly our younger selves can bring sense and courage to a moment: I kept that nerdy, emotionally-porous kid close to me as I stood in the wings of Sydney’s City Recital Hall with @juliabaird and @michaelakalowski – two women I greatly admire. I kept that kid close as my heart pounded while we walked onto the stage and took our seats. For the next hour in that stunning venue we talked about creativity, joy and grace in front of a warm, generous crowd. I was humbled when Michaela asked me to speak about one of my favourite sections from The House That Joy Built: creativity is the light we leave on inside of ourselves, no matter how long we’ve resisted or neglected our own homecoming. Always shining, no matter how dim. Always waiting, for us to return. (At that point, in my mind’s eye, 14 year old me turned at her keyboard and gave me a nod of approval.) Heartfelt thanks to Michaela, Julia and everyone who joined us. To readers who waited patiently in the signing line. To @sydwritersfest for inviting me to be a part of something so special. To the festival volunteers, staff and booksellers who made the magic happen. To Will and Theresa, ASL interpreters. And special shout out to the sound crew who played us off stage to my beloved Pearl Jam. To allow ourselves to feel joy and to choose grace is often difficult. To embody either/both is the best of who we are and what we have to offer each other. In the words of poet Ross Gay, from The Book of Delights: “What if we joined our sorrows, l’m saying. I’m saying: What if that is joy?” This event was a powerful reminder of how important it is to share stories of imagination, humanity and courage. It was a career highlight, honour and privilege. I am so grateful to have been a part of it.
A couple of weeks ago I was in Sydney trying to calm my nerves: I was on my way to the biggest event of my writing career. As I got into my taxi, I recalled something Sam had said to me earlier: “don’t forget to give yourself a moment to take this in.” When I found that moment en route, I also found 14 year old me, clacking away on my secondhand IBM, writing my heart out. Funny how quickly our younger selves can bring sense and courage to a moment: I kept that nerdy, emotionally-porous kid close to me as I stood in the wings of Sydney’s City Recital Hall with @juliabaird and @michaelakalowski – two women I greatly admire. I kept that kid close as my heart pounded while we walked onto the stage and took our seats. For the next hour in that stunning venue we talked about creativity, joy and grace in front of a warm, generous crowd. I was humbled when Michaela asked me to speak about one of my favourite sections from The House That Joy Built: creativity is the light we leave on inside of ourselves, no matter how long we’ve resisted or neglected our own homecoming. Always shining, no matter how dim. Always waiting, for us to return. (At that point, in my mind’s eye, 14 year old me turned at her keyboard and gave me a nod of approval.) Heartfelt thanks to Michaela, Julia and everyone who joined us. To readers who waited patiently in the signing line. To @sydwritersfest for inviting me to be a part of something so special. To the festival volunteers, staff and booksellers who made the magic happen. To Will and Theresa, ASL interpreters. And special shout out to the sound crew who played us off stage to my beloved Pearl Jam. To allow ourselves to feel joy and to choose grace is often difficult. To embody either/both is the best of who we are and what we have to offer each other. In the words of poet Ross Gay, from The Book of Delights: “What if we joined our sorrows, l’m saying. I’m saying: What if that is joy?” This event was a powerful reminder of how important it is to share stories of imagination, humanity and courage. It was a career highlight, honour and privilege. I am so grateful to have been a part of it.
A couple of weeks ago I was in Sydney trying to calm my nerves: I was on my way to the biggest event of my writing career. As I got into my taxi, I recalled something Sam had said to me earlier: “don’t forget to give yourself a moment to take this in.” When I found that moment en route, I also found 14 year old me, clacking away on my secondhand IBM, writing my heart out. Funny how quickly our younger selves can bring sense and courage to a moment: I kept that nerdy, emotionally-porous kid close to me as I stood in the wings of Sydney’s City Recital Hall with @juliabaird and @michaelakalowski – two women I greatly admire. I kept that kid close as my heart pounded while we walked onto the stage and took our seats. For the next hour in that stunning venue we talked about creativity, joy and grace in front of a warm, generous crowd. I was humbled when Michaela asked me to speak about one of my favourite sections from The House That Joy Built: creativity is the light we leave on inside of ourselves, no matter how long we’ve resisted or neglected our own homecoming. Always shining, no matter how dim. Always waiting, for us to return. (At that point, in my mind’s eye, 14 year old me turned at her keyboard and gave me a nod of approval.) Heartfelt thanks to Michaela, Julia and everyone who joined us. To readers who waited patiently in the signing line. To @sydwritersfest for inviting me to be a part of something so special. To the festival volunteers, staff and booksellers who made the magic happen. To Will and Theresa, ASL interpreters. And special shout out to the sound crew who played us off stage to my beloved Pearl Jam. To allow ourselves to feel joy and to choose grace is often difficult. To embody either/both is the best of who we are and what we have to offer each other. In the words of poet Ross Gay, from The Book of Delights: “What if we joined our sorrows, l’m saying. I’m saying: What if that is joy?” This event was a powerful reminder of how important it is to share stories of imagination, humanity and courage. It was a career highlight, honour and privilege. I am so grateful to have been a part of it.
A couple of weeks ago I was in Sydney trying to calm my nerves: I was on my way to the biggest event of my writing career. As I got into my taxi, I recalled something Sam had said to me earlier: “don’t forget to give yourself a moment to take this in.” When I found that moment en route, I also found 14 year old me, clacking away on my secondhand IBM, writing my heart out. Funny how quickly our younger selves can bring sense and courage to a moment: I kept that nerdy, emotionally-porous kid close to me as I stood in the wings of Sydney’s City Recital Hall with @juliabaird and @michaelakalowski – two women I greatly admire. I kept that kid close as my heart pounded while we walked onto the stage and took our seats. For the next hour in that stunning venue we talked about creativity, joy and grace in front of a warm, generous crowd. I was humbled when Michaela asked me to speak about one of my favourite sections from The House That Joy Built: creativity is the light we leave on inside of ourselves, no matter how long we’ve resisted or neglected our own homecoming. Always shining, no matter how dim. Always waiting, for us to return. (At that point, in my mind’s eye, 14 year old me turned at her keyboard and gave me a nod of approval.) Heartfelt thanks to Michaela, Julia and everyone who joined us. To readers who waited patiently in the signing line. To @sydwritersfest for inviting me to be a part of something so special. To the festival volunteers, staff and booksellers who made the magic happen. To Will and Theresa, ASL interpreters. And special shout out to the sound crew who played us off stage to my beloved Pearl Jam. To allow ourselves to feel joy and to choose grace is often difficult. To embody either/both is the best of who we are and what we have to offer each other. In the words of poet Ross Gay, from The Book of Delights: “What if we joined our sorrows, l’m saying. I’m saying: What if that is joy?” This event was a powerful reminder of how important it is to share stories of imagination, humanity and courage. It was a career highlight, honour and privilege. I am so grateful to have been a part of it.
Hi Meanjin/Brisbane friends. This weekend is the best of the year in our river city: it’s @briswritersfest time! Join me in conversation with @becmacstudio tomorrow afternoon at 5.30pm in Auditorium 1 at the beautiful @statelibraryqld – we’ll be talking about The House That Joy Built, and all things joy, fear, creativity, grief, imagination, wonder, despair, hope and courage. My books will be available to buy at the event and I’ll be thrilled to sign them for you afterwards. Tickets are available on the BWF website or via link in bio.
When my @harpercollinsaustralia publisher and beloved friend @catherineishome told me a couple of months ago that Joy has become a national bestseller, I went quiet and goosebumpy with awe. When you’re known for your fiction, as I am privileged and honoured to be, connecting with booksellers and readers as a non-fiction author isn’t a given. And yet. Here we are. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ To every single bookseller and reader who has supported and/or bought a copy of Joy – thank you wholeheartedly. Since publication, every post/story/comment that I’ve received, sharing so generously how this little book has become a part of your life and creativity practices has humbled and thrilled me. Your support of my first non-fiction book has changed my writing life. If you have bought and read Joy, thank you. I’m not the author I am without you being the book lover you are. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Here’s to the wild mystery of our ideas! Those we’ve dared to honour and make. And those waiting, impatiently, for us to create. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Whose house??? (IYKYK) 🏡 💡 🌸 🫏 ⚔️ 🚪 🦋 🐎 ⭐️ 🖍️ This book was written with gratitude on unceded Bundjalung Country and Yugambeh Country, during the season when humpback whales migrate south and the wattle blooms. I extend my respect to the traditional owners of these lands and waterways, and to their families and ancestors, who have cared for these areas for thousands of years. I acknowledge them as the original storytellers of these regions.
