'Women’s Bodies in Speculative Fiction' - Stella Prize Schools Blog

I have a new piece up on the Stella Prize Schools Blog: 

Women’s Bodies in Speculative Fiction

For my fourth Stella Schools Blog guest post, I spoke with Australian YA authors Michael Pryor, Melina Marchetta, and Ambelin Kwaymullina about the representation of women characters in fantasy YA, and how they approach the issue in their own work.

Also includes a list of recommended YA spec-fic reads which promote body diversity! 

Why Dystopia is not a Trend

My second piece for the Stella Prize Schools Blog is up!

Why Dystopia is not a Trend

But thinking about dystopian fiction in the same way we think of the adult colouring book craze – as simply a fad – pays disservice to a wonderfully diverse and subversive genre. It suggests a disposability that’s insulting; particularly when dystopian fiction is one of the most poignant genres we have for exploring the experiences of marginalised and disenfranchised groups. As with stories about vampires and zombies, the long history of dystopian fiction defies ‘trend’ talk.

Writing for The Stella Prize Schools Blog

Soooooooo I have some news that I'm very delighted to share with you all ... I'm going to be writing for the Stella Prize Schools Blog over the next few months! 

The Stella Prize is of course the major literary award celebrating Australian women’s writing. In 2014 the Award branched out into the Stella Prize Schools Program - which is bringing Australian women's writing into schools and in some cases trying to make the reading curriculum more balanced and inclusive. 

Basically: it's an amazing and inspiring organisation all about helping and celebrating Australian women writers and I am thrilled and honoured to be working with them! 

My very first post is up (and features inspiring words from LoveOzYA author, Amie Kaufman!);  

Gender-flipping and Twilight

... And there's plenty more where that came from. OH! I have things to blog about, let me tell you. Stay tuned :)