Emma Batchelor: What I’m reading, writing and listening to in February

Posted on 21 February, 2022

Welcome to a monthly update for readers, writers and literary lovers.

Expect a celebration of local Canberra talent, plenty of reading recommendations, and a roundup of events and opportunities.

Read

Like many people, I grew up with the Harry Potter series and, previous to series author J.K Rowling using her considerable platform to spread transphobic views, I had found spending time with such familiar friends an important source of comfort. Following Christmas, I had been feeling low and rather listless and was curious to see if Harry Potter could still bring me the joy it once had.

While I still inhaled the books, laughing and crying in all the same places, I was unable to keep J.K and her bigotry far from my mind. What has helped is listening to Witch Please, a fortnightly podcast about the world of Harry Potter hosted by two lady scholars.

Together with a range of guests they critique the series from a feminist, intersectional and inclusive standpoint to help listeners reconcile their fandom with their values.

I don’t feel comfortable recommending purchasing any books by J.K Rowling. If you don’t already own Harry Potter, consider borrowing the series from your local library and making a donation to a charity supporting trans and gender diverse people. A Genda Agenda and Meridian both do amazing work here in Canberra.

Reading

I discovered this book in a rather circuitous fashion; I had been reading a list of books recommended by writer Jen Winston whose new book Greedy: Notes from Bisexual who wants too much had just come out in the U.S.

I had been looking up a book Jen mentioned, In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado, which then led me to Happy Hour by Marlow Granados which in turn led me to Zig Zags by Kamala Puligandla who, at the time the book was published, was the editor of Autostraddle a digital publication and community for LGBTIAQ+ people and allies. Zig Zags is a fun summer read about lesbian love, growing up and keeping friends.

Zig Zags by Kamala Puligandla | Published December 2020 by Not a Cult

About to read

I am working on my new novel and have been amassing a reading list of books about work and workplaces. Several People are Typing, a comedy about workplace antics and late stage capitalism told entirely through Slack messages, is on top of my to-be-read pile.

I first discovered it via a conversation between the book’s author Calvin Kasulke and a writer Lincoln Michel which I also heartily recommend.

Several People are Typing by Calvin Kasulke | Published September 2021 Hodder & Stoughton

Local love

The Riddle of Tanglewood Manor is a new book by Canberra based author Tracey Hawkins recently launched at The Book Cow in Kingston. An adventurous mystery with historical elements, The Riddle of Tanglewood Manor is perfect for readers aged seven and up.

The Riddle of Tanglewood Manor by Tracey Hawkins | Published February 2022 Storytorch

Guest recommendation

This month, our guest recommendation comes from Meg Wilson, CEO of ACT Writers.

‘Lisa Fuller’s Ghost Bird is a book that I devoured over the course of a weekend and it has stayed with me since.  Fuller’s fast-paced storytelling left me white-knuckled and my heart in my throat, it had me completely immersed. A must-read for anyone who is a fan of thrillers.’

Ghost Bird by Lisa Fuller | Published October 2019 University Queensland Press

Ghost Bird was the 2020 ACT Book of the Year.

Events, workshops and opportunities

• Award-winning author, Jess Hill will be in conversation with Virginia Hausseger as part of the ANU meet the author series. Jess will be discussing her Quarterly Essay, The Reckoning: How #MeToo is Changing Australia.

6 pm, Monday 21 February | Book here

• ACT Writers is facilitating three new creative workshops in 2022. The first workshop for the year will be led by award-winning author Will Kostakis and will focus on character development.

Various dates | Book here

• The Australian/Vogel literary award is open for 2023! The Australian/Vogel’s Literary Award is one of Australia’s richest and the most prestigious award for an unpublished manuscript by a writer under the age of thirty-five.

Entries close 31 May 2022 | Find out more