The Changing Room: Book Club Discussion
Get ready fellow book club enthusiasts as Christine Sykes has released a series of questions for discussion regarding her book, The Changing Room. If you have read it, be part of the discussion! If not, The Changing Room should be at the top of your reading list.
How does the title The Changing Room relate to the book?
What do you think the author’s purpose was in writing the book?
Did the structure of the novel (chapters divided into individual perspectives of the three main characters) enhance or detract from the narrative?
Did the book change your opinion or perspective about any of the social issues raised?
The service Suitability was based on a real charity (called Dress for Success). Did the book enhance your knowledge and understanding of such an organisation?
Do you think Claire and Anna overstepped the boundaries of their volunteer roles with their support for Molly? Are you aware of any similar situations?
The book follows the emerging friendship of 3 different women united through a common cause. How did this friendship develop? Was their friendship plausible?
The author used dialogue in a particular way to further develop character. Was this an effective technique?
If you could pick a character from the book to have coffee with, who would it be and what would you talk about?
What social issues were highlighted in the book and how do you think the author has portrayed the key social issues facing women today?
The book explores the issue of domestic violence. What insights does it provide to this social problem?
Despite their differences in age and social class, what similar experiences bring Anna, Claire and Molly together?
What did you think of the ending of the book?
Can you envisage the circumstances of each character 5 years on from the end of the novel?
The city of Sydney is the backdrop for the book. How has this setting influenced the narrative?
Do you agree with Rosemary when she says that ‘women should be able to wear what they want’ What have been your experiences with wearing what you want?
What clothes do the main characters wear in the beginning of the novel and did they change?
Did you learn about fashion, style, make-up from reading the book? Do you have any tips to share?
Go direct to the source at Christine Sykes website:
Katherine Johnson in conversation with Geordie Williamson
Last night a crowd gathered in Fuller’s Bookshop in Hobart, glass of wine in hand, to celebrate the launch of Katherine Johnson’s six-years-in-the-making novel, Paris Savages. A Hobart local, Katherine drew in a large crowd for a talk with Geordie Williamson, literary critic at The Australian.
After reading one her favourite passages from early in the book, Katherine and Geordie dived into an intellectual discussion about the novel - it’s origins, the making and the character development (particularly of Hilda, who’s perspective we follow throughout the book). It is Hilda’s naivety that carries us through the uncomfortable images and circumstances in the novel and as she learns of the injustices we develop hope for the future, Geordie concludes.
They spoke of Dorondera’s and Hilda’s relationship - one of sisterhood, femininity and an encouragement of independence. And they spoke of Bonny’s bravery in his wanting to make a change for his people.
Question time saw some discussions of the development of the book cover - particularly over people’s pleasant surprise to see a face hidden beneath the foliage. If you’d like to read a little more behind the scenes of the cover, head to our Q&A with designer Alissa Dinallo.
And if you’d like to read a recap of the Sydney launch head here.
Paris Savages launches in Sydney
Last week, a bunch of bookish people gathered at Better Read Than Dead in Newtown to listen to two intellectual, literary souls talk about writing, PhD’s, research and the newly released novel, Paris Savages.
Author Katherine Johnson was in conversation with Evelyn Araluen, Indigenous poet and writer, to discuss the themes that grace the pages of her latest work – the little known story of three Badtjala people from Fraser Island who travelled to Europe as part of ethnographic exhibitions.
After disclaiming that she would still have to ask “the question everyone has been asking” (why, as a non-Indigenous writer, did Katherine feel the need to write a book about Indigenous history), Evelyn and Katherine dived into the conversation. They explored Katherine’s need to write this story that no one else had written; her clever use of literary devices that aid, but do not presume to know, the Indigenous perspective; the many years of travel and research that went into the novel’s creation (six, to be precise); her inspirations for the idea (ABC’s AWAYE!); and the challenges of embarking on such a huge feat of writing.
The room buzzed at question time as Djon Mundane, Indigenous speaker, artist and curator, discussed with Katherine the need for such literature and the challenges of working in the Indigenous space.
What is Katherine working on next? She doesn’t yet know herself. Following an intense author tour and a much-needed break, we’re sure Katherine will be working on something equally as fascinating (although we hope the next one won’t be six years away). Watch this space!
You can catch Katherine in conversation with Geordie Williamson, literary critic at The Age, on Thursday at Fullers Bookshop in Hobart, or at Readings Hawthorn on 22 October with Leah Kaminsky.
Thanks to Better Read Than Dead, Evelyn, and all those who attended.
Ventura signs Paul Dalgarno's debut novel, Poly
We are excited to announce one of the latest additions to our 2020 list - Paul Dalgarno’s debut novel, Poly.
With thanks to Martin Shaw at Alex Adsett Publishing Agency, Ventura secured Dalgarno’s novel for publication. Shaw describes the novel as ‘a deliciously frank account of the highs and lows of a married couple’s exploration of a polyamorous lifestyle—a slanted and enchanted romantic comedy thriller for our times’.
‘After witnessing the tremendous job they did with Angela Meyer’s novel A Superior Spectre last year, I also know this book is in the best possible publishing hands at Ventura,’ said Shaw.
Poly will take its rightful place among our ever-growing contemporary-focussed list. It is a Sally-Rooney-esque fiction that will challenge ideologies, and we hope, ignite and further conversations on inclusivity and diversity in publishing today.
Ventura’s director, Jane Curry says, ‘Poly is contemporary fiction at its best, a novel that challenges our preconceptions and reflects modern society in all its wonderful diversity.’
Dalgarno’s memoir And You May Find Yourself was published by Sleepers in 2015.
Poly will be published in the second half of 2020.
We look forward to sharing this future new release with you!
Special Launches in Sydney
We’ve hosted many special book launches in our time, celebrating authors from all over Australia. But one in particular is a little more special…
Special, by Melanie Dimmitt is the curious, casual and conversational companion for parents in the early stages of navigating a child’s disability. When Melanie and her partner Rohan found out their six-month old son Arlo was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, they thought their lives had turned upside down. And beneath the pages of Special, you’ll come to know that they did – for the better.
Mel writes: ‘When Arlo was younger, as we traipsed the footpaths of our suburb, I used to look at other mothers pushing prams and feel bitter. What could they possibly have to worry about? I would internally grumble. Nowadays, I look at them and wonder, what is their private struggle? And marvel at how, from across the street, I too am just another mother pushing a pram.’
Special was launched at Better Read Than Dead in Newtown last week. Led by journalist and author Amy Molloy, Melanie spoke with Joanna Avramides, mother to Tilly, who has spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, and Jaynie Johnson, mother of Dare, who has down syndrome, and founder of the Lucky Mama Network.
The three mothers spoke of what it was like to find out the diagnosis (speechless), to their thoughts on the future (uplifting, inspiring and full of opportunities), and the importance of storytelling (to heal, to change ideas, and to facilitate connections).
They spoke of the taboos around disabilities, and dealing with other peoples’ expectations and reactions. In short, not caring is the best option, and changing the conversation around disability and inclusivity is one important (but challenging) task.
Amy closed the night with a reading from the end of Special, which sums up a lot learnt from the evening.
“The week of my writing this conclusion we trialed a modified pram for Arlo – a double, so that his sister can come along for the ride – that’s about as inconspicuous as a drag queen in a monastery. Our path continues to diverge off the main road and, in many ways, our challenges are only just beginning. I’m very aware that the ‘cute’ baby and toddler stage of parenting a child with disability is golden, and am grateful that this coincides with early years, at a time when we are most emotionally volatile. Yes, invasive surgeries, wheelchair discussions, schooling decisions and conversations with Arlo (and Odette) about his disability are coming. But I know I will handle them. I know I will be okay when things aren’t okay. I know I will be happy when things aren’t okay, because I am. I truly am – and not just during the big, breakthrough moments, but in all the non-moments, too. When Arlo laughs at Odette after she’s swiped her dinner clear off the table. When Rowan reads them both Goodnight, Mice!, as they nestle into the crooks of his arms. When Arlo gives me that look that only he and I share, and as I watch him thoughtfully taking in the world with boundless curiosity.
None of us are immune to life’s curve balls. Things will happen, and I’ve chosen to accept those terms. I’ve chosen to follow my son’s lead, look to our future with curiosity, not fear, and take comfort in knowing we will cope. We will freaking flourish.
And so will you.”
You can find out more about Special here.
Ventura Recommends - What to Read on R U OK DAY
Ventura is a strong advocate of mental health, and with today being R U OK day, it’s fitting to explore some of our favourite literature for when those feelings of anxiety seem overwhelming. Here are our top picks of books to pick up if you’re feeling down.
Books that let you know you’re not alone:
When you’re dealing with mental health, it can be hard to imagine that other people are dealing with the same thing. So, picking up a book can be as good as chatting to a good friend, or taking that long phone call to your mum. In Girl On the Edge & Girl Over the Edge, Kim Hodges strips bare the stigma towards mental illness in a raw and confronting memoir; yet talks of the positivity and understanding that comes from dealing with it head-on.
Are you a mum? Or perhaps know someone struggling with anxiety around parenting? Melanie Dimmitt’s Special is a curious, casual and conversational exploration into parenting a child with special-needs, and all the obsessions that plague one’s mind when dealing with this. All sorts of life events can trigger anxiety, and Special shows us that uniting in our differences is the best way to embrace them.
When some of the best Australian authors come together to write about an issue, you know it must be a big deal. Split, edited by Lee Kofman and featuring the likes of Graeme Simsion, Fiona Wright, A.S Patric, Alice Pung and more, delves into the world of leaving, loss and new beginnings, and the mental experiences that come with this. Each chapter gives you a unique story, and you might just find connections with more than one…
Books that uplift
They say laughter is the best medicine, and humour is what you’ll find inside the pages of The Age of Discretion by Virginia Duigan. It’s uplifting chick-lit at it’s best, or as some say, Sex in the City for the over 55’s.
If you’re a book lover, you can’t go past the nostalgia of Storytime by Jane Sullivan – the perfect way to escape reality. Jane revisits some of her favourite books from her childhood and recounts what she loved (or hated) and learnt from these books. Cosy up with Winnie-the-Pooh, Alice in Wonderland, the Moomintrolls or one of Jane’s favourites, the Magic Pudding.
Sometimes a heart-warming novel is all you need to calm your mind. Letters to My Yesterday by Karyn Sepulveda is a story of friendship, love, family and the enduring strength of women, and the perfect end to a long day (with a cup of tea in hand). A similar, but not-yet-released book is The Changing Room by Christine Sykes. In the lead up to Christmas, mental health is even more important, so keep an eye out for this one – a story of hope, second chances and the power of female friendship.
Books that offer support
Whilst taking your mind off anxiety is a good way to deal with the short-term effects of mental health, sometimes that’s not enough. Renee Mill specialises in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and has developed a program to analyse and treat anxiety without the use of medication, in her book Anxiety Free, Drug Free. By reinforcing positive thinking and emotional strength, Renee helps those suffering from anxiety to get back on their feet.
Although not strictly related to mental health, Career to Calling by Annie Stewart is a book for those wanting to make a change in their life but unsure how. In a time when jobs rule our day-to-day life, it’s easy to forget about your passion. As a life-long career coach, Annie guides you through the steps to take to find and follow your calling and reach a more fulfilled life.
Reach out to a loved one for a chat, and don’t forget to ask R U OK?
If you are in need of mental health support, there are services that can help.
Head to Beyond Blue for a full list of helplines that you can call here, call 1300 22 4636, or visit their website for more.
The launch of Storytime
August marked a time to celebrate children’s literature – from the much-loved Book Week, to the launch of Jane Sullivan’s Storytime. And what a time to talk about a love of literature and the impact it has on our lives – both young and old.
Earlier in the month, Readings Carlton hosted the Melbourne launch of Storytime, featuring an enthralling and engaging conversation between Jane and literary editor of The Age, Jason Steger.
This week, Newtown’s Better Read Than Dead hosted a conversation with Jane and deputy editor of Spectrum, Melanie Kembrey.
The rooms were filled with book lovers and authors of all genres including Andy Griffiths, Angela Savage, Angela Meyer, Leah Kaminsky, Lee Kofman, Emily Bitto and more.
Jane spoke of her childhood with her head buried in books, reading stories late into the night. She spoke of her parents’ love of literature and art, which they undoubtedly passed on to her. Jane even mentioned how words enthralled her so much that she even took time to read the cornflake cereal packet – just to have something to read. And she spoke of how her love for literature has guided her career as a journalist and as an author.
Jump into Storytime with Jane, and find yourself lost in a world of adventure, nostalgia, and unique voices that will guide you through the years to come.
Jane Sullivan with Melanie Kembrey at Better Read Than Dead
Ventura Recommends: August
Ventura staff live and breathe words, so we’ve always got our noses buried in a book, or our ears plugged into a podcast, or our eyes glued to the next zeitgeist film or series. Here’s a list of our favourites this winter season.
READ
Three Women by Lisa Taddeo
‘The global buzz was huge so I bought the book the day of release and read over a weekend. It is a bleak morality tale told through intimate portrait of three white middle class American women as they seek sexual and emotional fulfilment. We see woman as complicit, woman as abused, woman as used. It is harrowing and dispiriting that so little has changed.’ - Jane Curry
No More Boats by Felicity Castagna
‘Superbly crafted and thoughtfully rendered story of Western Sydney and the tensions surrounding otherness. It won the Prime Minister’s Literary Award in 2017 for a good reason, and even though it’s a couple of years old now, I’m finding the themes remain starkly relevant.’ - Zoe Hale
Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney
‘I devoured Rooney’s Normal People in the span of a wintery day, so of course I was enthused to pick up her debut novel, which proved equally as intriguing. The diverse, intimate and somewhat controversial portrayal of people and relationships left me thinking and wanting more. Rooney’s writing is so effortless, yet so intelligent – the best kind.’ - Sophie Hodge
LISTEN TO
The Garret Podcast
‘I am a new convert to The Garret and now can’t walk my dog without an episode ready to play. I enjoy hearing authors talk about the craft of writing and their inspirations. It restores my faith in the creativity and passion in the industry. ‘ - JC
How to Fail with Elizabeth Day
‘For anyone who has ever struggled creatively or in a business – this is a wonderfully cooling balm for soothing those burns of failure. I love Elizabeth, she is such a gifted interviewer and journalist, allowing her guest to share their vulnerable experiences with ease.’ - ZH
Offline by Alison Rice
‘Offline’s premise is honest conversations with people you may know and love through social media. I’ve always been interested in people and what makes them tick, so these raw, emotional and interesting conversations are perfect. Plus, Alison’s voice sounds like smooth butter (a win when you’re listening to an hour-long talk).’ - SH
WATCH
Chernobyl Season 1
‘Wow. This is the new world of streaming at is finest. The acting, the production design, the cinematography is astoundingly good. And as it is a true story , the events gnaw away at your sense of security as we know a nuclear disaster could happen again. Compelling viewing.’ - JC
The Handmaid’s Tale season 3
‘I’m loving this season – it’s more about the resistance, the fight against oppression. And all the female characters have such depth and are so compelling. It makes for an intense watch though, I can’t watch more than two episodes at a time.’ - ZH
Our Planet
‘I am a self-confessed lover of nature documentaries, particularly those narrated by David Attenborough. Our Planet’s breathtaking cinematography forces us to take a long, hard look at the planet we are living on and begs us to make implement change for the future. If you take anything from the show, go and buy a keep cup or try cutting out plastic. It’s life changing.’ - SH
Lee Kofman's latest book, Split, launches in Melbourne and Sydney
June saw the launch of Lee Kofman’s latest work, Split - an anthology of work featuring stories of leaving, loss and new beginnings from some of Australia’s most admired authors. After being in the works for a couple of years, Split has finally come to life.
Lee summed up the beginnings of this book on endings…
“Two years ago, a writer’s dream came true for me. Jane Curry of Ventura Press suggested I edit an anthology of personal essays about endings. We’ll call it Split, she said. I was thrilled. Split is the kind of ending that makes me think of wounds, pain, blood, bile. It’s an ending where the stakes are just as high as the suffering endured. Death, exile, the leaving of a beloved, the passing of youth. The kind of ending from where a lot of great literature springs: Antigone, The Tempest, The Cherry Orchard…
On a personal level, too, the theme felt urgent to me, having done by now two migrations and three marriages. What mattered to me was that this anthology, as a whole, wouldn’t sit in the realm of so-called inspirational self-help. I wanted real life, not a fantasy, on Split pages, and, luckily, contributors delivered just that.”
The Melbourne launch was held at The Avenue Bookstore, launched by award-winning novelist Sofie Laguna in conversation with Dmetri Kakmi and Kate Goldsworthy. The room was filled with friends, family, writers and readers, and everyone left in stitches of laughter.
The Sydney launch, held upstairs at Better Read Than Dead, was launched by accomplished journalist Tracey Spicer, in conversation with Peter Bishop, Sunil Badami and Kerri Sackville, who discussed their writing process and the emotional aftermath of each of their ‘splits’.
Of the writing process, Peter Bishop said “Lee has enabled us to become more of ourselves than we knew we could be.” And Lee, speaking of editing such complex tales, said she witnessed how emotionally and artistically taxing the essays were for many of the authors.
“I saw the discomfort, doubt and feelings of vulnerability that were their companions during the writing process. Yet it was these difficult companions who also made the resulting works real, deep, and exciting.”
With words of wisdom from all involved, and many signed copies leaving the bookstores, the launch of Split proved to be a success.
You can find out more about Split and Lee Kofman here
After She Left Launch in Canberra
Last night the National Library of Australia was filled with literary lovers, avid readers and all those in support of Penelope Hanley’s latest novel, After She Left.
A full house at The National Library of Australia
After She Left was our May champion for Ventura’s imprint, Impact Press. It’s a compelling and mysterious story of hidden identities, forbidden love and the power of feminism, set in the bohemian art scene of twentieth-century Sydney.
We love this book not only for the striking cover (it’s been a huge hit on Instagram), but for the intricately researched history of Sydney which weaves its way throughout the story.
The NLA was packed with people listening to Penelope speak with passion and ease about the book’s creation, and was officially ‘launched’ into the world by award-winning author John Clanchy.
A room abuzz with energy as people wait for their signed copy of After She Left
A proud stack of books waiting to be sold
Author Penelope Hanley signing copies
The Age of Discretion Launched by Robyn Nevin AM
Virginia Duigan’s latest novel, The Age of Discretion, was launched on Tuesday 12 March by Robyn Nevin AM, at Gleebooks.
Every seat in the bookstore was filled, buzzing with energy from literary critics, readers and writers alike, actors, directors, film reviewers and opera fanatics.
Robyn Nevin AM gave a speech that moved the audience to laughter, smiles and nearly tears - just as she says of the book:
A full house at Gleebooks
“I loved this deeply insightful and very funny novel. I was deeply engaged, deeply amused and deeply moved. To tears.”
The Age of Discretion begins when the sex in Vivien Quarry’s thirty-two-year marriage has dwindled to nothing, and her husband Geoff finally gives her a reason: ‘Men are hardwired to not find older women attractive’. At sixty-seven, she most definitely doesn’t feel ‘past it’, and so enlists the services of the enigmatic Martin Glover from The Discretion Agency. Viv embarks on a number of hilarious and somewhat cringe-worthy dates - all with the purpose of proving that living, and love, is not only for the young.
Bruce Beresford, Robyn Nevin, Virginia Duigan and Nicolas Hammond
“I found comfort with these people, a fond familiarity, a deep connection. I love my life, but I thought, while immersed in Viv’s life, in her world, that that was where I wanted to be, in that London, in Viv and Geoff’s lived-in comfortable house, in Julia’s glamorous flower filled apartment, or maybe in Joy’s cosy home stitching quilts amongst ‘the feminist quilting circle’…
“And then there’s the inner commentary. Viv, while conducting the awkward initial conversations with her Discretion dates, in a variety of cafes and bars, offers us a vivid running-inner commentary. Hilarious. I marveled at her ability to be so mentally cool and analytical while looking into the eyes of strangers with whom, without any initial spark of any kind, she was actually determining whether she might, quite soon, embark on sexual acts…”
Bruce Beresford and Virginia Duigan
Following a long chain of clapping from the audience, Virginia began her speech. She confirms that the text is definitely not autobiographical (contrary to the belief of many persistent questioners).
“People often persist with this line of questioning, and ask whether I do much research before I start writing. They particularly tend to ask this if they already have some idea of the subject matter. I have in the past made use of anecdotal evidence, and this book is no exception.
“Some of these, the more hair-raising aspects, could be described as total sexual fiascos. Being by nature a cautious person, and also a former journalist, I think of those who supplied me with such details as my sources. And one's sources, as we all know, must remain nameless.”
We couldn’t be happier to have brought Virginia’s book to the world.
To find out more (and perhaps purchase your own copy) click here.
Signing copies
Ventura Launches 2019 List
The Ventura Press team officially launched their 2019 book list this week at The Royal Hotel in Paddington. The room was abuzz with energy from authors, booksellers, book-lovers, agents, writers and of course, the (small but mighty) Ventura Press team.
Ventura’s Director, Jane Curry, gave a small speech to highlight the year ahead, saying ‘this is the list I’ve always wanted to publish.’
2019 promises a mix of fiction and non-fiction titles, from Virginia' Duigan’s London rom-com-esque The Age of Discretion; to Blanche d’Alpuget’s historical series The Birth of the Plantagenets; all the way to Lee Kofman’s anthology of works featuring Australian writers’ tales of leaving, loss and new beginnings, Split, which is set to release in June; and bestselling author Katherine Johnson’s October release Paris Savages.
The year will also feature some first-time authors, such as Craig Ensor’s The Warming – a dystopian novel set in 2221 when the earth is on the brink of death from climate change; and Penelope Hanley’s Sydney-based fiction following the lives of three women in an artistic family, After She Left. Ventura will also publish Jane Sullivan’s bibliomemoir, Storytime; and Melanie Dimmitt’s uplifting non-fiction Special: antidotes to the obsessions that come with a child’s disability.
Following the February release Slice Girls by Joan Arakkal, which has gained much media attention, and two shortlisted prizes for A Superior Spectre (August 2018), Ventura has started the year with a bang and this celebration is just the beginning.
Thank you to all of those who came along to celebrate, and to those who were there in spirit from around the country. Ventura looks forward to all the good things set to come this year!
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Photos: Sophie Hodge
A Superior Spectre is Shortlisted for Two Literary Prizes
Ventura Press’ August 2018 title A Superior Spectre by Angela Meyer has been shortlisted for two literary awards the past week.
The novel, which is a unique blend of science fiction, futuristic dystopia and feminist issues, has been shortlisted for the Aurealis Award for Best Science Fiction Novel 2018, and for the MUD Literary Prize 2019.
This comes following the acquisition of UK Rights to Angela’s novel by Saraband Publishing – set to release in Scotland soon.
You can buy A Superior Spectre online or from any good booksellers.
A Superior Spectre, by Angela Meyer
Ventura Author Launches Writing Award
Caroline Van de Pol, author of Back to Broady, will be holding an author talk next week to launch ‘The Margaret Egan Young Writer’s Award’ named in honour of her late sister. The award has been established to commemorate her sister’s life, and to support a young person (aged 15 to 18 years) in order to pursue their passion for writing.
Van de Pol hopes the award will honour her sister, who passed away tragically at the age of 25, and the love her sister had for the Arts. ‘Writing helped her during difficult periods as she lived with the challenges of schizophrenia and overwhelming grief following the early death of our parents.’ Van der pol elaborated.
Prize money to the value of $1500 will be distributed between two winners, categorised into two age brackets. The prize is funded and administered by Caroline van de Pol herself, and she has been working closely with Writer’s Victoria to develop the award which will be announced as part of the Broadmeadows Festival program in April next year.
Van de Pol hopes the award will encourage young writers to pursue their dreams; ‘Throughout my life, I have had the benefit of great support in teachers, university lecturers and career mentors so I’m hoping that maybe I can help someone else to dream big, to support and encourage them as they ‘have a go’ at something new.’
Workshops to mentor and aid young writers in preparing their submission will be held on Tuesday 9 and 30 October at the Council Chambers downstairs from Broadmeadows Library. Caroline wishes to offer the same level of support she has received over her many years as a writer to anyone aspiring.
With a focus on community the winner(s) would also be promoted to highlight the positive aspects of the diverse community of the Broadmeadows region, celebrating the contributions of young people committed to achieving their best.
The Author Talk to launch the inaugural Margaret Egan Young Writers Award will be held on Friday 14 September at 11am at Broadmeadows Library.
Ventura Press welcomes Blanche d’Alpuget to its growing, female-focused fiction list
Ventura Press, one of Sydney’s leading independent publishers, is delighted to announce it has acquired world rights to the Birth of the Plantagenets series by bestselling novelist Blanche d’Alpuget.
The Birth of the Plantagenets is a sumptuous, rich historical fiction series about two of history’s most compelling characters, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II, and will appeal to fans of Wolf Hall and Game of Thrones.
The first two books in the series, The Young Lion and The Lion Rampant, will be re-launched in December 2018, followed by the publication of the third book, The Lion’s Torment, in April 2019.
‘It is often forgotten in the blaze of media attention she receives that Blanche is foremost an established author of powerful prize-winning novels, and one of the leading ladies of Australian fiction,’ says Jane Curry, publisher and director of Ventura Press.
‘With our focus on publishing strong female Australian authors, we’re incredibly excited to be able to complete Blanche’s historical fiction series, and introduce her writing to a new generation of readers.’
D’Alpuget joins a large group of female fiction authors being published in the second half of 2018 at Ventura, including award-winning Katherine Johnson with her third novel Matryoshka (October), and debut novelists Angela Meyer (A Superior Spectre, August), Karyn Sepulveda (Letters to My Yesterday, September), and Joanna Baker (The Slipping Place, November).
Rights were sold by Jeanne Ryckmans at the Cameron Creswell Agency.
The Young Lion and The Lion Rampant are being release in December 2018. RRP $29.99.
Neon Pilgrim is now an audiobook, and we're giving away TWO free copies!
Lisa Dempster's Neon Pilgrim has been released as an audiobook on Audible, and to celebrate we're giving away TWO free copies!
Lisa Dempster’s fascinating and wonderful book is now available as an audiobook on Audible. To celebrate we’re giving away TWO free copies!!
In Neon Pilgrim, Lisa Dempster tells her captivating story of walking back to health on the henro michi, an arduous 1200 kilometre Buddhist pilgrimage through the mountains of Japan, with hilarious honesty and poignancy.
For entry details please check out our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/VenturaPress/
You can also purchase Neon Pilgrim as an audiobook through Audible, or purchase a copy of the ebook on Amazon or a print copy on Booktopia.
Entries close 17/01/2018
We're wrapping up 2017 as a Nielsen Heatseeker!
We knew we were good but now it’s official!
Today is our last day at Ventura for 2017 and champagne is at the ready to celebrate our brilliant year.
We end the year being named an Indie Heatseeker by Nielsen BookScan for most improved sales in the sector.
So, what did we do in 2017?
We published engaging diverse stories from the very best Australian authors. Think Dr Simon Longstaff’s Everyday Ethics, Lisa Dempster’s Neon Pilgrim, Professor Gordon Parker’s In Two Minds and ended the year with a new B-format edition of Katherine Johnson’s wonderful The Better Son.
A highlight for me was the launch of Peter Bishop Books in May – curated by the national living treasure Peter Bishop (ex-Varuna). It is an absolute honour to know Peter and to publish Caroline van de Pol and Nick Gleeson, our first two authors published on the new imprint. Charlotte Wood launched the list for us at Gleebooks with a very moving speech. A PB for me.
After a soft launch in 2016 we launched our new imprint Impact Press – which showcases start up authors and diverse stories. The launch title Escape from Berlin by Peter Nash sold out on release.
Booksellers loved our beautiful covers and the media engaged with our authors in authentic and meaningful ways. Our inaugural trip to the Beijing Book Fair was a parenting-book sell out and Amazon’s Audible loved our list and bought up big.
Add the professionalism of our distribution partner Simon and Schuster Australia and you have independent publishing at its best.
So take a break now to enjoy Christmas and the long shimmering days of summer in Sydney.
We will be back on 8 January to see our 2018 list go out into the world. Watch out for Paul Harris’ Odd Boy Out – an intimate family history bridging England and the Antipodes, the arresting memoir Girl Over The Edge by Kim Hodges and Angela Meyer’s stunning debut novel A Superior Spectre. Oh and don’t miss out on the colonial family history Convicted by Peter Bradley for Father’s Day.
So that’s a wrap from Ventura.
We wish you all a happy Christmas - see you in the new year.
Jane
The Many Ways of Seeing has been added to the Vision Australia Library!
We are thrilled to share that Nick Gleeson’s wonderful memoir, The Many Ways of Seeing, has been added to Vision Australia’s online library. The Vision Australia Library opens up a world of information to people who are blind, have low vision, or a print disability by providing free access to thousands of audio books, magazines, newspapers and podcasts.
Jane Curry, director and publisher of Ventura Press and director of the Australian Publishers Association (APA), recently attended the APA Marrakesh Treaty Forum, which looked at strategies to make print material accessible to people with a print disability.
“Through working with the participants at the Marrakesh Treaty Forum I realised how vital it is that vision impaired persons have equal access to published books. How wonderful that Nick Gleeson’s The Many Ways of Seeing has been added to the Vision Australia Library,” Jane says.
To listen to The Many Ways of Seeing on the Vision Australia Library visit: http://www.visionaustralia.org/services/library
Praise for The Many Ways of Seeing
'Whether he is recalling the joys of going mushrooming with his father or the smell of mandarins when he was told of his mother's death, this unorthodox memoir vividly demonstrates the "many ways of seeing" through touch, smell and sound that a blind person experiences.' SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
'A generous and moving story' THE AUSTRALIAN
'This book is honest, insightful and refreshing. Recommended.' KATHRYN'S INBOX
'Poignant, honest and open, Gleeson takes us on a journey of incredible fortitude, everyday courage.' READING, WRITING AND RIESLING
The Better Son to be released in B-format this December
We are thrilled to announce that Katherine Johnson’s award-winning Tasmanian novel The Better Son will be released in B-format in December, 2017. This is a fantastic result of the ongoing success of the novel, which was originally released in October 2016. The Better Son is a richly imaginative and universal story about the danger of secrets, the beauty in forgiveness and the enthralling power of Tasmania’s unique natural landscapes.
It is the winner of:
The University of Tasmania Prize (Tasmanian Literary Awards 2013)
People’s Choice Award for an Unpublished Manuscript by an Emerging Writer (Tasmanian Literary Awards 2013)
The Varuna HarperCollins Manuscript Development Award 2013
And longlisted for:
The Tasmania Book Prize 2017
The Indie Book Awards 2017 in Fiction
We are so pleased with the books success and the excellent praise it continues to receive. This is an amazing achievement for Katherine and her novel The Better Son. Be sure to pick up a copy in-store or from our website here. RRP $19.99.
PRAISE FOR THE BETTER SON:
'The Better Son maps an emotional landscape as shifting and precarious as the limestone country so splendidly evoked here. Katherine Johnson is a sure-footed guide to lives hollowed out by secrets that reach deep into the past.' MICHELLE DE KRETSER, Miles Franklin Literary Award winner
'A fabulous read: moving, haunting, at times devastating, redemptive, and so evocative of the Mole Creek area.' Vern Field, editor of ISLAND MAGAZINE
'A gripping story of loss, trauma and the devastating impact of family secrets, The Better Son is a literary thriller that haunts the reader well beyond its final page.'
RACHEL POWER, author of Creativity and Motherhood: The Divided Heart
China - our publishing neighbour
Jane Curry, Director of the Australian Publishers Association and Director and Publisher of Ventura Press, reflects on her first Beijing Book Fair.
Paul Keating had it right – we are an Asian nation.
Having spent many years travelling the world for my publishing business, I have just returned from my first visit to Beijing and am an evangelist for the pivot to China.
I had a glimpse of the potential of the Chinese market when Chinese rights to one of my books were sold through an agent. When a very substantial amount of money appeared in my bank account six months later I knew I was onto something. Over 30,000 copies had been sold in six months. So, with good business instincts, I followed the money...
The Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF) is now in its 14th year and in my capacity of Director of the Australian Publishers Association, I headed a delegation of five independent publishers on our very first Beijing outing. And I am pleased to report our inaugural visit was a resounding success.
Why has it taken so long to discover our neighbours?
The English language publishing business is run across empire lines. Books are ‘sent’ from one heart of this empire, the UK, to the colonies as export sales. It was only recently that literary agents actually split ANZ rights from UK. On the other side of the Atlantic, American rights are traded independently of the UK. Consequently, the English language publishing industry has traded as a UK/US alliance viewing translation markets as a secondary market, often prioritising Europe over China.
Publishers trade in intellectual property. We sell ‘rights’ – the right to publish a book in a specified market. The book is translated by the local partner and published into the market under their imprint.
The Frankfurt Book Fair, held annually in October, is the global behemoth of rights fairs. You are really not in publishing unless you are at the Frankfurt Book Fair. English language sales, German language, and European and South American markets dominate, while the Asian markets (which the UK calls the ‘Far East’) are seen as second tier.
The relative new Beijing Book Fair refreshingly showcases a world not dominated by the major European or US players. The Chinese publishing market is mature, profitable, self-sustaining and now export-oriented. According to the China Publisher’s Yearbook, more than 444,000 titles are published annually, resulting in a $12.4bn industry in China, the largest in the world after the US.
Rising disposable incomes and the fast-growing Chinese middle class have created new market opportunities for many segments. For example, with the lifting of the one-child policy, 3 million babies are born every year resulting in 370 million Chinese under the age of 18. So, as you can imagine, parenting is a booming genre.
Although the Chinese book market has liberalised significantly in the past 20 years, publishing remains one of the country’s most tightly regulated industries. All of the 582 official publishers are state-run, with private publishers officially banned. People were amazed that I privately owned my own publishing business. I was even asked how I managed motherhood and business. It is clearly a question that resonates in every market.
I met with my existing contacts and made many new ones. The Chinese are keen to trade, export their unique culture through their own books whilst translating our books into their lists. Unlike the Australian publishing industry, they revere longevity and backlist bestsellers. Many of the younger generation publishers spoke English so the language barrier is workable, although we did have a translator with us as backup.
I returned completely invigorated that as an independent Australian publisher we have accessed the booming Chinese book market with our own intellectual property, and with much more business to come – and all with no jet lag.
