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:: 2015 – A Year Of Australian Writing

December 7, 2014

a-year-of-australian-writing

If you know me (gee, I say that quite often, don’t I?!) you will know that every year I set myself a bit of a challenge, a bit of a mindful framework to promote good habits and good health. This year (2014) it was A Year Of Ethical Fashion. Last year I did A Year Without Booze. There were other years too, except the challenges were a little less public. I’m all for making big changes to make life better. I like to improve, you know?

Next year will be no different. In 2015, I thought I’d set myself the challenge of reading as many Australian books, as much Australian writing, as I can. I’m going to make my default ‘Australian Writing’ and I’m going to devour as many local stories as possible. I want to do this for all kinds of reasons: to promote local writers, to revisit Australian classics, to experience and revel in Australian stories, for starters.

My version of A Year Of Australian Writing will go something like this:

I do solemnly swear to read as many Australian authored books, blogs and articles as I can over 2015.
I’m going to swear off all non-Australian fiction, just for 12 months. (I’ll catch up on those books in 2016!)
I will detail the books and things I read here on my blog (and also on Instagram under the #ayearofaustralianwriting tag).
I will regularly give away ace examples of Australian books on my blog.
I will interview interesting people about their favourite Australian writers.
I will interview Australian writers too, if they will let me.

Perhaps you would like to join in too?

+ I’ve created a Good Reads group here so we can share the books we like or are reading more easily.
+ You can follow and chat along with my posts next year, right here on this blog too.
+ Also, you can add a button to your blog – find those here. Download a button in your favourite colour and then link back to this post so people can work out what we’re doing (and maybe join in too!)? Cool!

australian-writing

I’m excited to see how this affects my own writing and point of view. I’m excited to discover new favourites and revisit old friends.  Mostly I’m excited to read some cracking books!

How about you? Is this something you’d consider doing, too?

xx Pip

20 Comments

  • Reply MKKAUF January 12, 2015 at 5:36 PM

    wHEN YOU GET TO kATE Morton ,YOU WILL LOVE HER!!!!!! LOVE YOUR IDEAS!!!!

  • Reply Kim Hine December 22, 2014 at 8:25 PM

    Hi Pip.
    I have set up a new bit in my blog and taken one of your badges, I have one question..
    Colleen McCullough.. she was born and started writing in Australia but now lives in Norfolk Island.. can we still include her in our “Aussie” Authors?

    • Reply Meet Me At Mikes December 22, 2014 at 8:50 PM

      I think so. She’s described as an Australian author on Wikipedia, so let’s go with that! Thanks for joining in! x

      • Reply Kim Hine December 22, 2014 at 8:56 PM

        Awesome thank you!!

  • Reply Claire Zorn December 22, 2014 at 12:42 PM

    Hi Pip! My YA book, The Protected, is on the shortlist for the 2015 Vic Premier’s Award. If you were up for it, I’d be more than happy to do an author Q&A for your blog as part of your Year of Australian Writing. PS. Your blog taught me to crochet and I find it a wonderful remedy for writer’s block. x

    • Reply Meet Me At Mikes December 22, 2014 at 6:16 PM

      Oh man! GO YOU! I am going to seek this book out. YES I AM! Let’s chat next year, FOR SURE. Thanks for piping up, too! MERRY, MERRY! x

  • Reply Kim Hine December 15, 2014 at 11:08 AM

    You know, I do have a pile of Bryce Courtney books here that I haven’t read, and a few other Aussie authors.
    I reckon I could take on this challenge which would also step into my “Read a Million pages” challenge…
    Reannon… you are such a minx!!

  • Reply Natalia h December 10, 2014 at 6:21 AM

    I’m from Chile but, somehow, I ended up reading a bunch of Australian authors this year! And I liked ALL the books I read, so go for it! I’m sure you’ll have a blast reading.

    I love what you’ve picked so far, from your picture. I strongly recommend reading The Light Between Oceans. It was my favorite of all the ones I read last year.

  • Reply Justine December 9, 2014 at 9:31 PM

    Great idea. I read mostly Australian writing this year. Here are my recommendations http://justinehyde.wordpress.com/2014/12/07/my-favourite-books-of-2014/

  • Reply pia December 9, 2014 at 10:01 AM

    I’m in Pip! What a great idea. I’m going to read as much Australian writing as I can (it’s a big love already) although I can’t promise other writings won’t creep in during the year! Love the idea of reflecting upon how this challenge might affect your own writing and point of view. I’m going to think about that too!

  • Reply Saartje December 8, 2014 at 10:31 AM

    That sounds like a wonderful challenge, Pip! I don’t think I can commit to a year of only Australian writing (my massive to-read list won’t let me), but I definitely want to read more and further explore Australian fiction. I actually started reading Tim Winton’s Dirt Music only yesterday. I hope I’ll like it!

    • Reply Meet Me At Mikes December 8, 2014 at 4:02 PM

      Tim Winton is great! I loved Cloudstreet so much… have you read that? It’s super special. I might read that again next year, actually… xx

  • Reply Lisette December 8, 2014 at 10:21 AM

    Kate Morton is AMAZING do not begin this book if you have other stuff you need to get done as it is so very addictive! I’m pretty sure I powered through all of her books in the space of two weeks and ignored everyone and everything while I was doing it… but I like this idea, I will join along!

    • Reply Meet Me At Mikes December 8, 2014 at 4:03 PM

      I am yet to read it – it’s totally on the list (and as you can see, in the pile!) for next year. Thanks for the mini review! x

  • Reply Kate // Word Love December 8, 2014 at 9:43 AM

    Excellent! Can’t wait to follow along and share the journey. K x

  • Reply Lisa December 7, 2014 at 11:46 PM

    Great Idea Pip. This year I am working my way through the Australian Women’s Writers Challenge…I nominated 15 Aussie books to read, can’t wait to see who you feature.

  • Reply Reannon @shewhorambles December 7, 2014 at 11:14 PM

    I LOVE IT!!!

    I’ve a read few book you have recommended so I like the idea of playing along with this too. I’ve got a little challenge up my sleeve for next year too & now I’ve seen you have a fancy button for your challenge I want a button for mine too! And guess what? I know how to make one all thanks to you xx

    • Reply Reannon @shewhorambles December 7, 2014 at 11:15 PM

      Gosh, how many times can I say the word “too”?! I need to start using the word “also” …..

  • Reply Lisa December 7, 2014 at 11:04 PM

    I love this idea! I am in a monthly book club so I’m not sure how I’ll go fitting it into the monthly themes but I will try my best. And one recommendation for you: Blood by Tony Birch if you haven’t read it already. Kind of intense but kind of great x

  • Reply Karin @ Calm to Conniption December 7, 2014 at 8:36 PM

    Wow! I can’t believe a whole year has passed. It feels like just yesterday I was reading your post about going a year without booze and that you were thinking of keeping it going.
    Love Aussie writers! Have only recently gotten into Tim Winton and OH MY GOSH! So good. Love Breath.
    Liane Moriarty is also a big favourite.

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