It’s two years since The Airways was launched into the world from my kitchen table in Torino. Reflecting on all the things that have happened since, like getting back into Australia (just) and finding a home (also by the skin of our teeth), it’s been an epic time. I’m so grateful that the book managed to find readers, and still is, in spite of its strange start. The last few years have been so chock-full of powerful lessons, personal and professional; it has all made me quite philosophical about the public side of things. There is just so much that we can’t control as authors. Our main task is always to care for the work.

Novels take so damn long to write that by the time they make it into print you have almost forgiven them for taking over your life. They rebel against your intentions in obvious and unexpected ways, and the person who embarks on writing one is never the same person that is around for its reception. You can probably tell from the ‘damn’ that I’m in the depths of a new one right now. Happy to have carved out some solid time to work on it, even if it’s hard work. I haven’t forgiven it yet! A good time to remember the importance of surrendering to uncertainty…

I won’t reveal too much about it – instead I want to take a minute to celebrate a few books by other people. Last month I went to the launch of Ali Cobby Eckermann’s new verse novel, she is the earth – it’s extraordinary work, I can’t recommend it highly enough or really describe it, you just have to read it. I’m midway through another excellent local release from Walter Marsh, Young Rupert, and learning so much about Adelaide and the media from this rich and vivid book.

I have a very enthusiastic review of Pip Adam’s new novel Audition [$] in the current issue of ABR, I’m a huge fan of Adam’s work and I reckon this is her best yet. Also look out for my review of Chris Womersley’s new one, Ordinary Gods and Monsters, in the September issue – very on-brand and enjoyable! More ABR-related reading happened recently as a judge of the Elizabeth Jolley prize, and the winner will be announced this week – great short stories, well worth applauding.

Finally, I’ll be helping my friend Kate Larsen launch her poetry book, Public. Open. Space at Goodwood Books this Sunday the 13th. It’s at 3pm and we will be treated to readings from Kate and local fave Dominic Guerrera. There will be tea and cake! If you can’t make it to the shop, tune in to the livestream here. Do yourself a favour and pick up a copy of the book – it’s formally clever, politically charged and very moving work.