We are now POST LOCKDOWN in Melbourne and we discuss the first things we did with our new found freedom. Katherine is on the home stretch of editing Book 2 and Kate is recovering from her Instagram takeover. (Also reminding you about our little GIVEAWAY over on our Instagram this week)
Our Agony Aunt Charlotte Wood answers a question about writer envy and how to get on with it. We know this one will resonate! Charlotte refers to Austin Kleon and a podcast recording of herself discussing writer envy with Alison Manning (who we also interview way back in Series 1).
Then Kate speaks with singer, songwriter and now novelist, Nardi Simpson.
Nardi Simpson is a Yuwaalaraay writer, musician, composer and educator from the freshwater plains of North West NSW. A founding member of folk duo the Stiff Gins, Nardi has been performing nationally and internationally for 20 years. Her debut novel, Song of the Crocodile was a 2018 winner of a black&write! writing fellowship and has just been published in September 2020 with Hachette.
This discussion explores:
- First experiences of story telling (and the memorable Miss Quinn)
- Storytelling via different modes and mediums (More in Nardi’s Q&A with the Feminist Writers Festival)
- Songwriting background with the Stiff Gins
- Importance of mentors like Emily Maguire via Writing NSW and the black&write! Fellowship (check out our interviews with other black&write! recipients Claire G Coleman and Jannali Jones)
- The concept of ‘everywhen’ (originally discussed in Nardi’s interview with Richard Fidler)
- Telling stories of trauma and violence and how to hold this as a writer and for the reader
- ‘Divine help’ and the writing process
- Writing in Gamilaraay Language
- Lisa Fuller’s article Why Culturally Aware Reviews Matter
- The Blackfulla Bookclub
Nardi’s advice: Trust Yourself
Recommended reading:
Guwayu – For All Times, A collection of First Nations Poems edited by Jeanine Leane
We are thrilled to release this episode in NAIDOC Week 2020 and we urge listeners to help celebrate this week by heading out and purchasing Song of the Crocodile, or any book from a First Nations writer from a local bookstore. Find out more about Nardi on her website or follow her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
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