two failures
Received a rejection email from The Sun Magazine for a piece of creative nonfiction I submitted in November.
Received a rejection email from Overland for a piece of fiction entered into the 2024 Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize.
six submissions
Submitted a new piece of fiction about womanhood, science and violence to the Sorrento Prize.
Reworked a piece of fiction, after brilliant feedback from Julie Koh, about sport and rumours for the Peter Carey Short Story Award.
Rewrote a piece of fiction about children and parents, and submitted it to the Hope Prize.
Wrote a pitch for KYD about bodies, relationships and women athletes.
Submitted a piece of fiction to Russh for their literary showcase, and 6. a piece of nonfiction to its magazine.
two releases
Saw the The Intricacy of Magpies, written more than seven years ago, nestled as a physical form in a Meanjin edition.
Worked with Damian Arsenis and Kein to publish a new edition of The Fallacy in their newsletter.
(Thank you, Tim, Luuuc, and everybody who has interacted with the piece publicly or messaged me privately. I have been overwhelmed by the generous level of engagement.)
eight pieces of art consumed
Read Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Read Love Match by Clare Fletcher.
Read (listened to) New Animal by Ella Baxter.
Witnessed the wedding of Katie Brennan and Olivia Christie in the rain.
Attended a skit in Las Vegas by a comedian called Ginger Billy — thought his humour was benevolent and intelligent for a considerable amount of the performance, then he started ‘joking’ about the genitalia of transgender people, and violence, and he became promptly unfunny.
Watched Circus Soleil (Mad Apple), also in Las Vegas, with Tessa Lavey and Isabel Huntington — the show single-handedly made up for Las Vegas.
Watched the Casey Demons verse Port Melbourne in the VFLW.
Started The Strays by Emily Bitto.
four reasons for gratitude
Was followed on Instagram by Katerina Gibson, the author of internationally-acclaimed short story Fertile Soil. I was logically required to send this talented stranger a composed, dispassionate greeting — and Katerina replied she had not only read my writing but, with a double-mouthed smiling face, enjoyed it.
Received beautiful, detailed feedback from Kerryn Mitchell in response to No Capital: How Much Does Change Really Cost? I will be politely asking her to share excerpts for the inaugural bst thread when I am finally brave enough to open it.
Had people as respected as Robyn Maher and Michele Timms (mtimms7academy) respond with support of The Fallacy.
Saw a stream of new subscribers to bst (welcome!1) — was especially touched by those like Emma Simms who used their free read of my work in The Pick and Roll as a reason to tangibly support me, and have become a full subscriber. You all make this work possible. Thank you.
one recommendation
For Sara Blicavs, a professional athlete, business-owner and friend, who is currently recovering from back surgery. Her underwear brand is about to release a new range, including an increased number of sizes and styles. Find out when here.
one upcoming article
Finalising edits, with help from the inimitable Dean Andrews, for the next essay, A Numbers Game.
one quote
two organisations to support
OurWatch — a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the prevention of violence against women and their children in Australia.
APAN — a national coalition harnessing the passion of Australians for Palestinian human rights, justice, and equality.
Until next time x
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