Susan Midalia and Laurie Steed discuss their latest novels, Western Australian books to watch and the very special art of mentoring
In this special Love to Read Local edition of the Fremantle Press podcast, novelist, journalist and Fogarty Literary Award shortlister, Emma Young, interviews her writing mentor Laurie Steed as well as her writing mentor’s mentor, Susan Midalia. Sound complicated? It’s not, it’s awesome.
The podcast highlights the supportive network of Western Australian writers who, while working on their own craft and their own manuscripts, give back by helping less experienced writers develop their craft. The fact that Laurie and Susan have been particularly active in the mentoring space is strongly evident here as they discuss a long list of new and forthcoming Western Australian books they’re excited about – many of which they’ve read as early manuscripts.
Susan and Laurie are both avid and intelligent readers, and skilled writers of short stories, which get a special mention here. If you’ve ever thought a short story is just a precursor to a novel, think again. This podcast will help you understand why the short story is its very own art form!
SHOW NOTES
About Love to Read Local by Writing WA
Love to Read Local is a state-wide, online celebration of Western Australian stories, books and writers. While we remain at a social distance in the physical world, let’s get socially closer in the digital world. Visit the Love to Read Local website to connect with other readers, tell us which local books you love to read and perhaps inspire others to read those books too!
Books by Emma Young
The Last Bookshop (coming soon, Fremantle Press 2021)
Emma’s website: https://damagecatastrophic.com/
Emma on socials @Emma_J_Young on Twitter @EmmaYoungWrites on Facebook
Books by Laurie Steed
Shibboleth & other stories (editor)
Nova by Laurie Steed (coming soon, TBC)
Laurie’s website: https://www.lauriesteed.com/
Laurie on socials: @LaurieSteedAuthor on Facebook and Instagram
Books by Susan Midalia
Everyday Madness (coming soon, Fremantle Press 2021)
The History of the Beanbag and other stories
Feet to the Stars and other stories
An Unknown Sky and other stories
Susan’s website https://susanmidalia.com/
Susan on socials @SusanMidalia on Twitter
Other books, authors and resources mentioned on the podcast
Jane Austen
Eye of a Rook by Josephine Taylor (February 2021, Fremantle Press)
Fabulous Lives by Bindy Pritchard
Father of the Lost Boys by Yuot A. Alaak
‘Five Short Stories You Must Read’ by Wayne Marshall
Hovering by Rhett Davis (winner of Prize for an Unpublished Manuscript, Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards)
Locust Summer by David Allan-Petale (coming soon, Fremantle Press 2021)
The Good Turn by Dervla McTiernan
The Night Village (formerly known as ‘She Came To Stay’) by Zoe Deleuil (coming soon, Fremantle Press 2021)
The Salt Madonna by Catherine Noske
The Boat on Trusting Street by Mel Hall (formerly known as ‘The Shapes’, coming soon, Fremantle Press 2021)
Ways of Being Here (various authors)
Well Behaved Women by Emily Paull
‘Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?’ Joyce Carol Oates – a short story available in many anthologies and in this edition from Rutgers University Press edited by Elaine Showalter.
Awards mentioned
Peter Carey Short Story Award
Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards
Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards
Mentoring providers mentioned
Centre for Stories Mentoring Program
Four Centres Emerging Writers Program
Westerly Writers’ Development Program
Music: ‘Letter to a Daughter of St George’, from the Meat Lunch EP: Songs from Floaters. Written by Alan Fyfe. Performed by Trevor Bentley (guitar and vocals – @trevormb) and Chris Parkinson (harmonica). Produced by Blake Carnaby of Nuglife studios with impresario work by Benjamin P. Newton.
Producer: Claire Miller
Mastered and edited by: Aidan d’Adhemar
Sponsor: This show was made possible with a grant from the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund.