Writing and Publishing
Best opportunities, grants & awards for creatives this week
20 to 26 April 2026: opportunities include a residency in Alice Springs and micro-grants for Western Sydney creatives.
Hey Orwell: thousands of AI‑written, edited or ‘polished’ books are being sold
Orwell imagined 'novel-writing machines' capable of mass-producing literature – and here we are, in 2026 ...
Anna Poletti, hello, world? author: 'Sexual desire is so inconvenient and ungovernable'
Australian author Anna Poletti's debut novel delves into digital intimacy, fascism and gender experiences in Australia and Hungary.
The Paradise Pact by Anita Heiss review: a beach read with a backstory
Heiss' The Paradise Pact is a holiday read with history lessons woven into every page.
Stella Prize: 2026 shortlist announced
The Stella Prize has unveiled its 2026 shortlist, featuring six works by Australian women and non-binary writers.
Department of the Vanishing review: Johanna Bell's lyrical novel is 'monumentally memorable'
Known for her children's picture books, Johanna Bell has stepped boldly into adult fiction with the remarkable Department of the…
Griefdogg review: Michael Winkler pulls Australian fiction in brave new directions
Michael Winkler's second novel, Griefdogg, follows a father who wants to give it all up and become the family pet.
Writing retreats – a modern-day luxury most writers can’t actually afford
Victoria Brownlee, author of the suspense novel The Writers Retreat, weighs up whether writing retreats are actually worth it.
The Season for Flying Saucers review: Brendan Colley's UFO story is profound and very human
Brendan Colley's second novel, The Season for Flying Saucers, is full of surprises.
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy wins Indie Book Awards 2026 Book of the Year
The Indie Book Awards have recognised six category winners for 2026.