My literary digital week

However we used technology in our lives before COVID-19, we are more dependent than ever upon it now! Here’s a quick list of the digital world I’ve loved this week, with a literary theme, of course.

• K. M. Kruimink won the Australian Vogel prize this week for her debut novel, A treacherous country. I read the first chapter available through Allen and Unwin here – and want to read more!
• I’m listening to this violin soundtrack while I write my next middle-grade verse novel – one of my characters plays the violin.
• Thank goodness for Readings, our wonderful Melbourne bookshop who have closed their shop doors but are still open online. They are indeed busy – I ordered some books around Easter and found out yesterday they’re on their way.
• Dani Shapiro, New York bestselling novelist and memoirist, has a new course available through Skill Share on creating the writing life.
• My new writers’ group, formed through a retreat I did earlier, is now meeting through Zoom.
• Jess Hill recently won the Stella prize. You can see her interview with Louise Swinn when the recording is available.
• Yale University has made their most popular course, The science of wellbeing, available for free online – it’s about happiness. It’s free but you can pay around $70 to receive a certificate of completion. If you’ve always wanted to see Yale University and your name on the same piece of paper, now’s your chance!
• The Yarra Valley Writer’s Festival with big literary names such as Charlotte Wood, Alice Bishop, Clare Bowditch and many more, is now online. Tickets start at $35 with the opportunity to watch live on Saturday 9th May or watch the recordings later.
• I’m really enjoying listening to Brene Brown’s new podcast, Unlocking us. 
• How perfect is Lego Masters right now? It is the perfect family-friendly show to find some light relief from COVID-19 anxiety and stress. It might not be about books but I’m admiring the blend of creativity and architectural precision needed. Mr 10 is a big fan, and is disappointed that it’s only on for two nights of the week.

And to balance out this heavy digital week, there has also been scone-baking, dog-walking, book-reading, yoga-exercising and quilt-sewing. I hope you’ve had a wonderful week, too!