You are going to be hearing a lot about a new book called Days Like These over the coming days. I received a short note about the book from Shona Martyn from Harper Collins Publishers which I think deserves to be shared. Here it is… Dear all, Amazing news. This morning Oprah Winfrey has sent us a statement we can use to promote the most special book – DAYS LIKE THESE by Kristian Anderson ... Read more

I had promised to post a new set of three authors offering writing tips every Friday evening but this is the second time in a row I have forgotten to do so. Hmmm… Maybe I should just promise to post every Saturday? Or even better, forgo the promise… I know what I’ll do. New announcement: I have long thought the advice offered to aspiring writers in answer to question ten of my... Read more

The Hanging Garden may just change the way Patrick White is thought of by Australian readers. For many years now, the mere mention of his name has sent shivers down readers’ spines. Granted, for a small percentage of readers, these were the shivers of ecstasy but for the vast majority they were aroused by fear, dread and, for some, loathing. Australia’s only recipient of the Nobel Prize for Lit... Read more

On March 1, 2010 I posted the first of the Ten Terrifying Questions interviews. Since that date I have posted over 200 interviews with authors ranging from mega selling global stars like Jackie Collins and Lee Child to brilliant, relatively unknown debut authors such as Favel Parret and  Rebecca James. I have long thought the advice offered to aspiring writers in answer to question ten deserved... Read more

The Booktopia Book Guru asks Stephanie Alexander author of The Cook’s Companion, Kitchen Garden Companion and now, A Cook’s Life, Ten Terrifying Questions ——————————- 1.  To begin with why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself – where were you born? I was born in Melbourne and spent the first nine years of my ... Read more

In April 2012, multi-platinum boy band and teenage heart throbs One Direction will be coming to Australia! The three special event shows were organised after hundreds of dedicated Australian fans participated in ‘1D’ dance flash mobs throughout the nation. It’s no surprise that devoted ‘Directioners’ camped out overnight to score tickets, which sold out in a matter of minutes. Who doesn’t love ... Read more

The Booktopia Book Guru asks Kate Bracks author of The Sweet Life: The Basics and Beyond and winner of MasterChef Australia 2011 answers Ten Terrifying Questions —————————– 1. To begin with why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself – where were you born? Raised? Schooled? I was born in Sydney and given a wonderful childhood and schooling there too. I have two sisters and I’m the m... Read more

The Booktopia Book Guru asks Kate Forsyth author of Witches of Eileanan series, The Starkin Crown and now, Bitter Greens, Six Sharp Questions ——————————- 1.    Congratulations, you’ve a new book, Bitter Greens – what is it about and what does this book mean to you? My new book Bitter Greens is a retelling of the Rapunzel fairytal... Read more

On March 1, 2010 I posted the first of the Ten Terrifying Questions interviews. Since that date I have posted over 200 interviews with authors ranging from mega selling global stars like Jackie Collins and Lee Child to brilliant, relatively unknown debut authors such as Favel Parret and  Rebecca James. On the way I’ve interviewed Pulitzer Prize winners, Booker Prize winners, Miles Frankli... Read more

The Booktopia Book Guru asks Colleen McCullough author of The Prodigal Son, Life Without the Boring Bits, The Thorn Birds, The Masters of Rome and many more Ten Terrifying Questions —————————– 1. To begin with why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself – where were you born? Raised? Schooled? I was born in Wellington, NSW, on June 1st of 1937, which makes me 75 next birthday. I was... Read more