Rebecca Burns is a prolific writer, having produced two short story collections, a novel, and written for several online and print journals, including The London Magazine, Per Contra and Menda City Press. Much of her work is set in isolated landscapes and explores the interconnectedness of humans and their environment. When not writing, Rebecca lives in Leicestershire with her young family. What have you been up to since the release of The Bishop’s Girl? I’ve been busy sending the book out for review, corresponding with lots of lovely bloggers and giving readings. It’s been hectic but lots of fun –...
Featured Author: Josh Donellan
Josh Donellan has a diverse representation in the Odyssey Books catalogue. His first book, Zeb and the Great Ruckus is a children’s book beloved by younger fans, while his recent anthology Stendhal Syndrome is a collection of poems, short stories, lists and rants. We sat down with the poet, musician, teacher and event manager to talk exploding toffee and all things words. First things first. What have you been up to since Stendhal Syndrome came out? I travelled around Europe for a bit, which was great. I’ve spent a lot of time in Portugal and revisiting it was magical....
Featured Author: Patricia Leslie
Patricia Leslie is a Sydney-based author who was first published by Odyssey Books in 2014 with fantasy thriller The Ouroboros Key. She has since released the urban fantasy A Single Light, and is working on her third novel. Patricia is a visual writer and devotes time to exploring locations and allowing snapshot scenes to run through her head before combining them together into one story. In her spare time she is a dedicated, some say compulsive, reader and collector of books. A little birdie told us you’re working on a third novel. Can you tell us a bit about...
Welcome Elizabeth Foster
We're really pleased to welcome our newest author to the Odyssey family: Elizabeth Foster. Elizabeth lives in Sydney, and her debut novel, Esme's Wish, will be published in the first half of 2017. When fifteen-year-old Esme Silver objects at her father’s wedding, her protest is dismissed as the actions of a stubborn, selfish teenager. Everyone else has accepted the loss of Esme’s mother – so why can’t she? But Esme is suspicious. She is sure that others are covering up the real reason for her mother’s disappearance – that ‘lost at sea’ is code for something more terrible, something she has...
An anniversary … and a sequel
Michelle Saftich's historical novel, Port of No Return, turns one today. And what better day to announce we have signed on the sequel, titled Wanderers No More, to be published in early 2017. In Port of No Return, Contessa and Ettore Saforo awake to a normal day in war-stricken, occupied Italy. By the end of the day, however, their house is in ruins and they must seek shelter and protection wherever they can. But the turbulent politics of 1944 refuses to let them be. As Tito and his Yugoslav Army threaten their German-held town of Fiume, Ettore finds himself...
Women of Spirit Awards – congratulations Dana Lim!
Each year, for the past ten years, Lifeline Canberra has recognised outstanding women in our community; women who have overcome adversity, given back to the community and inspired others to do the same. The Women of Spirit Awards is one small way to thank these amazing women, and to remind them just how special they are. We are proud to share that Odyssey author Dana Lim (Mother and the Tiger) is a finalist of this award. Congratulations Dana!
Featured Author: Rebecca Bloomer
What have you been up to since UnEarthed? We haven’t heard any whispers of secret Mars colonisations… Earthly life has been a bit hectic. I’m studying horticulture, which I recently managed to link to my space addiction by doing a presentation on vertical gardens. These could well be the best gardens for space (maximum production using minimal space, I thought it was a great link!). I’m also very down to earth at the moment in that I’ve started my own little ‘homestead’ (can’t really call it a farm because it’s not producing anything for anyone else) and am keeping some...
Welcome to new author: Laura E. Goodin
American-born writer Laura E. Goodin decided at seven years old to be a writer. Over the decades, she's worked as a reporter, editor, technical writer, media manager, web-content developer, writing teacher, and freelance writer, but it was only as she entered her 40s that she determined to return to her childhood dream of writing stories that would amaze and entertain. She was transmuted in the crucible of the 2007 Clarion South Workshop, and went on to gain a Ph.D. in creative writing from the University of Western Australia. Her stories have appeared in numerous publications, including Michael Moorcock's New Worlds, Andromeda...
76-Year-Old Author Maris Morton Releases New Book, The Herb Gardener, to an Enthusiastic Response
Australian independent publishing house Odyssey Books has announced the release of acclaimed 76-year-old author Maris Morton's latest book The Herb Gardener to the excitement of her many fans. It's never too late to follow your dreams. That becomes clear when you take a look at the story of Odyssey Books author, Maris Morton, who's only a few years into her career as an award-winning writer. This is remarkable since Morton is 76 years young, having published her first novel at the age of 71. Morton's latest book The Herb Gardener will be published in paperback on 17 June; the ebook...
Catching the Barramundi – longlisted for Edge Hill Short Story Prize 2013
A record number of writers have entered this year’s prestigious Edge Hill Short Story Prize. A diverse range of talents from the literary world have entered their work in the 2013 awards, with interest from a wide range of large mainstream publishers and independent presses. Now in its seventh year, it is the only UK award that recognises excellence in a published collection of short stories and has attracted established names competing alongside relative newcomers for the £5,000 main prize and £1,000 Readers’ Prize. We are proud to announce that Rebecca Burns’ short story collection, Catching the Barramundi, has been longlisted for...