A novel in stories and exploring family dynamics with Emma Darragh

Emma Darragh spends most of her time on Gadigal and Dharawal Lands. She holds a PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Wollongong, where she works as a sessional academic. Her writing has appeared in numerous Australian publications, including Cordite, Westerly, Meniscus, TEXT, and The Big Issue Fiction Edition. Emma‚Äôs debut novel-in-stories, Thanks for Having Me, is published by JOAN. Our interview begins at  25:00 We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Mini book club: Prima Facie by Suzie Miller Tessa has built a prestigious career as a barrister, a world away from her working-class roots. But when she is raped on a date with a colleague, she must reckon with everything she's believed about the law and justice. This is a stunning, thought-provoking and emotional novel. Michelle received a copy for review from the publisher in the UK. In this interview, we chat about:The story cycle format of Thanks for Having MeHow the character of Vivienne inspired the novelHow you structure a novel that's intentionally meant to be read out of order and the way Emma approached the writing processEmma's journey to publication

Books and other things mentioned:The Work by Bri LeeRBG (play by Suzi Miller)Eggshell Skull by Bri LeeOlive Kitteridge by Elizabeth StroutA Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer EganDubliners by James JoyceAlice Munro (author)Rubik by Elizabeth TanThe Flight of Birds by Joshua Lobb

Follow @emmaldarragh on Instagram. Thanks for Having Me is available in Australia now. Thank you to the publisher for providing copies in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod