Backstory

Elizabeth Flux is Editor At Large for the Melbourne City of Literature Office and an award-winning author whose fiction and non-fiction has been widely published. In this long-form interview, she discusses her recent non-fiction piece ‘Doctored Results’, published in this year’s Autumn edition of Meanjin. The piece reflects on her experience as a student in Australia’s medical industry, the lack of mental health support and the pressure of success in this realm.

Please note: This episode includes references to suicide and suicide ideation. Please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Switchboard Victoria on 1800 729 367 if this conversation brings up any issues for you.

With Presenter Fi Wright filling in for Mel Cranenburgh. 

Website:  https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/programs/backstory

Zoya Patel is an award-winning author, editor, founder of a feminist literary organisation and Chair of the 2021 Stella Prize judging panel. Discussing emerging themes in the stories shortlisted for the Stella Prize, from investigative journalism to imaginary worlds, she praises the works of a diverse variety of female voices.

With presenter Rashelle McHugh filling in for Mel Cranenburgh.

Award-winning novelist, poet, playwright, editor and critic Alison Croggon delves into her new book Monsters in a long-form interview with Mel. The book takes the form of both memoir and essay, confronting a painful conflict between sisters, and explores the ways in which colonial patriarchy has moulded our lives in a way that is inescapable. Out now through Scribe. 

With presenter Mel Cranenburgh.

Website: https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/programs/backstory

Lorraine Peck talks about her debut novel, The Second Son, a gripping, action-packed crime thriller; and Christy Collins discusses her beautiful and thought-provoking debut, The Price of Two Sparrows. With presenter Rashelle McHugh filling in for Mel Cranenburgh.

Martin McKenzie-Murray has worked as a teacher, Age columnist, and adviser to the chief commissioner of Victoria Police. But it’s his work as a scriptwriter that inspired his debut work of fiction. The Scriptwriter skewers Australian bureaucracy and political lethargy, taking readers on a frantic, funny, and surreal journey through the corridors of power.

With presenter Mel Cranenburgh.

Website: https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/programs/backstory

Kavita Bedford, an Australian-Indian writer with a background in journalism, anthropology and literature, talks about her novel, Friends and Dark Places, a novel of love and loss, of constancy and change, and looking for connection in an estranged world. Out now through Text Publishing.

With presenter Mel Cranenburgh.

Website: https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/programs/backstory

Adam Thompson, an emerging Aboriginal (pakana) writer from Tasmania, joins Mel for a longform interview about Born Into This, his “engaging and thought-provoking” collection of short stories out now through the University of Queensland Press.
With presenter Mel Cranenburgh.

Website: https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/programs/backstory

Craig Munro discusses his new book, Literary Lion Tamers: Book Editors Who Made Publishing History; and Kate Torney, Chief Executive Officer of the State Library of Victoria, chats about the 165th anniversary of the venerated institution, its past, and its post-pandemic future.

With presenter Mel Cranenburgh.

Website: https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/programs/backstory

In this long-form interview, Helen Garner talks about her recently released book, One Day I'll Remember This: Diaries 1987-1995, the second volume of her diaries which sees her contemplating the ethics, difficulties and rewards of love and relationships.

With presenter Mel Cranenburgh.

Website: https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/programs/backstory

Ewa Ramsey is an emerging writer and her debut novel, The Morbids, has been described as ‘a lively and often very funny book, and one that is hopeful and heartfelt.’ She talks about the joys and pitfalls of submitting an unsolicited manuscript and the process of crafting her first book.

With presenter Mel Cranenburgh.

Website: https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/programs/backstory