Writer, podcast host, and now novelist, James McKenzie Watson, joined me to discuss his 2021 Penguin Literary Prize-winning debut novel, ‘Denizen’.

Trigger Warning: Mental health/mental health issues were discussed.

Topics discussed include:

- The origins of ‘Denizen’ - an examination of family and friendship dynamics and mental health in small-town rural Australia.

- The notion of ‘just be good’.

- The cycle of ‘tension’ endemic to rural Australia.

- The importance of writing the story as earnestly and unflinchingly as possible. How to tone it down, or to otherwise make it more palatable would be a disservice to the real-life issues/subject matter.

- Writing for self vs an audience.

- And so much more!

Thanks again to James for discussing all things ‘Denizen’ and writing with me on the show. What a superb guest to close out the year!

Get your copy of ‘Denizen’ now!