Title: Return Ticket Author: Jon Doust review Publisher: Fremantle Press Genre: Historical fiction Favourite quote: “Perhaps I wash the dishes the way I do because it suggests a way I might have lived – ordered, structured, careful and meditative” After reading this line at the conclusion of Return Ticket’s first chapter, I was hooked. Perhaps…
Category: Kate Lomas Glendenning
How to Motivate yourself to Write during Lockdown Ease, by Kate Lomas Glendenning
Image from Pexels free images Although this year feels like it has been ripped out of a dystopian novel, have you managed (amongst the Netflix binges and copious amount of chocolate consumption) to keep up with your own writing? I know the time I carved out for my own writing and reading was knocked about…
Issue 30: Thriller is here!
For your reading pleasure we are pleased to present issue 30: Thriller, hot off the virtual press! Interview Coordinator Shelley Carter compiled and edited the issue, which contains new original creative writing by Underground debut writers Justine McGinnis, Tara O’Brien, and Camille Booker, and we’re pleased to welcome back Esme Lee Wilmot, who was also…
Review: The Valley by Steve Hawke, by Kate Lomas Glendenning
Title: The Valley Author: Steve Hawke Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Fremantle Press(2018) I have never quite read a mystery novel like Hawke’s before. What stood out to me was not the setting of the Kimberley, or that it is a multigenerational book, or that is was a slow-paced mystery unfolding over generations; what stood out to…
How to Title Your Creative Piece, by Kate Lomas Glendenning
Do you struggle with finding the perfect title for your work? After writing a poem/short story/novella/novel, do you know what you want to label your work? A title is your first opportunity to stand out from the rest. A title should hint at what the piece is about, so don’t name a sci-fi piece set…
Issue 29 release!
Cover art by Liana Wright The first edition of the Underground Writers zine for 2020 is here! ‘Romance’ is special because, apart from being our 29th issue, it marks the first issue since 2015, that Jemimah has not compiled the issue, instead mentoring another editor on how to assemble it. Since Underground is about expanding…
2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge at Underground, by Jemimah Brewster
Here at Underground we’re always looking for ways to support Australian writers, particularly authors from marginalised and underrepresented groups. With that in mind, in 2020 the UW team will be undertaking the Australian Women Writers Challenge. The AWWC was started in 2012 by Elizabeth Lhuede, an Australian writer and reader. From the Challenge’s Background page:…
Rejections Letters and You: A learning curve in disguise, by Kate Lomas Glendenning
Image from Canva free stock images After discovering one of your favourite authors received a rejection letter, do you feel better about your own? If you put your hand up, I might be inclined to call you a liar, because no one feels good about rejection. Unfortunately, however, rejection is a large part of a writer’s life….
Issue 28: Invitation
Cover art by Frank Candilaro ‘Invitation’ is special because, apart from being our 28th issue, it is being released on the 10th birthday of Underground’s conception in a coffee shop in Perth, way back in 2009. We’re incredibly proud of the work we do at Underground, and we look forward to growing, reaching new audiences,…
Underground Writers 10 Years On
On Friday, November 1st 2019, Underground Writers held a birthday party at PICABar in Perth to celebrate 10 years supporting Australian emerging writers. Our full team of editors were in attendance, and we were joined by a large crowd of supporters. What follows is the speech given on the night by our Editor-in-Chief, Jemimah Halbert…
Review: Two new Australian children’s titles, by Kate Lomas Glendenning
Editor Kate Lomas Glendenning reviews two recent children’s book releases from Fremantle Press and Magabala Books. Rodney by Kelly Canby Rodney is another children’s masterpiece by Kelly Canby (who wrote and illustrated the recently published book.) The story follows Rodney, a small tortoise, who dreams to know a life among the treetops. Rodney’s journey is…
TBR: Train-Bound Reading by Kate Lomas Glendenning
A listicle by Kate Lomas Glendenning As a student, I spend countless hours commuting on the train. Over the years, the view of the slowly changing houses and indifferent passengers became boring, so lately I’ve decided to change things up! Despite a bag full of textbooks and folders, I am still able to squeeze a…
Writing a Story Cycle, by Kate Lomas Glendenning
As an admirer and writer of short stories, I decided to challenge myself by writing a different genre. After a bit of research, I discovered I did not have to stray far from my beloved short stories! Enter: the short-story cycle (also called short-story sequence, short-story composite, composite novel and novel of interlinked stories). A…
Kate & Jess Rae on Aussie Women Authors
Kate Lomas Glendenning and Jess Rae recently appeared on Six Minutes For Me’s #ReadingWomenMonth Camera Flip series to help viewers fill in the ‘Aussie Author’ section of their bingo cards. You can watch the full video below. The bingo board (pictured below) was provided by the Reading Women Podcast. You can play along on your…
Review: Alex and the Alpacas Save the World by Kathryn Lefroy, by Kate Lomas Glendenning
Title: Alex and the Alpacas Save the World Author: Kathryn Lefroy Genre: Australian children’s fiction Favourite Part: When Alex discovers she can understand the alpacas Alex and the Alpacas Save the World, by Kathryn Lefroy, follows Alex who is visiting her grandfather’s farm in Tasmania for the summer. Lefroy quickly throws her heroine into shenanigans…
Illustrated Books aren’t just for Children, by Kate Lomas Glendenning
I find books memorable for different reasons. These reasons range from characters, to plot, or to setting; however, one endearing reason a book can be memorable to me is because of its illustrations. Illustrations are not just for children’s books. Drawings can not only aid imagery but also create a deeper meaning. Which books are…
How to Create Fully Developed Fictional Characters, by Kate Lomas Glendenning
Image from Canva free stock images As a reader, it is incredibly frustrating to immerse yourself within a book with underdeveloped characters; as a writer, this flop is devastating. It is with frustration I must confess that there is no exact formula to create developed characters. Advice on the subject is varied and often contradicts itself, so…
What We Learnt in 2018
2018 was a big year for learning, and our editors were happy to discuss and share as much as they could. This post pulls together everything we learnt over the year about writing, reading and publishing. Take a look and check out the posts you may have missed or the ones you might want to…
Aussie Titles Reviewed in 2018
2018 was a huge year for reviews with our editors covering a range of genres, themes and authors. Take a trip down memory lane to see all the great Aussie titles we reviewed in 2018! Defying Doomsday edited by Tsana Dolichva and Holly Kench, reviewed by Jemimah Halbert Brewster Grace Beside Me by Sue…
Kate’s Character List
Whilst I might splutter on about a book—attempting to justify my obsession with it—more often than not my intrigue lies with a particular character. These characters range from the sweet, innocent-minded to twisted, obsessive creatures. Who are these characters? Well… Ingrid, White Oleander, Janet Fitch Whilst the novel is not from Ingrid’s perspective, and she…
Review: Clever Crow by Nina Lawrence & illustrated by Bronwyn Bancroft, by Kate Lomas Glendenning
Issue 24’s Review Clever Crow (2018) by Nina Lawrence, illustrated by Bronwyn Bancroft Review by Kate Lomas Glendenning (this review can also be read in the Underground zine, issue 24: Bars) Clever Crow is a stunning union of English and Djambarrpuynu language. Djambarrpuynu is the language of the Indigenous people of North East Arnhem Land, and the…
Review: Monster Party by the children from Rawa, with Alison Lester & Jane Godwin, by Kate Lomas Glendenning
Issue 24’s Review Monster Party (2018) by the children of Rawa Community School, with Alison Lester & Jane Godwin Review by Kate Lomas Glendenning (this review can also be read in the Underground zine, issue 24: Bars) Monster Party is a collaboration with the Children from the Rawa Community School in Punma (one of the…
Issue 24 has arrived!
Issue 24 has arrived! The cover this issue was designed by WA-based artist Jonathan Park, whom you can find on Instagram at @fresh_kb Our Editors shone throughout this year, and they’ve worked hard on the short stories and poems you’ll find within the pages of issue 24. Download the issue for a fresh assortment of short…
Literary Halloween Costume Ideas, by Jess Rae & Kate Lomas Glendenning
We’ve reached that time of the year again … Halloween! It’s always fun to dress up on Halloween, but how do you decide what to wear? Do you try and fit in amongst the masses, or do you strive to stand out? Instead of dragging out your old white sheet ghost costume with mysterious yellow…
Review: ‘Alfred’s War & ‘Benny Bungarra’s Big Bush Clean-Up’
Editor Kate Lomas Glendenning reviews two recent children’s book releases from Magabala Books. Alfred’s War by Rachel Bin Salleh, illustrated by Samantha Fry Alfred’s War is the stunning debut from Rachel Bin Salleh and Samantha Fry. The story follows Alfred, an Indigenous veteran who served in The Great War (now known as World War One),…
Review: Off the Track by Cristy Burne, by Kate Lomas Glendenning
Title: Off the Track Author: Cristy Burne Genre: Australian children’s fiction Favourite quote: ‘Around them leaves rustled and birds sang and he felt alive.’ Set in Western Australia, the story follows the pre-pubescent Harry as he hikes the Bibbulmun Track with his mum, her friend Ana, and Ana‘s daughter Deepika. Off the Track is an…
Kate’s Character List
Welcome to our newest series: Character Lists! Each month one of our editors will explore the literary characters that have had an impact on them, good or bad, humorous or heartbreaking. We kick off with Kate Lomas Glendenning’s list, so read on! A Character List by Kate Lomas Glendenning I shall never forget some literary…
When Should I Write? By Kate Lomas Glendenning
When should I write? How do I motivate myself to write? How do I make time to write? Honestly? It’s up to you! One method isn’t going to work for each person, so below I’ve compiled a list of 10 ways to make time and motivate yourself to write. During the commute: On my way…
Review: Grace Beside Me by Sue McPherson, review by Kate Lomas Glendenning
Caution: strong language quoted in this article – not recommended for readers under 16 years of age Title: Grace Beside Me Author: Sue McPherson Genre: Young Adult Favourite part: When Fuzzy explains Gran’s meticulous rules on how to hang out the washing Favourite quote: “I never enjoyed playing with dolls as a child so I wasn’t…
Australian titles reviewed in 2017!
Below are all the Australian titles reviewed by Underground Writers in 2017! The Other Woman by Kylie Jones, reviewed by Kate, Shelley, and Jess Rae That Eye, the Sky by Tim Winton, reviewed by Kate Lomas Glendenning Rubik by Elizabeth Tan, reviewed by Jess Gately Portable Curiosities by Julie Koh, reviewed by Jemimah…
Kate’s TBR List – round 2
A post by Kate Lomas Glendenning Lord of the Flies, William Golding My first experience of Golding’s Lord of the Flies was a short film clip in my 8th grade Society and Environment class, and I found it extremely disturbing. Since then, I have never sought out Golding’s book; however, a couple of months ago a…
Review: Barking Dogs by Rebekah Clarkson, reviewed by Kate Lomas Glendenning
Barking Dogs is Rebekah Clarkson’s debut novel, which reveals a promising start to Clarkson’s career as a writer. Barking Dogs is a series of connected short stories, told from various perspectives of residents within a new housing estate in the South Australian town of Mount Barker. Clarkson’s plot is held to great promise with a…
How to Write the Beginning of a Story, by Kate Lomas Glendenning
How to Write the Beginning of a Story by editor Kate Lomas Glendenning 6 Things to Consider in your Beginning “How do I write the beginning of a story” is nestled within every writer’s Google history. It is almost a shameful struggle, to have an amazing plot in your mind thick with action and…
Review: The Other Woman by Kylie Jones, reviewed by Kate, Shelley & Jess Rae
Issue 17’s Review The Other Woman by Kylie Jones (self-published) A collaborative review between Shelley Timms, Jessica Wilson-Smith, and Kate Lomas Glendenning (this review can be found in issue 17: The Hitchhiker) The Other Woman is the heart-wrenching true story of a woman coming to terms with her husband transitioning into a woman, and subsequent…
Issue 13’s Review: Closer (play), by Kate Lomas Glendenning
Issue 13’s Review Released February 2016 Closer (play) by Patrick Marber A review by editor Kate Lomas Glendenning (this review can be found in issue 13: The Shadowed Side) An important feature of a good play is dialogue. The expressions, actions and scenery are minor to dialogue and character development in Patrick Marber’s play, Closer. Marber captured moments…
Kate’s TBR list
In this series we will be sharing each of our TBR books, why we’re looking forward to reading them, and why we picked up those books in the first place. Read on to discover editor Kate’s next three books To Be Read! One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey I confess I started to…
Review: That Eye, the Sky by Tim Winton, reviewed by Kate Lomas Glendenning
March’s review Editor Kate Lomas Glendenning reviews Tim Winton’s classic That Eye, the Sky. That Eye, the Sky is one of Tim Winton’s earlier works before Cloudstreet propelled him to fame. Winton’s writing style is distinct and rich in prose. His style at first appears jarring against his point of view, that of a pre-pubescent boy,…
Issue 17: The Hitchhiker is here
Issue 17: The Hitchhiker is here! Featuring poetry from Jan Price and short stories from Jane Downing, Kerri Turner, Daniel Campbell, Carmenn Alexander King Koczur, Aline Mwezi-Niyonsenga, Cindy Tomamichel, feature piece from Sarah Giles, and our first collaborative review, by editors Kate Lomas Glendenning, Shelley Timms and Jessica Wilson-Smith, ofåÊKylie Jones’ autobiographical workåÊThe Other Woman….
September’s review: The Little Prince, by Kate Lomas Glendenning
September’s Review The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince) by Antoine de Saint-Exupery A review by editor Kate Lomas Glendenning The Little Prince is a beautiful, classic novel that children and adults alike adore. Le Petit Prince has continued to stand the test of time since its publication in 1943. It was first published in French, with illustrations by the author…
July’s Review: Peter and Alice (play), by Kate Lomas Glendenning
July’s Review Peter and Alice (play) by John Logan A review by editor Kate Lomas Glendenning Peter and Alice is John Logan’s play about Peter Llewelyn Davies and Alice Liddell Hargreaves, two of the most famous muses in children’s literature. They are more commonly known as the children whom inspired J.M Barrie’s novel, Peter and Wendy and…