Bøger udgivet af Ginninderra Press

'Carol Chandler's writing subtly compels you into a "dark wood" of her characters' "niggling restlessness"so you feel you have one foot in ordinary "reality" and one (metaphorical) foot in the dubious illumination of dream/memory/speculation... These are forcefully charged fragments of (dis)connection where glittering surfaces and shadowy, half-accusatory memories and perceptions create a powerful sense of undercurrent. This is rich, liminal prose that keeps you constantly engaged, wanting clarity and resolution in a world of compromised relationships and disturbing self-awareness. Clever, high-tensile paranoia...' - David Gilbey

Jack Oats (aka Baker) is a man of all trades. Under various pseudonyms, he's been a teacher, builder, folk singer, ornithologist, conservation biologist, bureaucrat, father, grandfather and husband. Years ago, he published lots of science and tried to save the Eastern Bristlebird from extinction. For more than a decade, Jack Oats has made short fictional and factual word creations as part of the Recovery Plan for the Semi-colon. Now he aspires to be reincarnated as a Sea Eagle. As with his earlier books of poetry, this third collection pokes fun, casts doubts, evokes anger, brings tears, celebrates Australia's natural and cultural heritage, shares hope, shows gratitude, gives love.

Inland Sea is a work which addresses, close up, the intricate wonder, the fragility and adaptation of the unique Australian environment. It speaks to the enduring strength of our Aboriginal culture and of the people bound to protect 'Country' against the continuing threats of colonial exploitation. 'There is a lyrical and quiet formality to Brenda Saunders that is self-assured and celebratory of First Nations pride. This is poetry as "stillness, as a grassy ring holding the world in place". But it also has the power to "blow raw dust into a heaving sky". This is poetry as "first music, singing an ancient land", singing irreplaceable joy!' - Phillip Hall

This collection, bringing together poems written over a period of ten years while Ann Lax was a member of Poets Zinc, a poetry writing group, shows the diversity and progress of her art. Her style is spare and insightful, with at times touches of humour.

Close to a hundred poems by over sixty poets who will take you all over the city of Adelaide - from Elder Park to Whitmore Square, Rundle Mall to South Terrace, the Botanic Gardens to North Adelaide and many places in between.

'Helene Castles creates exquisite imagery with beautiful word placement and choice of topic. She brings to life the world of her childhood and family life, casting a discerning yet gentle eye on the truths and memories of her youth as well as comment on current political and humanistic platforms. She creates her poetry with a calm and considered approach, teasing forth emotions and memories, then packs a compassionate yet forthright punch of contemporary social conscience. Helene's poetry is rich in imagery, delivering quality content whilst prompting further contemplation to prompt the reader to delve deeper. Poetry at its best.' - Robyn Black, President of the Goulburn Valley Writer's Group

Against a backdrop of boundless wildfire, poetry of losing and parting, unearthing and resurging - as ever, in a voice comfortable with mystery. Elizabeth Goodsir is a Tasmanian poet. Her previous books include It Can Take Till Now and Blue Pollen Beautiful.

'Doug Gregory is a people watcher with a keen eye and a sharp memory. His latest book is a poetic memoir, tinged with nostalgic pathos. There are some classic images and memories in it and I love the humour. The poems are honest, the language colloquial, as Gregory crafts candid and clever portraits of times past and of people he's known. The poet captures ordinary humans and familiar times, often with wry humour. The public phone box, typing pool, rock music and hippy days are fondly portrayed. Let this baby boomer poet walk you back through his life to meet people like all the retired old boys wandering around with their little dogs - and Pat, who turns heads in a pizza bar saying "e;I really fancy the nine-inch Moroccan!"e;' - Jude Aquilina, author, poet

Robin Sinclair lives, writes and paints in the Adelaide Hills. This collection of poems and reflections was put together during the long Covid lockdown of 2020. Later in that year, she turned eighty.

Vashti Farrer has had more than 100 short stories published. In this collection, she places characters in their historical settings or quirky, timeless situations, and explores the power of human interaction with humour, poignancy and compassion.

The lives celebrated in Three Obituaries are of three diverse twentieth century figures: Jeanne Claude (1935-2009), Sophie Moss (1917-2009) and Benoit B. Mandelbrot (1924-2010). Jeanne Claude, the partner of the field artist Christo, was a prime mover in all their projects. Sophie Moss, born in Poland, embodied the wide-ranging turbulence of Europe during the war years. Mandelbrot famously discovered and named fractals, thereby altering the public perception of Geometry. For each of these figures, Watson devises epyllions, making of each life a lyrical epic.The Afternoon Tea is a Chekhovian affair shared with the poet Joseph Brodsky.

In Four Refrains, John Watson has invented a kaleidoscope of glittering facets. A curious incident from the life of the Surrealist Magritte; a sequence in four parts which won the Blake Prize for Poetry; an extended tribute to the poet Wislawa Szymborska, the cigarette-smoking Nobel Prizewinner, who left a remarkably small body of work; and, finally, a second amusing incident involving a work by the modernist artist, Cy Twombly. Each of these Refrains demonstrates Watson's verve and readiness to explore untrodden ways.

Gawain and the Green Knight is the celebrated poem from the time of Chaucer, written in the dialect then current in the north of England. Chaucer's language outlasted this dialect. The poem draws on rich Arthurian and folk traditions involving the Green Man and knightly virtue. It has been frequently translated but John Watson has chosen to devise a version running parallel to the original while avoiding direct translation. Here Gawain struggles afresh with the Green Knight's gruesome challenge and overcomes mysterious temptations in order to preserve the precept of Virtue as required at the Round Table.

An elderly dying woman is taken surfing by her carer. A young Australian traveller receives a marriage proposal at an oasis in Algeria. Disarming a violent adult student inspires a teacher to leave her abusive husband. A sixty-something grandmother-to-be rejoices in her first one-night stand. The characters in this collection of thirty-one stories kick over the rock of life's disappointments and discover freedom, joy, love, laughter and well-satisfied lust.

'I met Marina Lutz when she came to join the Barossa Writers in 2002. With talent and enthusiasm, she entered into our writing exercises. Her wit, humanity and friendliness enchanted us all. Soon after her arrival, Marina read to us a short account of her first year teaching. She had been appointed to a migrant camp, to teach English to the children. That grasped my attention. Here was a woman of unique experience. She was a living piece of Australia's history and I told her that it was important that she write more fully about that camp. She smiled and confided that she already had. She showed me her manuscript...' - Alice Shore

Abraham Ortelius was a map maker in the 1500s in Antwerp. His chief claim to fame was that he made the first map book, now called an atlas. Abraham had a huge circle of family, colleagues, friends and acquaintances. He was an avid humanist who met regularly to discuss humanist issues. His friends included geographers and map makers, printers, painters, engravers, poets and clergymen who lived all over Europe; many of them were also well known figures. He travelled Europe to obtain maps and to further his many other interests. Politics, both church and state, made the Netherlands an unsafe place to live during the sixteenth century, as Spain sought to control the Netherlands and the Catholic Church and headed the Inquisition. Abraham found it necessary on several occasions to flee what was happening in Antwerp at the time. While based on fact, this is essentially a fictional story.

'Ecce Homo!' His challenge echoes down the centuries, 'Behold the Man!' How will nine painters, each with their own particular style, culture, attitudes and ambitions relate to the challenge? However they react, Ecce Homo will relate to each individually. A painter may accept, reject, try to avoid, or argue with Him. The reaction of a devout painter like El Greco may be predictable, but how about an argumentative Michelangelo, or introspective Rembrandt; and how will Van Gogh react to be told, 'You have His eyes, Vincent'? And what of our last painter, Nicholas Roerich? Ecce Homo makes no appearance among his tributes. Is that because the challenge is no longer relevant, or because it has been so understood that His appearance is no longer needed?

'In this, his second collection, David Atkinson continues his themes of memory, especially of growing up on a farm in southern NSW, and the natural world, including the wildlife and people that surrounded him then and do so now. In this collection David's scope is also wider as he extends our perspectives on the human condition. His poems are sharp in their imagery and dramatic in their language. His forms range from the traditional to the stunning use of free verse. This book is highly recommended.' - John Egan'David Atkinson enables us to see things in a new light. Every theme in this collection of poetry challenges us to let him show us aspects of life from a fresh perspective. Widely published in literary journals nationally and internationally, David's poetry always repays a careful reading. It is with enthusiasm that I welcome this new collection.' - Colleen Keating'David Atkinson's latest collection is a cornucopia of the poetic spectrum; it confirms that he is one of Australia's finest poets. David brings a deft touch to the human condition, celebrates the wonders of nature and takes a fresh look at memories. This is a worthwhile addition to any bookshelf.' - Decima Wraxall

Paving stones can well be on the path travelled through the journey of life and mark the passage of time. The only thing to be sure of is that the beginning is at conception and we will not know the ending until the time comes; as it turned out to be for some of the characters in Paving Stones, Edna Taylor's fifth book of short stories. Sometimes the path ahead looks clear with a destination in plain sight, and sometimes unexpected obstacles are encountered. The only choice is to find your way around, muddle through as best you can or go back and start again! Some of these stories start in the middle - with folks on the way to somewhere - but the middle is only a continuation of what has happened previously and is a precursor to what is going to happen next. Life's like that. Unpredictable. These stories are works of fiction, with the exception of 'There Be a Dragon' and 'The Dunny', which are based on true stories and 'Bali Impressions', which is from the author's personal experience.

'I first met Jill Nevile when she was a regular contributor to the monthly meetings of the Gosford Bush Poets, but it was not until I read the collected verses in A Scent of Frangipani that Jill's true skill as a writer became evident. The way she has captured her obvious love of the garden, the beautiful area of Australia we both call home and her favourite overseas destinations is a credit to her. Jill has also not been afraid to bare her soul with poems of personal experience and her love and attachment to her furry friends. Well done, Jill, a great read.' - Peter Mace, 2012 Australian Bush Poetry Champion

One of the finest and most prolific poets ever to grace the Bega Valley Shire of New South Wales, Anna Buck was noted for her humour, attention to detail, and love of both people and the natural world. Her work, selected here by fellow poet Dr Tim Metcalf, stands as a unique and comprehensive record of this beautiful part of Australia.

Etymology of Courage is the follow-up to Spoken Medicine by Gabrielle Journey Jones, also published by Ginninderra Press. Gabrielle dedicates this collection to everyone brave enough to share their truth creatively through spoken word poetry. 'Etymology' is the study of the origin of words. 'Courage' means bravery, although historically it referred to our emotions, heart and feelings. Therefore, to speak poetry from the heart is a daring double act of courage. Gabrielle's poems are designed to be read out loud with a freedom which leads to personal resolution, revolution and joy. The contents are divided into heart lessons and observations. The mesmerising cover artwork by Amalina Wallace inspired the closing poem 'Joy Philosophy'. It was created on Gadigal Land, Sydney. The words in this book were written on Aboriginal lands stretching from Gadigal through Dharawal to the far south coast of NSW on Yuin Country, where Gabrielle lives with her family. To find out more, visit www.poeticpercussion.com.au

'Lorraine Haig's poems reflect the rhythms of the natural world and human relationships in states of flux. The transience of each lived moment only renders it more meaningful. There is a thoughtful balance at work here; darkness tempered by light, humour as a counterpoint to frustration. Heartache and loss are threaded through the whole with courage and compassion, perhaps in part as testaments to the beauty and usefulness of poetry itself. Paddling the Canoe is part memoir, part speculation, but utterly grounded in being.' - Jane Williams'This poetry triptych explores what it is to be embodied through time, landscape and relationship. To read these poems is to touch the skin of life and feel the pulse beneath. To read these words is to feel the tongue discover the language of love. In these poems, you will meet yourself from the inside out. If you don't have the words you need, perhaps you can find them here.' - Liz Winfield

David Brelsford won the Hula Manu writing competition at the Brigham Young University Hawaii Campus in 1973. He then had a thirty year hiatus whilst he was actively involved in the accumulation of babies and mortgages. He started writing again in the early 2000s but still finds it hard to discipline himself to a regular timetable. He would much rather be square dancing, walking the dog or even chopping firewood!

In 1892, the people of Orroroo asked Sir Charles Todd, head of the Posts and Telegraphs Department, whether a postal service could be provided at Orroroo. Facetiously, he replied that a post office wouldn't be necessary as there would only ever be two letters in Orroroo. Only Two Letters in Orrorroo proves Todd wrong. During World War Two, many letters arrive in Orroroo as Rose Walsh, mother of seven children and stepmother of two, housekeeper and lover of sheep farmer Pask, receives mail from the various theatres of war to which her family is posted. Australia is at war; the Japanese relentlessly advance south. When Fortress Singapore falls and Darwin is bombed, fear grips the Australian nation. The letter Rose's son Harry, a policeman in Darwin, writes after the town is bombed cannot be sent. All communication from Darwin is closed lest the nation panic. But Harry needs to tell his mum what has happened. He writes words she will never read. Other letters come from the Middle East, from London, from Paris, Germany and New Guinea, bearing news of both the senders and of the conflicts in which the writers are involved. The novel's theme is dark but there are flashes of light and humour. Rose, not always a reliable witness, is unwilling to accept defeat. She will, with the use of kerosene, optimism and fruit cake, win most battles. Much of the story takes place in Australia. It opens in Norwood at Rose's family home, when Rose receives a telegram announcing the death of her son Brian, fighting with the AIF at the Battle of Bardia in the Middle East. A flashback takes the tale to the Umpherston Cave at Mount Gambier where Rose's putative grandson is born, but most of the Australian sequences take place at Orroroo, where the drought that plagued Australia during the war years rages. Only Two Letters in Orroroo is not a war novel; it is an anti-war novel. I have attempted to tell the history of the war years from the Australian point of view, but this is a work of fiction. I decided to write it because some younger people are unaware of events that took place in our recent past. And yet, I wanted to show the indomitable hope that lives in all of us.

'When scanning the collected mementos of a life's journey such can be equated to the many tentacles of the jellyfish. Each object has the potential to either transport on gossamer threads to relive the pleasure of heart strings taught with a mother's gentle love or even to capture the lessons of ancient myths. Yet the delicate tentacles can be potent barbs that can conjure up tortured remembrances of a race deprived of its birthright or a landscape sucked dry of the very essence of life. These are some of the mementos that Dianne unpacks in her anthology. What captures the reader unawares is that Dianne's poems have the ability to thread tentacles into our own memories where a luminescence of visions captured add a sense of reality to our own memories. Also, so many of the human and environment issues Dianne touches have the ability to sting for a second time. Much pleasure awaits the reader.' - Fay ForbesThis is the second collection of poetry by Dianne Kennedy. In creating the poems in Jellyfish Dreams the poet draws on her love of mythology as well as her own life's experiences. Her deep appreciation of nature and the beauty of her home environment in Sheffield - a small rural town nestled in the foothills of beautiful Mt Roland - have led her to being a passionate advocate for maintaining the unique and pristine wilderness of her home state, Tasmania. Some poems are based on real events, some imagined, from her life in Sydney and in smaller communities, and her travel experiences in search of her own truth. The poems selected for this book range from serious to humorous, as well as heartfelt comments on social injustice.

Less than sixty years after the ships of the First Fleet arrived in Sydney Cove, John Eyre wrote that Indigenous Australians were 'strangers in their own land'. Also, he wrote that 'hungry, and famished, they wander about begging'. How did the lives of Indigenous Australians deteriorate so quickly? With this question in mind, Happy People traces the perspectives of settlers on Indigenous Australians, from the first settlement during 1788 until the military excursions and Governor Macquarie's 'emergency' measures put a forceful and localised end to the conflict on the southern border of the colony during 1816-17. Happy People shows how the settler's first perspectives were complex mixes of aversion to the 'savagery' of the Indigenous people, refusal to recognise the reality of Indigenous resistance to the land theft that was taking place, curiosity about the new and 'exotic' culture, and recognition of individuality and personality of leading Indigenous figures. Although there was a temporary 'rapprochement' between the colonists and some of the Indigenous people of the Harbour region when Bennelong came to an understanding with Governor Phillip, within a short time the settler perspective hardened to viewing Indigenous people as little more than annoying, unappealing obstacles to colonial expansion and land possession, and as threats to individual security. By 1816-17, the dominant settler views were that Indigenous people should either be eliminated as obstacles, or subjugated, domesticated, and 'civilised'.