Barbara Binland is the pen name of a senior, Julie Grenness, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. She is a poet, writer, and part-time English and Maths tutor, with over 40 years of experience. Her many books are available on Amazon and Kindle.
Do you like reading Aussie chicks, and their literature? Which are your favourite authors?
Personally, I prefer ‘mental slumming’ with feel good Aussie authors, such as Judy Nunn and Di Morrissey. If we browse our library shelves, we can find new authors to enjoy. Can do. Next library jaunt, find four new authors, maybe in new genres, and see if you can discover at least one new favourite author or genre, different to those you normally read. Enjoy some new reading experiences.
This is the way I discovered Aussie authors, Fiona Palmer and Fleur McDonald. They write in a genre one could regard as ‘the girls from the bush’. Such books contain good descriptions of Australiana, issues to overcome, a love interest, and a happy ending.
Those are only some of the common favourite Aussie chick lit authors. These days, in the 21st century, it is easier for Aussie chick authors to be published, and a growing market. Traditionally, from the days of Henry Handel Richardson, and Miles Franklin, Australian women battled hard to find acceptance as noted authors, in a limited market. Of course, there were classic chicks, like Nancy Cato, Colleen McCullogh, and the poet, Judith Wright. Authors such as Amy Witting were never even published until they were in their fifties.
So, what Australian books, would you really like to read? Now we are over-60, have you ever tried your hand at scribbling ideas? Yes, at our age, we have life experiences or suburban experiences, or romantic experiences, or humorous experiences to write for a living legacy. Vignettes or imagination.
Yes, the world needs more women writers. Definitely, Australia needs more Australian writers, notably women. It is hard to make a fortune, whether with an established publisher, or self-publishing. But there is satisfaction in self-expression for our retirement. Start scribbling, you can write a book you would really like to read!
This article was written in partnership with Over60.