Launch of A Brilliant Life

On Wednesday the 29th of November I have the great privilege of participating, along with historian Konrad Kwiet, in the Sydney book launch for Rachelle Unreich’s A Brilliant Life. A Brilliant Life is the powerful and uplifting story of Rachelle’s mother Mira, a Holocaust survivor. You can read my review of the book here: A review of A Brilliant Life by Rachelle Unreich

Book into the event here: https://events.humanitix.com/sjwf-a-brilliant-life-fp0fy598?fbclid=IwAR2gIP7huaz6lYag2KOfMlFURXHZSGNcgkruYAHG56SLHmr3wE-JT-S1tb0

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Science Write Now

My poem “Knucklebones” has been published in this month’s Science Write Now.  The issue focuses on the concept of Migrations. You can read the full text of my poem here (or click on the SWN link above for the whole glorious issue): https://www.sciencewritenow.com/read/migration/knucklebones

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The Great Club in Marrickville

On Wednesday the 8th of November, I will be reading at The Great Club from Bobish and chatting about the book with interviewer Kelly Edwards.  Joining me is author Cristine Gilmore followed by an open mic (pre-registration is preferred – see link below).  If you’re able to get to Marrickville, please come join in!  It’s a lovely venue. https://blackwattlebooks.com.au/the-great-story-club/

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Girls on Key

This Sunday, Oct 29th, 5pm AU EST, I’ll be featuring on Girls on Key reading from Bobish.  All details including the zoom link can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1859283044506580?ref=newsfeed

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Live Encounters 14th Anniversary

I’m pleased to once again have two new poems, “Chronotope” and “Radiation Dead Forest” in the wonderful Live Encounters journal, edited by the very hard working Mark Ulyseas. To read the full edition visit: https://liveencounters.net/2023/10/23/live-encounters-poetry-writingvolume-one-nov-dec-2023/

To go directly to my page visit: https://liveencounters.net/2023-le-pw/nov-dec-le-pw-vol-1-2023/magdalena-ball-chronotope/

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Writers for the Voice

The Uluru Statement From the Heart painting. (Image credit: The Uluru Dialogue)

On the 14th of October, Australia is holding a referendum which seeks to alter the constitution to recognise the First People’s of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.  It’s a very simple yes/no question and I guess it won’t surprise anyone that I’m firmly on the “Yes” side.

It seems extraordinary to me that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples aren’t already recognised in the Constitution as the first people’s of Australia, and don’t already have a say on laws and policies that specifically impact on them.  As soon as I heard about Writers for the Voice, I was delighted to join them. The website is incredibly informative, well pulled together and a great way to find out more about what is really a very simple, and important change that is long overdue. https://writersforthevoice.com.au/background.

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Sept Poetry Night at Sappho

I’ve long been keen to join in the exceptional list of poets who have read at Sappho Books’ famous poetry nights and it’s finally happening.  On Tues the 12th of September I’ll be appearing with the wonderful Ali Whitelock, Rico Craig and Vivian Pham. The event is free, and if you get there by 630, you’ll be able to sign up for the open mic and join in the fun (or just come along and snap your fingers!).  Drinks and tapas will be served at Sappho’s terrific bar.  You can get all the details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/841640817276713/?ref=newsfeed

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Live poets at Don Bank

Live Poets at Don Bank has been running in North Sydney for over 28 years and on on Wed the 27th of September, I’ll be one of two featured poets, appearing along with the inimitable Kit Kelen. The session will take place at Don Banks Cottage/Museum on 6 Napier St, North Sydney, 7:30-10:30pm. Kit and I will be reading poems from our most recent poetry books and talking about mothers, grandmothers, DNA, Flying Islands Press and a whole lot more.  Entry $10 includes supper and drinks.  Please come along and join us – either sharing your own work in the open section, or asking us hard questions in the Q&A! I don’t think you need to prebook – just show up.

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The Art of Touch

Very pleased to have a poem, “Common Ground”, in a new anthology The Art of Touch: A Collection of Prose and Poetry from the Pandemic and Beyond Edited by Joan Schweighardt and Faye Rapoport DesPres.  This collection contains a number of essays and poems that explore the importance of touch. The book is being released by the University of Georgia Press and will be available in bookstores on the 1st of November.  More details can be found here: https://ugapress.org/book/9780820365336/the-art-of-touch/

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Jewish Women of Words

An article of mine about Bobish and the impossibility and magic of history is now up on Jewish Women of Words:

Recording My Great Grandmother’s History

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