Aug
16

HNSA Melbourne Chapter Readings Night

With a debut novel coming out in a few months, it will soon be time to start spreading the word on my new novel. But recently, I was really honoured to be asked by the Historical Novel Society of Australasia Melbourne Chapter to be their featured reader at their July Readings night.

Held at the historic PMI Victorian History Library in Prahran, it was a delightful evening where I read an extended piece from my upcoming novel The Swing Tree. (News on a title change soon.)

It was very reassuring to have my piece so well received and the opportunity to gauge some audience reactions. I found myself absolutely loving question time and quite forgot to be nervous. It was a joy to share some of my on-the-ground research experience in Scotland and the background to my story with the enthusiastic audience.

The floor was then opened to interested participants to share a short reading from their own works-in-progress or a work of their choice. I thoroughly recommend these regular evenings as a fantastic opportunity to read your work aloud and to get some audience reaction. It’s not critiqued at all, just reading aloud to your peers.

At the conclusion of the formalities, everyone is invited to continue the discussions and evening over dinner at a nearby bistro. It’s a great networking and social opportunity too.

For me, it also just showed how much I love talking about this story.

 

(The next HNSA Melbourne Chapter readings evening will be held in September: https://tinyurl.com/y4h6xxak)

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Fran Collings

Congratulations Chris! Really looking forward to reading tThe Swing Tree. Must have been very special for everyone there to listen to you read aloud.

August 16, 2019 at 9:47 pm
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Elizabeth Jane Corbett

Looking forward to hearing you talk more about it over the coming months!

August 17, 2019 at 11:39 am
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Corinne King

Glad to hear it went so well, Chris and glad you forgot to be nervous.

August 18, 2019 at 8:29 am
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Categories: HNSA Melbourne Chapter

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Praise for No Small Shame

Christine Bell’s No Small Shame is impossible to put down. Her writing is wonderful, wise and empathetic. No Small Shame is a masterful debut novel, and an excellent addition to Australia’s historical fiction genre. Full review.

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This is a novel of darkness and hope, full of insight, and written beautifully, with intelligence and sensitivity. A wonderful debut … Full review.

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Compelling and addictive. … a rich and absorbing experience. Full Review.

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