Nov
01
#HNSA2019

#HNSA2019

Wow! What a wonderful weekend? HNSA 2019 was a brilliant conference bringing together authors, academics and readers. It was a weekend featuring fabulous organisation, so many terrific panels spread over three separate streams, fantastic food, a swashbuckling sword fighting demonstration over Sunday’s luncheon, and the chance to catch up with … Read More

Oct
31
HNSA Colleen McCullough Residency 2019

HNSA Colleen McCullough Residency 2019

When I first saw the Historical Novel Society Australasia (HNSA) announcement of their inaugural Colleen McCullough Residency, I was blown away by the generosity of the prize and the amazing opportunity open to all eligible attendees at the 2019 HNSA Conference in Sydney last weekend. Who wouldn’t want to spend … Read More

Apr
19

Research can take you there!

There are so many touchstones that I come across in my research. Small poems, articles, images or videos that connect me to my story. In the spirit of my promise to not make my every blog post lengthy, I want to share more of these poignant and emotive links to a … Read More

Oct
12

Inspiration, Imagination and an Operation

I’ve been thinking a lot about inspiration and imagination of late. This has been an unusual year for me, as it’s mostly been taken up with editing and rewriting and not a lot of new writing. After a spinal surgery last December, I gave myself time out to rest and … Read More

Sep
07
Oh, what a feeling..!

Oh, what a feeling..!

That feeling when your brand new story/character/world becomes real and – OMG, it/he/she speaks to you! Especially when you feared after finishing your previous project (of many drafts and years) that the same passion might never strike you again. Despite reading many blogs/interviews/author biographies to the contrary – the promise … Read More

Oct
19

My Tribe (SCBWI Australia East/NZ)

Writing is such a solitary endeavour. Of course, we writers/illustrators/creators are no longer isolated or starving in a garret as in years or centuries past. (Forgive the aside, but is it only me who perceives ‘starving in a garret’ as somewhat romantic when transported to 20th century Paris? I could … Read More

Sep
03

The Art of Story and the Narrative Game

A few months ago, on the hottest day of summer, myself and five other fearless writers gathered in an (unairconditioned) artist space in Mornington to participate in a documentary with a difference. The Art of Story gives an inside view into the creation of stories and the stories behind the stories. … Read More

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.

- Better Reading

Bell’s evocation of setting is an outstanding feature of the novel. Her social and physical landscapes of the years 1909 to 1919 are vivid with sensory and historical colour. Full Review.

- Westerly Magazine

Once I started reading No Small Shame, I could not stop. I was utterly swept up by Mary’s story and her refusal to settle for the life she is expected to lead.

- Kate Mildenhall, Author (The Mother Fault, Skylarking)

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

- Robyn Cadwallader, Author (The Anchoress, The Book of Colours)

Be prepared to be transported into the past, to be caught up in a slice of Aussie history but, mostly, swept away in a completely relatable and beautifully told tale that will move and, in the end, fill you. Outstanding. Full review.

- Karen Brooks - Author (The Chocolate Maker's Daughter, The Darkest Shore ...)

An absorbing, convincing and heartbreaking picture of a woman trapped in an impossible marriage. I ached for Mary and grew to love the defiant spirit shining through her doubts and fears.

- Jane Sullivan, Literary Critic and Author (Storytime, Little People)

Mary O’Donnell’s journey to self-awareness will have you turning the pages until the heartbreaking climax.

- Lauren Chater, Author (The Lace Weaver, Gulliver's Wife, The Winter Dress)

Mary’s compelling journey and her indomitable spirit are heartbreaking, moving and inspirational. This novel is a well-researched examination of the roles and rights of women at that time, the struggles and discrimination they faced, the hardships they were expected to endure and the small victories they celebrated, often silently.  Full review.

- Cass Moriaty, Author (The Promise Seed, Parting Words)

No Small Shame is a beautiful and inspiring story about female power. Christine Bell gives us a brilliant story of female heroism and shows us that women are capable of much more than we could ever really know. Full review.

- Courtney Dyer, TheBookSlut.com

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

- Angela Wauchop: Backstory History Journal

What distinguishes the novel is its rich characterization. Each character in this carefully drawn work lifts off the page, evoking our enduring interest and empathy.

- Nadine Davidoff, Freelance Book Editor

An epic tale of a woman who finds her voice and ultimately, her agency. Meticulously researched, ambitious in scope and compelling in realisation.

- Christine Balint, Author (Salt Letters, Ophelia's Fan)

My heart hurt, my heart soared, and I was left thinking about the amazing women who paved the way for women today. Full review.

- BJs Reviews

No Small Shame is an important reminder of how far we have come in Australia … and how much we need to protect. It is a story crafted with great empathy – and immense believability. Full Review.

- Dr Wendy Dunn, author/poet (Dear Heart, How Like You This? Falling Pomegranate Seeds: The Duty of Daughters)

No Small Shame is an exquisitely written, absorbing and intelligent story of love, betrayal and the painful journey to self-awareness.

- Alison Goodman, author (Eon/Eona, Lady Helen and the Dark Days series, The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies)

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