Top Female Australian Authors You Should Know

Australia boasts a rich literary heritage, and female writers have been instrumental in shaping its narrative. From historical fiction to contemporary thrillers, these talented authors have captivated readers worldwide with their powerful storytelling and unique perspectives. 

That said, this guide will discuss the lives and works of some of the most influential Australian female authors. Prepare to be inspired by their creativity, courage, and unwavering dedication to their craft. 

Famous Female Australian Authors 

Here are some of the top female Australian authors whose works have made a significant impact in literature both domestically and globally:  

1. Miles Franklin  

Miles Franklin, born Stella Maria Sarah Miles Franklin, remains one of Australia’s most iconic literary figures. Her novel My Brilliant Career (1901) is a cornerstone of Australian literature, presenting a bold and spirited heroine who challenges societal expectations. Franklin's name also lives on through the prestigious Miles Franklin Literary Award, one of Australia’s highest literary honors.  

2. Helen Garner 

Helen Garner is a celebrated contemporary author known for her sharp, unflinching prose in fiction, nonfiction, and journalism. Her debut novel, Monkey Grip (1977), captured Melbourne's countercultural scene and cemented her as a fresh literary voice. Later works, like The Spare Room (2008) and her nonfiction masterpiece This House of Grief (2014), reveal her skill in examining human relationships and moral complexity. 

3. Kate Grenville 

A highly acclaimed author, Kate Grenville's works often delve into Australian history, identity, and colonial past. Inspired by her family's history, her novel The Secret River (2005) explores the complex and violent relationships between settlers and Indigenous Australians. The book has received international acclaim and remains vital in understanding Australia's colonial legacy.   

4. Liane Moriarty 

Liane Moriarty is a global bestseller celebrated for her gripping contemporary fiction and relatable characters. Her novels, such as Big Little Lies (2014) and Nine Perfect Strangers (2018), blend humor, mystery, and drama, making her a favorite among readers worldwide. Big Little Lies was adapted into a hit HBO series starring Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman, further amplifying Moriarty’s literary fame. 

5. Geraldine Brooks 

Geraldine Brooks is an Australian-American author and Pulitzer Prize winner known for her historical fiction. Her novel March (2005), which imagines the untold story of the father from Little Women, earned her the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Other standout works include People of the Book (2008) and The Secret Chord (2015), which showcase her deep research and storytelling prowess.  

6. Hannah Kent 

Hannah Kent rose to prominence with her debut novel, Burial Rites (2013), inspired by the story of the last woman executed in Iceland. Her lyrical prose and historical settings immerse readers in dark, atmospheric narratives. Kent’s subsequent works, The Good People (2016) and Devotion (2021) further solidified her reputation as one of Australia’s finest contemporary voices.  

7. Alexis Wright 

A proud Indigenous Australian author and activist, Alexis Wright is known for her powerful depictions of Aboriginal culture and history. Her novel Carpentaria (2006) won the Miles Franklin Award and is regarded as a landmark in Australian literature. Wright’s writing is characterized by its innovative style and exploration of themes like land, identity, and Indigenous sovereignty.  

8. Charlotte Wood 

Charlotte Wood is an award-winning author praised for her thought-provoking and emotionally resonant works. Her novel The Natural Way of Things (2015) is a searing exploration of misogyny and power, earning her widespread acclaim and the Stella Prize. Wood’s later works, such as The Weekend (2019), showcase her keen observations on friendship, aging, and loss.  

9. Shirley Hazzard  

Though splitting her life between Australia, New York, and Italy, Shirley Hazzard is a towering figure in literature. Her novels, including The Transit of Venus (1980) and The Great Fire (2003), are marked by their exquisite prose and profound emotional depth. Hazzard won numerous literary awards and is celebrated for exploring love, displacement, and human resilience. 

10. Melissa Lucashenko 

Melissa Lucashenko is a Goorie author who writes with sharp wit and insight about contemporary Indigenous life. Her novel Too Much Lip (2018) won the Miles Franklin Award and blends humor, family drama, and Indigenous political themes. Lucashenko’s works are vital in amplifying Aboriginal voices in Australian literature.  

11. Ruth Park  

Ruth Park was a prolific and beloved author whose works span novels, children’s books, and plays. Her classic novel The Harp in the South (1948) remains a cornerstone of Australian literature, depicting working-class life in Sydney with honesty and warmth. Park’s contribution to children’s literature, including Playing Beatie Bow (1980), has also earned her enduring acclaim.  

These Australian women writers have shaped Australia's literary landscape and contributed to global conversations through their diverse voices and powerful storytelling. Whether writing about identity, history, or contemporary issues, their works resonate with readers worldwide. 

Conclusion 

These extraordinary Australian women have made significant contributions to the world of literature. Their stories have resonated with readers across the globe, inspiring and empowering generations. As you explore their works, you'll be captivated by their unique voices, compelling narratives, and unwavering dedication to their craft. So, dive into the pages of these literary masterpieces and discover the magic of Australian women's writing.

Why Fun Stories For Kids Are Essential For Emotional Development

Imagine a world where every bedtime and quiet afternoon is filled with adventure and magic in distant lands, where dragons soar and heroes triumph. For children, the pages of a storybook aren’t just a series of sentences but a portal to another universe. Fun stories for kids do more than entertain; they play a crucial role in emotional growth. Engaging narratives capture young imaginations, providing both a playground and a safe space to explore complex emotions and situations. 

While the value of academic education is widely recognized, the emotional learning that fun stories facilitate is just as vital. Through the twists and turns of a good story, your child develops empathy, resilience, and learns the distinction between right and wrong. The characters become friends who not only teach them about the world but also about themselves. This understanding is fundamental in nurturing well-rounded, emotionally intelligent individuals. 

The Gateway To Understanding Emotions 

Fun stories for kids serve as an initial exposure to the spectrum of human emotions. When your child encounters characters in diverse situations, they begin to identify and empathize with feelings of joy, sadness, fear, and excitement. This connection is crucial for helping children recognize these emotions within themselves. For instance, when a character triumphs over adversity, your child gains insight into resilience and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges, subtly encouraging them to face their own obstacles. 

These funny stories frequently introduce children to the concept of empathy. Through engaging narratives, your child learns to put themselves in the shoes of different characters, understanding their feelings and perspectives. This not only broadens their emotional vocabulary but also aids in developing patience and tolerance toward others. Each story acts as a rehearsal for real-life interactions, where emotional comprehension plays a key role. 

Fun stories for kids also often deal with resolving conflicts or challenges, providing clear examples of problem-solving and emotional regulation. When your child sees characters managing their emotions effectively, they are inspired to mimic these behaviors. This learning through storytelling is not only engaging but also remains with the child as they navigate their own world of emotions and relationships. 

Building Confidence And Security 

The repetitive and predictable nature of many fun bedtime stories creates a sense of security and comfort for children. Listening to or reading these stories can be a calming ritual, especially in times of stress. This regular exposure to a safe and controlled emotional environment helps children feel more secure and less anxious about unforeseen situations. 

Within the safety of these stories, children often encounter characters who must overcome fears or tackle new challenges. Observing a favorite character manage such situations with courage can inspire your child to adopt similar bravery in their own life. This is particularly effective in fun stories where the narrative is engaging and the outcomes are positive, reinforcing a child's belief in their own capabilities. 

This engagement with hilarious stories boosts self-esteem by offering children a chance to see themselves as heroes. Through imaginative play sparked by these tales, your child explores their own strengths and skills, often adopting the admirable traits of their beloved characters. This not only boosts their self-image but also encourages a healthy formation of personal identity. 

Enhancing Social Skills Through Narrative 

One of the less obvious benefits of fun stories for kids is the development of social skills. As your child engages with stories, they learn about social cues and appropriate behaviors in various situations. This narrative-driven learning makes it easier for them to apply these lessons in social settings, enhancing their interactions and social comprehension. 

Stories provide a shared experience that can be a foundation for interaction and friendship with peers. Discussions about favorite characters or exciting storylines offer easy opportunities for your child to bond and communicate. This shared narrative experience can be a gentle introduction to forming connections and participating in social groups. 

Fun, entertaining stories often include diverse characters from various backgrounds and experiences, providing a broad social perspective. Your child exposed to such diversity in stories learns to appreciate different cultures and lifestyles, which is invaluable in today’s global society. This not only enhances social skills but also fosters a more inclusive attitude. 

Emotional Resilience From Page To Playground 

The adventures and trials in fun stories for kids aren’t just thrilling—they teach resilience. By following the journeys of characters who face and overcome adversity, your child learns that setbacks can be managed and conquered. This is particularly important in developing a child’s ability to cope with disappointments and challenges in their own lives. 

The resolution of conflicts and the achievement of goals in stories reinforce the notion of persistence. Your child learns that perseverance can lead to happy endings, an important lesson in maintaining effort despite difficulties. This kind of narrative encourages your child to keep trying, even when they encounter obstacles. 

Wrapping Up

Fun stories for kids are far more than mere creative entertainment; they’re essential tools for emotional development. These stories teach empathy, boost confidence, enhance social skills, and foster resilience, all of which are crucial in the emotional education of children.  

By immersing young readers in worlds where challenges are met with courage and resilience, you prepare them not just to read, but to lead emotionally rich lives. So, when you pick a funny story for a child, remember—you're not just selecting a tale; you’re shaping a future. 

SINFUL WALLFLOWERS SERIES OF NOVELS BEING ADAPTED FOR TELEVISION

USA Today Award-Winning Author Stacy Reid’s Historical Romances Feature Bold Female Characters

December 1, 2022—Sinful Wallflowers, a series of three historical romances by USA Today award-winning author Stacy Reid, is being adapted for television by Sologne Angelique Productions. Published by Entangled Publishing, the novels—My Darling Duke, Her Wicked Marquess, and A Scoundrel of Her Own—tell stories of women who boldly navigate the many challenges of life in a patriarchal society.

Moving forward, Sologne Angelique Productions’ CEO and Executive Producer Sologne Schumacher will work closely with Reid to create the television series. The production company is also currently seeking a streaming partner.

“Our company’s mission is amplifying the voices of historically excluded creators, and given Stacy Reid’s gifts as a storyteller, we knew she was someone we wanted to work with,” Schumacher explains. “When I read the Sinful Wallflowers series, I knew these were characters the world needed to see.”

Stacy Cantor Abrams, editorial director of Entangled Publishing and Reid’s editor, is eagerly awaiting the TV adaptation of Reid’s novels. “The Sinful Wallflowers books are bestsellers and fan favorites out of Reid’s entire backlist, meaning they represent the very pinnacle of historical romance,” Abrams says. “Now, we’ll get a chance to see these exceptional plots and characters transformed for the medium of television. It’s always an exciting process, and I’m confident these books will adapt particularly well.”

Schumacher’s production team includes Co-Producer Leon Jones, an award-winning producer, director, and writer, and Producer/Composer Marla Harvey, whose most recent work has been purchased by ESPN/Disney.

ABOUT SOLOGNE ANGELIQUE PRODUCTIONS: The Sinful Wallflowers TV development team is a multifaceted BIPOC creative team led by Executive Producer and CEO Sologne Schumacher, Co-Producer Leon Jones, and Producer/Composer Marla Harvey. Sologne Schumacher is a screenwriter, playwright and producer who specializes in adaptation. She will be working closely with the author to create a TV series that both fans of the novels and those new to the franchise will be obsessed with. Leon Jones is an award-winning director, producer, and actor. He is committed to creating space for other BIPOC/LGBTQIA+ artists. His most recent work will be coming to Hulu soon. As their in-house composer, Marla Harvey will create a unique and rich score that makes their show stand out. Her most recent work has been purchased for use by ESPN/Disney.

ABOUT STACY REID: USA Today bestselling author Stacy Reid writes sensual historical and paranormal romances and is the published author of over twenty books. Her debut novella, The Duke’s Shotgun Wedding, was a 2015 HOLT Award of Merit recipient in the Romance Novella category, and her bestselling Wedded by Scandal series is recommended as Top picks at Night Owl Reviews, Fresh Fiction Reviews, and The Romance Reviews. 

ABOUT ENTANGLED PUBLISHING: Established in 2011, Entangled Publishing is a 100% women-owned publisher with 2,800+ adult, New Adult, and young adult romance ebooks and print books sure to delight any reader. Entangled’s titles are distributed globally by Macmillan in New York, one of the largest book distributors in the world.

7 Exercises To Do While Reading a Book

Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash

Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness and reading is the perfect activity to do while working out, as it helps keep your mind and muscles active. Reading can help improve your brain function, reduce stress levels, improve your memory and can even aid in healthy sleep. If you love reading, exercise your mind and body with these workouts you can do while reading a book. 

1. Literacy Lunges 

Grab your favorite book, your best pair of workout leggings and your favorite pair of sneakers for this workout that will target your glutes, hamstrings, quads and calves. 

Here’s how: 

1. Begin by standing with your feet hip-width apart, back straight and core engaged. 

2. With your book in one hand, step forward bending both knees until your back knee is almost touching the ground. 

3. Stand up and repeat the movement on the opposite leg. 

4. Continue alternating legs until you complete 3 to 4 sets of 8 to 10 reps. 

2. Page Turner Planks

Think you can hold these page-turner planks for a whole chapter? If the read is getting good, you’ll be sure to hold this position for longer than you’d expect. When performing this exercise, you’ll be targeting your core and lower back. 

Here’s how: 

1. Start in a push-up position with your book open and on the floor below you. 

2. Lower yourself onto your forearms.

3. Tighten and engage your ab and core muscles. 

4. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds or make a goal to stop after you’ve read a certain amount of pages. For example, hold the position until you’ve successfully read 5 pages. 

3. Literature Leg Raises 

Literature leg raises can be done from virtually anywhere. Next time you’re reading from your couch or bed, try incorporating this movement to target your abs and core. 

Here’s how: 

1. Begin by lying on your back, holding your book with both hands. 

2. Keep your legs straight and lift them up toward the ceiling. 

3. Slowly lower your legs back down while keeping your core engaged. 

4. Repeat the exercise for 3-5 sets of 15 reps. 

4. Side-Lying Leg Lifts 

Similar to the literature, leg raises, side lying leg lifts can also be done from the comfort of your bed or couch to target your hips, glutes and abs. 

Here’s how: 

1. Start by lying on your right side, supporting your head with your right arm. 

2. Then, place your left arm on the floor for extra support. 

3. Lift your leg up then back down to meet the other leg. 

4. Repeat for 10 reps or 2 pages, then switch sides and repeat on the other leg. 

Next time you can’t put your book down, try getting in some reps so you keep your mind and your muscles engaged. For more exercises that are perfect for book worms, check out the infographic below. 

How to Build a Home library That's Right for You by Darasha Singleton

Photo by Radu Marcusu on Unsplash

Are you someone who still enjoys a good book? Even with the popularity of streaming services and podcasts, books are here to stay. For avid readers, having a book collection can be refreshing yet tedious when keeping up with your new books, old books, and anything else related to those books. The best way to combat this is by creating your very own home library. 

What is a Home Library? 

A home library is having a dedicated space that resembles a public library but in your home. This keeps all your books in one area, safe and organized. It can also be used as a place to work and study. Home libraries do not have to follow certain guidelines and designs but rather what fits the owners’ preferences.

Here are a few tips to remember to make a home library that's stylish, functional, and works for you. 

Assess Your Current Collection

Before getting your hands dirty with building your home library, see what you have in your collection. This will help you determine how much space you will need for your books. 

Finding the Perfect Spot

The size of a home library can vary depending on the need for the size. Are you looking to dedicate an entire room to be made into your home library or just a corner nook in your bedroom? There are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision.

Here are spots in your home that you can put in your home library and areas that you should avoid. 

Where to Put Your Home Library? 

Under the Bed

It is good to put your books in an underutilized area, where they can be kept out of the way and protected. 

A Corner Nook

This may require taking on a DIY project, but having your books away in a corner creates its own designated space. 

Where to Not Put Your Home Library? 

Against outside Walls

You want to keep your books in an area where they will last forever. Having your books against outside walls is subject to temperature change. This can cause mold and mildew to grow on your book collection. 

Areas near food and drink

Building your home library may not be the best choice. This will avoid attracting any small animals or insects that may damage your books. 

How to Organize Your Home Library

Since you've already assessed your current collection and seen what books you have, it's time to figure out how you want them organized. Here are some ways that you can organize your home library. 

• Alphabetical order - You can decide if you want to go A-Z by author name or book title.

• Chronological order - Books can be ordered by the date it was published.

• By color - If you're big on color schemes, you can group your books by a particular color.

• By genre- Group your books by their genre. For example all the non-fiction books on one shelf and the sci-fi books on the next shelf. 

Surrounding yourself with books can have many benefits. To ensure all your hard work doesn't go to waste, get homeowners insurance that will keep your books safe and protected in your home.

For more steps on how to create an at-home library, check out the infographic below. 

How to Rediscover Your Love of Reading

If you want to rediscover your love for reading, you’re not alone. As we get older, some of the things we used to enjoy doing get lost in the shuffle, and things like reading for pleasure get put on the back burner. It doesn’t mean you never truly enjoyed the activity; it just means other, more pressing matters could have arisen.

The upside is that it’s easy to get this lovely hobby back into your life with just a few steps. Finding your way back to reading might seem like a challenge, but if you’re genuinely interested in picking up a book again, you’re already halfway there.

Learn how you can get back into reading and enjoy those books you’ve been meaning to read by following our recommendations.

Start Light 

It might be tempting to dive into reading head first, picking up the most complicated or challenging book you can find. But the best way to get back into reading is by starting light. You don’t have to look for the longest, most dense book to prove you’re back in the game—it’s not a competition! 

Look for books that could be easy to get through; this is helpful because you’ll be able to finish the book in a short amount of time, which will make you feel accomplished. That sense of accomplishment will give you the confidence to continue on your reading journey, which is when you can start intruding more challenging material into the mix. Look for YA novels, satirical or comedy books, or even a fun thriller.

If you really want to ease your way into reading, why not consider an audiobook? Audiobooks can be a fantastic way to introduce yourself to reading as a form of entertainment. Some audiobooks are even read by the author of the novel, so you can truly hear the way the story was meant to be read. 

Ask Your Friends to Recommend Books 

Sometimes when we’re trying to get back into a hobby, we need some help. If you don’t know where to start when it comes to reading, ask what other people are reading. The chances are pretty high that at least one of your friends is reading something that would also interest you. Or maybe they’ll tell you about a book that they’ve been meaning to read, and you can suggest you read it at the same time. Not only will you get more ideas about what books to buy, you’ll also be able to talk about the books you read with your friends. 

If you and your friends or family members share different interests when it comes to books, then take a look at some bestseller lists, award lists, or books that have recently been published. 

Reframe Your Thoughts

Sometimes, the thing preventing us from achieving a goal is us. If you’re upset or down on yourself for not being able to get back into reading, or you're caught up in what you “should” be doing, you’re actually working against yourself. 

Sometimes it’s easier to focus on what we did wrong or our regret instead of accepting the facts and moving on. It can be difficult to reframe our thoughts and think more positively. We think we “should” be going more or doing something else, and the idea that we’re not checking off times from our to-do list can cause us to freeze up because we become overwhelmed.

If you acknowledge that you might be beating yourself up or putting too high of an expectation on yourself, maybe it’s time to ease up. Set realistic goals, think about what you want to get out of these goals, and accept that it might be challenging at first to start a routine from scratch. 

Read Short Stories & Essays 

Lastly, one of the best ways to get back into reading on a regular basis is to read short stories or short essays. Short stories are easily digestible, you can finish them quite fast, and they’re entertaining. You can find short stories that are 10,000 words long or under 1,000 words long. They don’t require a ton of commitment and can be read in one sitting, making them accessible and thought-provoking. 

If fiction is not your thing, essays can be a great alternative. And no, we don’t mean those long essays you had to write for school. Essays can be punchy. They can read just like a short story, but the only difference is that they’re nonfiction. When a creative essay is done correctly, it can almost be compared to a documentary or a docuseries; you learn while being entertained. 

There are personal essays, creative nonfiction essays, and funny essays. Essays have come back into popularity in the past couple of years because they can have biting wit, but also talk about real-life issues. Both short stories and essays can be found in book form—you just want to search for “collections” or “anthologies” if you’re browsing an online bookstore. 

Get Back to Reading 

If you lost your love of reading, know that it can be easy to get it back if you give yourself time and set goals. Don’t be too hard on yourself; find things that interest you, and open yourself up to reading about new things. 

Reading can be a relaxing hobby that strengthens your mind and helps you learn more about the world. If you’re trying to rediscover your love of reading, know that you’re doing something great for your happiness and health. To find books at great prices and have them delivered to your door, browse through an online bookstore like Book Outlet.