May I?
Giving yourself permission + May's debut writers, their books and reading recommendations
For some reason, I’ve been pondering permission. It could be that I’m highly suggestible, and the month of May has literally got me asking may I do this? May I do that?
Seriously though, I give myself permission to read when I have chores to do, or to read when I should be getting some work done. Or writing something. I’ve discovered joy in the granting of permission. I tell myself that with every book I read, I become a better reader, a more imaginative and skilled writer.
Turns out, this is true. I’ve noticed more openness, permissiveness in my writing too. I’m taking risks. In the last episode I recorded for the Book Deal podcast, I was in conversation with Zaheda Ghani and she talked about writing for the sake of the craft and characters. She said she doesn’t think about writing for publication - she does it because she wants to. That’s given me permission to write for the love of it. I am writing scenes that make me happy. What may happen with them after this? I don’t know, and I’m giving myself permission to let that be for now.
I’ve just finished reading The Thinning by Inga Simpson. My current read is Unfinished Business by Shankari Chandran. Next on my to-read pile is Marion Taffe’s By Her Hand, and Madeleine Cleary’s much awaited The Butterfly Women.
And now … introducing May’s debut authors, their amazing books, as well as what they’re reading.
Sarah Clutton - The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains
The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains publishing 29 April by Allen & Unwin. An uplifting story of a quirky, determined boy, searching for his father. When he meets family he didn’t know he had, he finds connection, truth and home in unexpected places.
About the author: Sarah Clutton writes novels blending suspense, humour and drama. She enjoys exploring humanity and the quirks of small town living. In 2018 she was the national recipient of the Dymocks/ Fiona McIntosh Commercial Fiction Scholarship.
What was the best/most surprising aspect of the publishing process?
Having had a digital publishing experience before, the level of involvement with this traditionally published book from other departments inside the publishing house (i.e. not just the editorial team) has been really wonderful.
How are you celebrating the release of your novel?
Lunch somewhere lovely with my family and a visit to a few bookstores to sign some books!
What supported you during the publishing process?
My support came from my family and my various writing communities, including The Debut Crew. Also wine.
Where can people buy your novel? How can people find attendance information for your launch(es)?
All good bookshops and online. Check out my website events page: www.sarahclutton.com or Instagram @sarahmclutton
What are you reading right now?
I just finished Beth O’Leary’s The Switch (warm, funny, a big romantic hug) and have started Nadia Mahjouri’s Half Truth (so far, so brilliant!).
Madeleine Cleary - The Butterfly Women
The Butterfly Women, publishing 29 April by Affirm Press, is both an historical romp through early colonial Melbourne and a gritty murder mystery. It’s inspired by Madeleine's ancestor who lived and worked in a brothel in the red-light district known as Little Lon.
About the author: Madeleine is a writer and former bookseller from Naarm/Melbourne. She works for the Australian Public Service and served as a diplomat in China. Her work was shortlisted for The Australian Fiction Prize in 2024.
What was the best/most surprising aspect of the publishing process?
Finding myself in this beautiful and supportive writing community. Before The Butterfly Women was acquired I was an outsider and wrote in secret. I knew no other writers. But in such a short time I have made lifelong friends, all united by our love for writing and passion for this industry.
How are you celebrating the release of your novel?
I will be heading to the office for my day job! I do have a podcast interview in the morning, which I'll do on a sneaky coffee break at work (thankfully I have a very flexible workplace). My colleagues and I have plans to celebrate over a nice lunch and a visit to Dymocks in Collins Street.
What supported you during the publishing process?
I'm repeating myself but most definitely the writing community. I'm privileged to interview some wonderful authors on The Book Deal podcast, and the chats around the 'official chats' have been the most informative and helpful. I also am spoilt by the support of my friends and family.
Where can people buy your novel? How can people find attendance information for your launch(es)?
Hopefully in all good bookshops! My Melbourne launch is sold out, but I'm lucky to be doing some wonderful events in Melbourne, regional Victoria and Canberra. All the events are on my website:
https://www.madeleinecleary.com.au/
What are you reading right now?
I'm one quarter through reading Robbie Arnott's Dusk and loving its beauty and simplicity. I'm listening to Gail Holmes' debut, In The Margins, which is brilliant! I'll be on a panel with Gail at the Sorrento Writers Festival.
Bianca Breen - Made of Steam and Stardust
Made of Steam and Stardust publishing 12 May by Stag Beetle Books. When a comet threatens her planet, 16-year-old inventor Gerdie races to build a machine to stop it, until she meets Fell, a mysterious boy linked to the danger. Hunted by a tyrant and facing a looming automaton army, Gerdie must act fast - or lose everything.
About the author: Bianca Breen is a YA fantasy writer. She was the winner of the 2021 ASA Award Mentorship, and has won several residencies, including with KSP Writers’ Centre and Vancouver Arts Centre. She has short works published with Dragon Soul Press, Night Parrot Press, and more. She holds a Bachelor of Creative Arts in Writing from La Trobe University.
What was the best/most surprising aspect of the publishing process?
The sense of accomplishment, of making a dream come true. Sometimes you hear you don't feel any different after getting your book published, but I definitely do!
How are you celebrating the release of your novel?
I think I'll leave all my celebrating for the launch. Friends, family, and fellow book nerds will be there - it's going to be a perfect afternoon.
What supported you during the publishing process?
So many people in the writing community were genuinely so excited for me, it was so heart-warming to share the journey.
Where can people buy your novel? How can people find attendance information for your launch(es)?
Made of Steam and Stardust is available online or asking your local bookshop to order it in for you. The launch is on Saturday 31 May in Fremantle, WA - you can find more details here.
What are you reading right now?
I'm currently reading This Stays Between Us by Margot McGovern - it's an Australian YA horror I'm reading for my book club and I'm a big chicken when it comes to horror so I can only read it during the day!
Cynthia Timoti - Salty, Spiced, and A Little Bit Nice
Publishing May 13 (in Australia) by Pan Macmillan. Ellie Pang has had enough of her controlling family, who has been micromanaging her life since her type 1 diabetes diagnosis. When they orchestrate a (humiliatingly viral) public proposal from their business partner’s son, she escapes to the other side of the country to put her dream of opening a sugar-free bakery into action. But her quest to build a new life is met with a huge setback and might even be doomed to failure, unless she agrees to fake-date her sworn enemy.
About the author: Cynthia Timoti was born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia, and moved to Australia when she was 17. She later studied Commerce and spent too many years working in finance, even though numbers aren’t her strongest suit. Cynthia currently resides in Melbourne with her husband and two sons.
What was the best/most surprising aspect of the publishing process?
The most surprising: how long it takes! The best part was meeting other authors and working with lots of wonderful people along the way—my agent, editor, publisher, publicists, the marketing people, cover illustrator—it’s amazing how many people it takes to bring this book into the hands of readers.
How are you celebrating the release of your novel?
It’ll just be a quiet one on the actual day—I’ll probably go buy a book or two to treat myself! I’ll have a launch after, so that’s when I’ll celebrate.
What supported you during the publishing process?
My family. My writers’ group has been invaluable. Other writer friends I met along the way. My agent, who told me once to celebrate every win, no matter how small.
Where can people buy your novel? How can people find attendance information for your launch(es)?
It will be at most major retailers and indie bookshops in Australia, as well as online. For those in Melbourne, my launch is on May 16th at Robinsons Bookshop (The Glen), and I’ll be in conversation with the wonderful Nicola Marsh. Booking link and details are on my Instagram: @cynthiatimoti.
What are you reading right now?
I’ve just finished James Patterson’s Along Came a Spider, and I’ve just started reading B.K Borison’s First-Time Caller.
I hope you’ve enjoyed hearing from our fabulous debut authors. You can support them in the following ways:
Buy their book from your local independent bookshop for yourself and for others. Books make great gifts for all ages!
Borrow their book from the library.
Attend an event to hear them speak about their book.
Post on your socials.
Tell your friends, family and colleagues about the book.
Set these titles for your next bookclub meeting.
Happy reading and you’ll hear from me next month.
Natasha