Aussie Author Challenge 2015

[Michelle]

I'm in! At the laid back level. Love to read Aussie books
1 YA contemporary
2 poetry
3 novel in verse
4 YA sci fi
5 Rural romance
6 Inspirational
7 non fiction
8 Biography
9 Memoir
10 Dramatised biography
11 Chick Lit
12 Mystery Adventure

[Meg]

This sounds great. I might try to get BUSY!


1. Fantasy - Bitter Greens and Forest of Dreams: The Laylines Trilogy
2. History - True History of the Kelly Gang and Euphoria
3. Short Stories - The Bodysurfers and Like a House on Fire
4. Chick Lit - Three Wishes and Big Little Lies
5. Contemporary - The Slap and Oyster
6. Literary - In Search of the Blue Tiger and Past the Shallows
7. Horror - Resurrectionists and The Opposite of Life
8. Young Adult - On the Jellicoe Road and Darkfall
9. Crime - Burial Rites and something by Kerry Greenwood
10. Humour - The Rosie Project and The Rosie Effect
11. Romance - Shiver and The Idea of Perfection
12. Memoir - Love Your Sister and Shantaram

[Belinda]

Let's attempt Laid Back Busy level and see how we go...

1. Children's Classic - Seven Little Australians
The Complete Adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie

2. Contemporary - The Rosie Effect
The Life

3. Action/Adventure - The Great Zoo of China
Truth

4. Biography - My Journey
High Sobriety: my year without booze

5. History - Gallipoli
Last Woman Hanged

6. Historical Fiction - The Narrow Road to the Deep North
The Secret River
All That I Am

7. Young Adult - Tomorrow, When the War Began
Hating Alison Ashley
Storm Boy
My Place

8. Fantasy - Obernewtyn
The Charm Bracelet

9. Classic - My Brilliant Career
My Brother Jack
The Thorn Birds

10. Mystery/Thriller - Eden
Murder and Mendelssohn
Beyond Fear

11. Travel - Shantaram
Questions of Travel

12. Humour - He Died With A Felafel In His Hand
Bliss

[Lynxie]

Let's see what I can come up with...LAID BACK BUSY

1. Contemporary: Breath by Tim Winton
Meant To Be by Fiona McCallum
Sacred Striptease by Tahlia Newland

2. Paranormal: The Blood Countess by Tara Moss
Fairytales for Wilde Girls by Allyse Near
Koven by Vanessa Skye

3. Historical Romance: Lord Somerton's Heir by Alison Stuart
Capturing the Pirate's Heart by Annie Seaton
The Secret Years by Barbara Hannay

4. Romance/Erotic: Love, Desire and Betrayal by Margaret Lynette Sharp
Shameless Exposure by Robert Fanshaw

5. Mystery: Assassin by Tara Moss
Poisoned Waters by Ermisenda Alvarez
The Lost Swimmer by Ann Turner
Revolution Earth by Lambert Nagle

6. Urban Fantasy: Destiny Kills by Keri Arthur
Night's Cold Kiss by Tracey O'Hara

7. Science Fiction Fire Country by David Estes
The Sun Dwellers by David Estes
A Town Called Dust by Justin Woolley

8. Historical Fiction: Four Fires by Bryce Courtenay
Jessica by Bryce Courtenay
Captive Prince: Volume One by C.S. Pacat
Captive Prince: Volume Two by C.S. Pacat

9. Fantasy: White Tiger by Kylie Chan
Sorrow's Child by Georgina Anne Taylor
The Narrowing Path by David J. Normoyle
The Stone Gate by Mark Mann

10. Non-fiction: April Fool's Day by Bryce Courtenay
From the Feet Up by Tanya Saad

11. Young Adult: The Book of Lies by James Moloney
Demon's Grip by Tahlia Newland
The Bellamy Bird by Clare Havens

12. New Adult: Saving Wishes by G.J. Walker-Smith
Finding Home by Lauren K. McKellar

However I may add additional books in these genres and see if I can manage Out of control over the course of the year.

[Janine]

I am going to start at the Laid Back Level
1. Mystery: Lyrebird Hill by Anna Romer
2. Historical Fiction: The Jade Widow by Deborah O'Brien
3. Crime: Voodoo Doll by Leah Giarratano
4. Fiction: The Mistake by Wendy James
5. Contemporary Fiction: Into My Arms by Kylie Ladd
6. Fantasy: Tapestry by Fiona McIntosh
7. Thriller: Rotten Gods by Greg Barron
8. Non-fiction: When Justice Fails by P.D. Martin
9. Chick-lit: Belly Dancing for Beginners by Liz Byrski
10. Romance: The Hypnotist's Love Story by Liane Moriarty
11. Romantic Suspense: Storm Clouds by Bronwyn Parry
12. Action/Adventure: Scarecrow and the Army of Thieves by Matthew Reilly

[Amber]

Gah! I really want to do this challenge at the Busy level, but I probably really can't manage more than Laid Back. Two questions for the mods: can I use books from the Summer Challenge, and can I do 24 different genres instead of 2x12 genres?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Amber wrote: "Gah! I really want to do this challenge at the Busy level, but I probably really can't manage more than Laid Back. Two questions for the mods: can I use books from the Summer Challenge, and can I d..."

Amber; yes you can use books from the Summer Challenge, and no you can't do 24 genres:) 12 is the set amount, with the three different levels as the challenge:) Have fun!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Janine wrote: "I am going to start at the Laid Back Level
1. Mystery: Lyrebird Hill by Anna Romer
2. Historical Fiction: The Jade Widow by [author:Deborah O'Brien|..."

Janine, I'm not sure that Bookclub is a genre, but you could change it to Cultural or Drama if you want:)

[Sarah]

They have things listed as Bookclub. I had actually wondered about that.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sarah wrote: "They have things listed as Bookclub. I had actually wondered about that."

Yes there are a large number of shelves named Bookclub, but that's generally because someone is reading it for their bookclub. It's not a genre as it could be any book at all:)

[Amber]

Is "short stories" a genre? :-)

[Janine]

Brenda wrote: "Janine wrote: "I am going to start at the Laid Back Level
1. Mystery: Lyrebird Hill by Anna Romer
2. Historical Fiction: The Jade Widow by [author:D..."
Ok Changes made

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Amber wrote: "Is "short stories" a genre? :-)"

Yes short stories passes Amber:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Janine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Janine wrote: "I am going to start at the Laid Back Level
1. Mystery: Lyrebird Hill by Anna Romer
2. Historical Fiction: [book:The Jade Widow|1790570..."

Thanks Janine:)

[Sarah]

For me This is a shopping list. I may have to up to busy or even out of control. Can we make changes as time goes by or does this have to be finalized by 1/1?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sarah wrote: "For me This is a shopping list. I may have to up to busy or even out of control. Can we make changes as time goes by or does this have to be finalized by 1/1?"

You can make changes Sarah - the only thing you can't change is your genre choices:) So once that list is made, it's set - but you can change the books anytime! For example - You might find a new release that you really want to read, and it fits into one of your genres so it's fine to change it to that...

[Sarah]

Yay! I'm excited about this and may have to up to Busy.

[Amber]

Since we have all year to complete this challenge, I will attempt BUSY level :-)

Contemporary -
1. The Eye of the Sheep by Sofie Laguna
2. Volcano Street by David Rain

Historical -
1. The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton
2. The Great Plains by Nicole Alexander

Literary -
1. A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute
2. Death of a River Guide by Richard Flanagan

Classics -
1. The Shiralee by D'Arcy Niland
2. Swords And Crowns And Rings by Ruth Park

Crime -
1. Wings of Fear by Helene Young
2. Blackwater Moon by B. Michael Radburn

Mystery -
1. Dead Heat by Bronwyn Parry
2. Lyrebird Hill by Anna Romer

Chick Lit -
1. Paper Chains by Nicola Moriarty
2. Hello From the Gillespies by Monica McInerney

Fantasy -
1. This Shattered World by Amie Kaufman
2. Soul's Child by Dianne F. Gray

Young Adult -
1. Wonderboy by Tom Conyers
2. Laurinda by Alice Pung

Short Stories -
1. The Turning: Stories by Tim Winton
2. Dead Sea Fruit by Kaaron Warren

Non Fiction -
1. This House of Grief by Helen Garner
2. Worse Things Happen at Sea by William McInnes

Children's
1. Storm Boy by Colin Thiele
2. Audrey of the Outback by Christine Harris

(subject to change if I find a title I like better!)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Good list Amber!

[Kathryn]

OK, I'm going for the Laid Back level, although may upgrade throughout the year.

At the moment, my list looks like this:

1. Historical Fiction: Wild Lavender by Belinda Alexandra

2. Mystery: Ronan's Echo by Joanne van Os

3. YA: Pennies for Hitler by Jackie French

4. Fantasy: Tapestry by Fiona McIntosh

5. Contemporary: A Di Morrissey - exact title undecided

6. Chick-Lit: The Tea Chest by Josephine Moon

7. Crime: Promise by Tony Cavanaugh

8. Classic: The Magic Pudding by Norman Lindsay

9. Romance: Lovesong by Alex Miller

10. Memoir/Biography: TBA

11. Christian fiction: Helena by Jo-Anne Berthelsen

12. Suspense: Ice Station by Matthew Reilly

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Nice Kathryn!

[Kathryn]

I think you've probably read about 90% of my list, Brenda, or maybe more!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kathryn wrote: "I think you've probably read about 90% of my list, Brenda, or maybe more!!"

Well just to surprise you - I have read TWO! #2 and #12 and maybe three, depending on your choice of #5...lol!

[Trevor]

Hi Brenda, does The Mystery of a Hansom Cab by Fergus Hume count as an Aussie book for the challenge?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trevor wrote: "Hi Brenda, does The Mystery of a Hansom Cab by Fergus Hume count as an Aussie book for the challenge?"

Yes Trevor it's definitely Aussie:)

[Trevor]

Brenda wrote: "Trevor wrote: "Hi Brenda, does The Mystery of a Hansom Cab by Fergus Hume count as an Aussie book for the challenge?"

Yes Trevor it's definitely Aussie:)"

Thanks Brenda, I wasn't sure, I'll post my final list later today

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trevor wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Trevor wrote: "Hi Brenda, does The Mystery of a Hansom Cab by Fergus Hume count as an Aussie book for the challenge?"

Yes Trevor it's definitely Auss..."

I used that one this year as my classic :)

[Kathryn]

That DOES surprise me, Brenda! I hadn't checked (obviously!), but thought you'd have probably read at least #'s 1,6, 7 and 9!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kathryn wrote: "That DOES surprise me, Brenda! I hadn't checked (obviously!), but thought you'd have probably read at least #'s 1,6, 7 and 9!!"

Nope:) haha!!

[Kathryn]

And I meant those ones as well as no. 2 and 12 (which I knew you had read), and any thing I pick for no. 5! Well, I'll be sure to let you know what the others are like!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kathryn wrote: "And I meant those ones as well as no. 2 and 12 (which I knew you had read), and any thing I pick for no. 5! Well, I'll be sure to let you know what the others are like!"

Thanks, I'll be waiting for your thoughts when you read them :)

[Trevor]

So I'm going for the "laid back" option and my list is:


1) Humour - They're a Weird Mob by Nino Culotta
2) Contemporary - Vernon God Little by D.B.C. Pierre
3) Short stories - The Promise by Tony Birch
4) Literary Fiction - Theft: A Love Story by Peter Carey
5) Classic - Monkey Grip by Helen Garner
6) War - A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute
7) Historical - Dark Places by Kate Grenville
8) MM Romance - Tigers and Devils by Sean Kennedy
9) Travel 30 Days in Sydney: A Wildly Distorted Account by Peter Carey
10) Mystery > Detective - Flying Too High by Kerry Greenwood
11) Autobiography - Rose Boys by Peter Rose
12) Mystery > Crime - The Mystery of a Hansom Cab by Fergus Hume

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great list there too Trevor!

[Sally906]

There are some fabulous choices going on here - should be an incredible reading year in 2015

[Sarah]

I'm running into a serious availability problem. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get these in the U.S.?

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Sarah wrote: "I'm running into a serious availability problem. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get these in the U.S.?"

Which titles are you having trouble with Sarah?

[Sarah]

Dead Trees Forest by Brett McBean
Red Queen by Honey Brown
Blood Secrets by Jaye Ford
Promise by Tony Cavanaugh

The rest of the Cavanaugh series is available here, but Promise is not and it's the first in the series. I switched my books and genres around to accommodate this problem but I REALLY wanted these.

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Dead Tree Forest by Brett McBean
Red Queen by Honey Brown
Blood Secret by Jaye Ford
Promise byTony Cavanaugh

[Sarah]

I'm sorry, I didn't clarify. I'm in the U.S. and these four aren't available here. I'm trying to figure out if there's some other way I can get them. I even tried Amazon.com/Au but it gave me an error page.

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Trying to think how we can help. These are all authors who are not so well known overseas as they are here. I suppose they won't let you on Amazon Australia because you are in the US.
Can anyone suggest h0w Sarah can get these books????

[Sarah]

Thank you Phrynne. I was so excited about these four.

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Sarah wrote: "Thank you Phrynne. I was so excited about these four."

Try this link Sarah http://www.amazon.com.au/s/ref=nb_sb_...

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

I have found in the past that Amazon US will let me buy things that the Australian sites don't offer, so maybe the same works in reverse? Fingers crossed ;)

Possibly didn't work because Sarah's original /Au extension was in error??

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Let's hope so.
Sarah you could also maybe try www.booktopia.com.au
The trouble there though would be the prices! I think you will find we pay a lot more for books here than you do in the US.

[Sarah]

I saw that! I was shocked at the prices. I don't know how you guys can afford a reading habit!

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

....or Booko: https://booko.com.au

[Sarah]

Between booko and booktopia I found all but Dead Tree Forest. That one must be out of print. Now I just have to get over the culture shock of the prices. :) I do want these badly, so thanks ladies!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sarah wrote: "Between booko and booktopia I found all but Dead Tree Forest. That one must be out of print. Now I just have to get over the culture shock of the prices. :) I do want these badly, so thanks ladies!"

Did you try book depository Sarah? Sorry can't link but their delivery is free too :)

[Sarah]

I signed up to be notified if they come in at book depository. Thank you!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sarah wrote: "I signed up to be notified if they come in at book depository. Thank you!"

Good luck then :) At least you have some time..