5. March 2024: Publicity

A brief hiatus from my MUFIR project while I promote my book

Launching Always Will Be with Bundjalung editor Grace Lucas-Pennington at Avid Reader, 20th of March 2024.

RESEARCH

I took a brief hiatus from my MUFIR project this month as I was busy with book promotion and publicity. But I miss my research. Can’t wait to pick this back up next month.

PUBLICATIONS

Nothing new published this month, but I’ve done a bunch of media for my book, below:

Mykaela Saunders on ABC RN’s The Book Show

5 Questions with Mykaela Saunders – Kill Your Darlings

Meet the Author – New Voices Down Under interview

Mykaela Saunders on the Readings Podcast

Emerging Writers Series: Mykaela Saunders – Aniko Press

TALKS

My book was kindly launched by Bundjalung editor Grace Lucas-Pennington, and hosted by the good folks at Avid Reader. Lovely to celebrate with family, friends and community, and to meet new readers too.

I delivered a guest lecture on Alexis Wright’s Carpentaria for a lovely class of students at NYU.

CULTURE

Reading: I’m very happy to say that all my reading and judging for the NSW Premiers Literary Awards is finally over! Only one more meeting to go, and all the shortlists and winners will be revealed in due course. It is a very exciting time for Aboriginal literature, and I’m glad I get to be part of this world.

One thing I have been reading is all the reviews of my book. I’m stoked and honoured to have such attention paid to my work. Here are some pull quotes on the UQP page for my book:

‘Vivid and inventive fiction, full of thought-provoking contests of ideas and values, that expands possibilities for First Nations literature.’ The Age

‘An exciting, bold story collection.’ The Guardian

‘Always Will Be exemplifies the power of literature to both reflect and shape cultural landscapes. Saunders not only contributes to expanding the scope of speculative fiction, but also challenges readers to reconsider whose stories are deemed worthy of speculation and exploration. The stories in Always Will Be were crafted with care, respect and humour. They are in equal measures enlightening and entertaining. This collection is a must-read in 2024.’ The Conversation

‘Clear-sightedness, originality and a refined pen make Mykaela Saunders one of the most interesting writers working in this country. At every turn in this collection, she seems to be remarking, ‘Who are we waiting for? We already know what to do.’ Ultimately, love for Country and community is what charges the book with generosity and makes its hope audacious. This is the gift of Always Will Be: to hold so much confidence in the beauty of First Nations sovereignty, it’s as though this future has already happened.’ Kill Your Darlings

‘Saunders’ storytelling is energising and incisive, evocative yet concise … What is particularly refreshing about this David Unaipon Award-winning compilation is the optimism inherent in its stories; that what is ahead is just as important as all that has come before. It is instructive but not prescriptive. If the future is ours to write, then let Always Will Be be one of the first chapters.’ The Big Issue

‘During a time of climate chaos and fraught politics, it distills a sense of hope in the ability we as humans have to turn this ship around — and I think it’s one of those book that everyone should read … Definitely add it to your “must read” list of 2024 — I suspect this might end up being one of my best reads of the year.’ PEDESTRIAN.TV

‘These are not all utopian views of the future – not everyone is benevolent and caring, and not everything is rosy. But they are views of a future in which culture, community and living in harmony with the land are crucial.’ Newtown Review of Books

‘Always Will Be is a must-read for every Australian … Buy it now. Buy three copies and hand them out to your friends. Ask your kids’ teachers to read the stories out loud and discuss them. This is a stunning, ground-breaking collection that forges new territory in Australian literature.’ ArtsHub

‘Saunders has written a gift to Goori and First Nations communities. It’s a collection that proudly and wholeheartedly speaks to place, culture, and a hopeful future.’ Aniko Press

‘Saunders has created an incredible book that shows exactly why Blak literature should be skyrocketing in this country. As a Ngarrindjeri woman, I wish I had this book when I was younger, because – for the first time – I saw experiences that I had reflected on the page alongside moments I want desperately to see. This is a book that will absolutely resonate with all generations to come.’ InReview

As always and ever – free Palestine!

Mykaela
Friday the 5th of April, 2024