Book Launch - If It's Not True It Should Be edited by Paul Ashton

Paul Ashton's If it's Not True It Should Be centres around the state of Australian historical fiction and comprises several pieces which illustrate the way in which history and literature relate to each other. Whilst history grounds creativity, creative non-fiction allows readers to connect with, and immerse themselves in, historical events. As well as being immersive, this work is also accurate, thereby informing the reader and bridging the gap between creativity and historical accuracy. 

Ten of the contributors are academically trained historians, whilst the other six are eminent writers of historical fiction. This ensures that a balance is achieved between imagination and precision, providing appropriate context and methodology that informs whilst inviting the reader to visualise and personally connect with the events in question. 

Dr Stephanie Owen Reeder is a children’s author with an abiding love of books, art, history and the environment. She has been involved in Australian Children’s Literature since the 1980s as a reviewer, editor, academic, critic, mentor, advocate, author and illustrator.

Prof. Peter Stanley of UNSW Canberra is an historian who has worked in museums and academia. Peter has published 45 books, mainly in Australian military history, including eight historical novels, with more history and historical fiction in press.

Barbie Robinson is co-Principal of arts media not-for-profit website, podcast platform and internet radio station Living Arts Canberra. She is a Canberra-based arts journalist, arts advocate, photographer and designer. She is the author of eight books and joins us for this event to interview Professor Peter Stanley and Stephanie Owen Reeder.