In Conversation with Jay Martin

Jay Martin will be in conversation with Lucy Campbell on her latest novel Boom Town Snap – Fremantle Press.

About the Book

When Georgie’s boss-turned-lover, Nico, offers her a high-stakes job in Canada, she wants to say no. But burdened by debt and swayed by Nico’s promises that the gig will be quick and lucrative, Georgie feels she has no choice - even though it means leaving behind the people she loves the most.

Swapping an Australian mining town for the rugged Albertan oilfields, Georgie’s finally getting her life back on track. But as the stakes rise at work and at home, Georgie discovers the real reason she got the job - and just what she stands to lose.

‘This intelligent debut follows Georgie from the searing Aussie outback to the freezing Canadian North. While working hard to pay her debts, Georgie is going through an existential crisis. How can she align her personal values with her career goals in a global mining company? Witty and wry, Boom Town Snap looks at the use of power from the top-level of governments and corporations right down to the dynamics in marriages and family. All along, we’re cheering for Georgie to realise her true value and find her way out of the mess. Boom Town Snap is a nuanced story about relationships, communities and our impact on the natural world. It will keep you thinking long after you’ve finished the last page.’ Petronella McGovern, The Last Trace

‘Boom Town Snap takes readers from the broiling heat of Karratha to the arctic tundra of the Canadian oil sands, challenging us to grapple with the realities of our short-sighted politics. At the heart of this highly original story is one woman’s heartbreak and humanity. Pacey and full of tension, Jay Martin’s debut novel is bold, unflinching and tender, and, ultimately, incredibly hopeful.’ Ashley Kalagian Blunt, bestselling author of Dark Mode

‘Boom Town Snap is smart, salacious and full of depth. Jay Martin deftly explores gender politics, sex, family, and the messy morality of the mining industry. Fast paced and riveting from start to finish.’ Amy Lovat, Mistakes and Other Lovers

About Jay Martin

Jay lives and works on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. She studied Asian languages (Indonesian and Vietnamese) and worked in a range of roles including in community development, government policy and consulting. This included positions in federal government in Canberra, as well as in consulting firms in Australia and in Alberta, Canada. Her first book, Vodka and Apple Juice: Travels of an Undiplomatic Wife in Poland, won the Hungerford Award and was published by Fremantle Press in 2018. Her second book and first novel, Boomtown Snap (May 2025) is set between Western Australia and Canada — countries on the opposite sides of the globe, the hearts of which beat to the common rhythm of the resources industry, and explores human connection, corporate greed, and the harsh, rich landscapes that shape our destinies. Jay’s short-form writing has been featured in European and Australian publications including Warsaw Insider, Warsaw Business Journal and news site Crikey, and she has been an invited guest at literary events in Australia and Canada. Jay designs and runs writing workshops and programs around Western Australia, and loves helping others discover the joy and power of writing.

About Lucy Campbell

Lucy is the author of Lowbridge which was SHORTLISTED FOR THE NED KELLY AWARD FOR BEST DEBUT CRIME FICTION. Lucy has worked as a writer and sub-editor across magazines, newspapers and non-fiction books. She lives in Canberra with her husband and three children.

About the Event

• Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.
• Registration is required for this event.
• Accessible parking spaces directly below the Harry Hartog ANU Bookshop are available should you require them. Kambri ANU / Parking
• If you do not feel well, please refrain from attending this event.
• Disability Access available - please ask in-store.