In Conversation with Kim Kelly at Dubbo Library

Join author Kim Kelly in conversation with Jen Cowley as she discusses her most recent novella, Ladies’ Rest and Writing Room - Winner of the inaugural 20/40 Publishing Prize 2023.

'Two young women, brought up to expect conventional lives, are thrown together in unexpected circumstances. Each has suffered a devastating loss that challenges their belief in life and themselves. It’s rare to come across a work of deep psychological insight conveyed with such verve and lightness of touch. Kelly sweeps the reader into the lives and passions of her two central characters and into the bustling city streets of Sydney in the 1920s. A powerfully moving book that sparkles with vitality.' - 20/40 judges.

Kim Kelly is the author of thirteen novels, all stories about Australia, its history and people. Her novella, The Rat Catcher: A Love Story, was shortlisted for the Viva La Novella and longlisted for the ARA Historical Novel Prize. Her latest historical fiction, Ladies’ Rest and Writing Room, won the 2023 Finlay Lloyd 20/40 Prize.

Kim is also a book editor, better known in the margin notes there as Kim Swivel. She holds a Master of Creative Writing from Macquarie University, for which she earned the Faculty of Arts Fred Rush Convocation Prize. She is currently undertaking Creative Writing PhD research into Australian historical fiction, under supervision of novelist and cultural historian, Professor Hsu-Ming Teo.

A seasoned speaker, interviewer and workshop convenor at all kinds of literary events, and confident over the airwaves, Kim loves a chat about books. She also regularly reviews them for The Newtown Review of Books.

Originally from Sydney, Kim now lives in central west NSW, on Wiradjuri Country.

This event is organised by Outback Writers' Centre in partnership with Macquarie Regional Library.

Bookings required.