Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson, 37, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.

Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’, Hunted and Tethered, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”
She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge, an adventure,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.

at https://ballaratmi.org.au/talks

Presented in partnership with Collins Booksellers on Lydiard.

This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, learn and create. Always Was, Always Will Be, Aboriginal Land.