Celebrating books and readers, this is a monthly series of in-depth and relaxed conversations with authors about their latest work, and their body of work, their writing process and the ideas that inspire them.

Michaela Kalowski is an interviewer, moderator and curator for writers and ideas festivals. Highlight interviews include Margaret Atwood, David Mitchell, Michelle de Kretser, Amos Oz, Stan Grant, Holly Ringland & Etgar Keret. She's the curator of ABC RN’s on-air writers festival, Big Weekend of Books, now in its 4th year. In 2022 she was curator of International Author events for Brisbane Writers Festival. Michaela has conducted radio interviews for ABC RN’s The Music Show, Big Ideas & The Bookshelf, ABC Classic and has presented programs across ABC radio.

Our featured author: James Bradley

James Bradley, a prominent novelist and critic, resides in Sydney, Australia, alongside his partner, the acclaimed novelist Mardi McConnochie, and their children, Annabelle and Theo. His extensive literary works encompass novels such as Ghost Species, Wrack, The Deep Field, The Resurrectionist, and Clade. He's also authored the first two instalments of The Change Trilogy for young adults (The Silent Invasion, The Buried Ark, and A Vastness of Stars), a book of poetry titled Paper Nautilus, and The Penguin Book of the Ocean. Additionally, Bradley delves into short fiction and comics. His forthcoming venture into nonfiction, Deep Water: The World in the Ocean, is slated for release on April 3rd, 2024, through Penguin.

"Through history, science, nature writing, and environmentalism, Deep Water invites you to explore the deepest recesses of our natural world. Teeming with mysteries, wonders, and heartbreaking facts, this beautiful, lucid hymn to the sea is a reminder of what we still have, what we stand to lose, and why we must never stop fighting to save our home." - Tim Winton

Deep Water celebrates the ocean's profound influence on life since time immemorial. Its expansive realms hold untold significance, connecting all living beings on Earth. Bradley's work serves as an ode to the ocean's beauty, mystery, and wonder. Interweaving science, history, and personal narratives, it offers invaluable insights into humanity's relationship with the planet, our past, and, crucially, our future.

In addition to his literary endeavours, James Bradley contributes writings and reviews to numerous esteemed Australian and international publications. These include The Times Literary Supplement, The Guardian, The Monthly, The Washington Post, The Australian Literary Review, Australian Book Review, Locus, The New York Review of Science Fiction, Griffith Review, Cosmos Magazine, Meanjin, Heat, The Weekend Australian, The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Age. Recognized for his exceptional contributions, Bradley received the Pascall Prize for Criticism in 2012, and his work has garnered nominations for a Walkley Award and shortlistings twice for the Bragg Prize for Science Writing.

Tickets for his upcoming event are priced at $10.00 + BF. Join us for an enriching exploration of Deep Water and its profound significance!

Petersham Bowling Club is honoured to present these events for our community and would like to acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of this land we meet on and pay our respects to the Elders both past, present and emerging.