To celebrate the 10th anniversary of releasing Tiddas (Simon & Schuster, 2014), and my Substack debut today, I am giving away five copies of the novel, because it’s the story of five incredible female friends.
To go in the draw, please head over to my Substack, subscribe then write FIVE words that best describe your BFFs, your tiddas, whether they are your biological sisters, your circle of close friends, the awesome women you choose to work with, or maybe they are the women in your bookclub or running group.
The competition is open to AUSTRALIAN ONLY subscribers, sorry, and the winners will be announced on April 8.
For who don’t know the storyline of this novel, here’s the publisher’s blurb:
A story about what it means to be a friend …
Five women, best friends for decades, meet once a month to talk about books … and life, love and the jagged bits in between. Dissecting each other’s lives seems the most natural thing in the world – and honesty, no matter how brutal, is something they treasure. Best friends tell each other everything, don’t they? But each woman harbours a complex secret and one weekend, without warning, everything comes unstuck.
Izzy, soon to be the first Black woman with her own television show, has to make a decision that will change everything. Veronica, recently divorced and dedicated to raising the best sons in the world, has forgotten who she is. Xanthe, desperate for a baby, can think of nothing else, even at the expense of her marriage. Nadine, so successful at writing other people’s stories, is determined to blot out her own. Ellen, footloose by choice, begins to question all that she’s fought for.
When their circle begins to fracture and the old childhood ways don’t work anymore, is their sense of sistahood enough to keep it intact? How well do these tiddas really know each other?
Praise for Tiddas ‘Generous and witty’ Susan Johnson
‘This enjoyable and human story is impressively interwoven with historical and contemporary Aboriginal issues.’ Sun Herald
‘A celebration of female friendships’ Sunday Territorian
‘Will resonate with many readers … a novel that asks whether a strong sense of sisterhood is enough to keep friends together.’ Burnie Advocate
I am super proud to publish this post today. It’s the official announcement of my second aquisition as a publisher.
Publisher-at-Large Dr Anita Heiss is thrilled to announce that her second acquisition under her Simon & Schuster Bundyi imprint is A Song of Time by author, media commentator and public intellectual, Stan Grant.
In a departure from his recent bestselling non-fiction work Stan says, ‘A Song of Time is my meditation on time set against the backdrop of a year of referendum. It was a tumultuous year, and for me personally, a year of upheaval. In this book, I use time as metaphor to ask how we can meet each other again across history. In a personal reflection on the passing of time I reflect on my father’s decline as he faces his final days. Across poetry, philosophy, history, physics and God, I explore what it is to be human.’
On working with Stan, Anita said, ‘Bundyi as an imprint is about showcasing First Nations voices, and Stan’s is one that many of us have listened to and learned from over decades. As an emerging writer myself, I first interviewed Stan when I was in my early twenties, asking him about his time in the Parliamentary Press Gallery in Canberra, and I have followed his career ever since. This new work of Stan’s is poetic prose that has grown out of the Vincent Lingiari lecture he delivered for Charles Darwin University in 2023. A Song of Time is a beautiful reflection, and although personal to Stan, it will touch the hearts and minds of his entire audience. For me, itis both a privilege and a necessity to publish his words.’
About the author:
Stan Grant is a Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi man. He is a public intellectual who has worked as a journalist, presenter, filmmaker and author. In his journalism he has reported from more than 80 countries, won a Walkley Award and a Logie Award. As a writer he has published seven books including the bestselling book Talking to My Country, which won the Walkley Book Award. In 2016 he was appointed to the Referendum Council on Indigenous recognition. In 2018 he was appointed Professor of Global Affairs at Griffith University. The full-length documentary film The Australian Dream won the 2019 AACTA Award for best feature documentary and the 2019 Walkley Documentary Award. In 2020 he became the International Affairs Analyst at the ABC and the Vice-Chancellor’s Chair of Australian-Indigenous Belonging at Charles Sturt University. From 2022–2023, Grant hosted the ABC’s current affairs panel program Q+A.
Then you’re going to go nuts for this fabulous new Australian Literature Festival at Sea presented by Cunard in partnership with Dymocks and cruising December 2024!
I am super excited about being part of this festival alongside some amazing authors. We’ll be running workshops, having panel discussions and signing books while we sail along the east coast from Sydney to Tasmania (return).
Media release:
With a line-up that includes Alexander McCall-Smith, Fiona McIntosh, Anita Heiss, Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist, Paul Cleave, Sue Williams, Elizabeth Down Stanley, this 5-night roundtrip voyage, sailing from Sydney, is a dream voyage for literature lovers. Immerse yourself in a world where the written word takes centre stage, sharing your ship with a renowned line-up of accomplished literary talent.
Curated in partnership with Australia’s oldest bookstore Dymocks, the Australian Literature Festival at Sea will see passionate readers, aspiring writers, and award-winning authors connect across five nights of literature, fine dining, and relaxation, surrounded by the stunning vistas of the Australian coastline.
Take part in thought-provoking talks with likeminded literature enthusiasts. Hear accomplished authors part ways with the secrets of their creative process. Finesse your own literary skills in hands-on workshops and interactive Q&As. And gain a fascinating glimpse into the art of storytelling, from celebrated writers who have taken the literature landscape by storm.
The chance to engage in lively discussions, exchange ideas, and even collaborate on creative projects are further highlights of this first-of-its-kind sailing in Australian waters. Whether it’s listening in as literary experts dissect award-winning works or bearing witness to acclaimed authors shedding light on the real-life influences that inspired their storylines, literature fans are sure to find themselves in their element.
Beyond the bookish delights, you’ll also be free to indulge in the many experiences that always make a Queen Elizabeth voyage great. Sumptuous dining in your ship’s restaurants, live music and premium entertainment and spacious decks from which to take part in all sorts of activities (or just admire the gentle rhythm of the ocean).
Transformative experiences that enrich the mind. Stimulating discussions that spark creativity. Author encounters that inspire everlasting memories. Take your love of the written word to the water and immerse yourself in five unforgettable nights on board the Australian Literature Festival at Sea.
To join the Australian Literature Festival at Sea from AUD1,739 or NZD1,881 per person in a twin share Inside Stateroom or for more information, visit www.cunard.com/literature-voyage.
Bundyi Publishing – my imprint at Simon & Schuster Australia dedicated to First Nations writing – is delighted to announce its first acquisition: I Am Nan’nert’garrook, a work of historical fiction by author and actor Tasma Walton.
Says Tasma: ‘I am thrilled and excited to have the opportunity to work with the extraordinary Anita Heiss as the first author signed to Bundyi, the new First Nations imprint at Simon & Schuster.
‘I Am Nan’nert’garrook is a powerful historical story inspired by the true events of my ancestor’s abduction by sealers from coastal Melbourne. Sold in a slave market on the islands off Tasmania, she was transported by her captor over 3000 kilometres away from her Homelands, never to return.’
As publisher of Bundyi Publishing, I am incredibly proud that my first acquisition is Tasma’s brilliant novel. Her family story has national significance and the lyrical way in which she writes about devastating events and life during the colonial period will put her novel in the literary league of The Secret River and Carpentaria.
In my vision for Bundyi I wanted a strong work to establish my list and be a game changer in Australian publishing. I know I Am Nan’nert’garrook will be just that, focussing on truth-telling in this country, it will ask: “Who were the real savages?”
To be able to work with Tasma, a proud Boonwurrung woman from the saltwater Country of Melbourne and surrounding coastlines, in bringing this story to readers is a privilege and a responsibility I take very seriously.’
About Tasma
Tasma Walton as an award-winning actress, has most recently garnered recognition for her acclaimed role of Mary Swan in the highly regarded Mystery Road television and film franchise. As a writer, Tasma has worked in various writer’s rooms and workshops in the development stage of many films, television, and theatre. Her first novel Heartless was nominated for an ABIA Award for General Fiction.
I am beyond thrilled that the stage adaptaion of my novelTIDDASis making it’s way to Sydney in January, co-presented by Belvoir St and the Sydney Festival.
ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
Five women, best friends for decades, meet once a month to talk about books, lovers, and the jagged bits of life in between. Dissecting each other’s lives seems the most natural thing in the world and honesty, no matter how brutal, is something they treasure. Best friends tell each other everything, don’t they?
But each woman carries a complex secret and one weekend, without warning, everything comes unstuck.
Anita Heiss’ own adaptation of her much-loved novel is paying a visit from its home town in Brisbane this January as part of Sydney Festival’s Blak Out program.
Ooh laa laa! Feel like a quick trip to Paris this summer? Then join Libby as she leaves Canberra on the adventure of a lifetime.
You see, Libby is determined to stay on her no-man fast: no more romance, no more cheating men, no more heartbreak. But in the city of love there is no escaping fate.
Libby has given up on romance. After all, she has her three best girlfriends and two cats to keep her company at night, and her high-powered job at the National Aboriginal Gallery in Canberra to occupy her day – isn’t that enough?
But when fate gives Libby the chance to work in Paris at the Musée du Quai Branly, she’s thrown out of her comfort zone and into a city full of culture, fashion and love.
Surrounded by thousands of gorgeous men, romance has suddenly become a lot more tempting.
Chapter 1: I’m on a man-fast
‘I’m a born-again virgin!’ I panted. ‘Seriously, I can’t remember the last time I had sex.’
‘There’s no man on the horizon?’ Lauren asked, as we jogged around Lake Burley Griffin.
It was good to have her back from Manhattan. I’d missed my tidda when she’d left the National Aboriginal Gallery to work at the Smithsonian, and we were still catching up on basic goss and news.
‘Oh, he’s there on the horizon all right, I just never seem to reach it. And I can’t even be bothered trying anymore.’
I was half-joking, but Lauren turned serious. ‘You need to focus on what you really want, Libs. A fling or love?’
‘I don’t want either; the barman in New York was my last unintentional fling. And as for looking for love,’ I said, jumping over a small puddle from some late-night rain, ‘in my case, it’s like jogging on a treadmill. You know, running and getting nowhere.’
Feel like escaping to the Big Apple this summer? Then follow this link for a sneak peek into Lauren’s journey from Manuka to Manhattan via the Big Merino!
About the book: Lauren is a curator at the National Aboriginal Gallery in Canberra. She’s good at her job, passionate about the arts, and focused on her work – that is, when she’s not focusing on Adam, halfback for the Canberra Cockatoos.
But Adam is a player, both on and off the field. Lauren knows he’s the one, but he doesn’t seem to feel the same way about her. If she just waits long enough, though, surely he’ll realise how much he needs her?
Then her boss offers her the chance of a lifetime – a fellowship at the Smithsonian in New York. Lauren has to make some big decisions: the man or Manhattan?
CHAPTER ONE: The quickest way to get over a man is in the arms of another
‘You look dreadful!’ Libby said. I hadn’t slept, hadn’t had my caffeine hit for the day and hadn’t really prepared myself for the conversation I knew was coming. ‘Didn’t you see yesterday’s article?’ I said, passing her my phone.
I’d read it a hundred times the night before and I knew it off by heart. I felt sick.
Libby read the headline out loud: ‘Adam Fuller does a deal with the devil!’
Then she read to herself, shaking her head and tut-tutting.
‘I can see how this kept you awake.
A man who keeps you awake when he’s NOT in your bed can’t be good for you.’
Looking for some astral traveling sex and good food in your summer reading?
Then AVOIDING MR RIGHT (published by Simon & Schuster), set in Melbourne and around the globe, might be the novel for you.
About The Book Peta Tully thinks taking a man to Melbourne would be like taking a sandwich to a smorgasbord. That’s why she is leaving him at home.
Peta loves her life in Sydney. She has a great job, three deadly best friends – Alice, Dannie and Liza – and a doting boyfriend. The only trouble is, she’s not sure she’s ready to settle down yet. So when she’s offered a twelve-month contract in Melbourne, which might just win her the job of her dreams, she doesn’t have to think twice. She packs her bags and jumps on a plane.
Peta takes a vow of celibacy, but with Melbourne filled with eligible bachelors, sticking to it proves harder than she imagined. As her mum always says, though, being faithful means you can still look at the menu, you just can’t order off it … Right?
Chapter 1: Sydney vs Melbourne
‘I’m moving to Melbourne,’ I blurted, and waited for the fallout.
‘What?’ My three friends chorused their disbelief, their voices echoing through Oceans Bar, which was uncharacteristically empty for a Sunday afternoon.
It was a scorcher, so most locals were on the beach, and it was just us in the restaurant. I’d known for three weeks I was moving but wanted to wait until we were all together to deliver my prepared speech. I watched bikini-dad women walk by and a drop of sweat made its way down my leg. I took a deep breath and began. ‘I’ve been given the chance of lifetime – a job as a manager in the newly formed Department of Media, Sports, Arts, Refugees and Indigenous Affairs.’
Looking for some holiday reading? Then here’s a sneak peek into the 2023 editoin of Not Meeting Mr Right published by Simon & Schuster. It’s a fun, summer read with a touch of history and politics, of course!
‘I am deadly, desirable and delicious!’ This is Alice’s mantra as she hilariously negotiates her way through the rocky terrain of singledom.
Chapter One: I love being single!
‘I love being single!’ I said, with such conviction I almost believed it myself. All of a sudden I was desperately trying to convince myself and the table of proud married mothers that I really, really loved my single life just the way it was, and had no desire to marry and/ or breed, thank you very much. Until I’d arrived at the pub that night, it had pretty much been true.
Yiradhu marang! It’s been a minute since I last posted, as I was busy getting the first draft of my new novel in, and campaigning for a YES vote in The Voice Referendum. Then I was recovering from the actual outcome of the Referendum, traveling and working on the second draft of the novel.
At the same time, I was following and being inspired by Kacie Heath (aka Misbeehive on Tiktok) and others on social media. And when Kacie had mentioned she’d written something on feminism and The Referendum but couldn’t get it published, I immediately offered to give her a platform, a voice, as it were.
So, this is Kacie below and her research / words on the topic. Please read, share, engage.
Yindyamarra, Anita
The Preamble
The following article was written as a submission to a media outlet, ahead of the October 14th Voice to Parliament Referendum. Unfortunately, however, the article did not get published. As this was my first attempt at writing for, and submitting to, a large media outlet I did not want my energy and thoughts to go to waste. While it is undoubtedly biased to say, I believe, despite the outcome of the Voice to Parliament Referendum, that my article contains several insights that can still be mobilised by First Nations advocates and allies. So, with an urge to share my ideas, I took to social media, posting a private video for friends so they could access a version of the article. This is where Anita stepped in and graciously offered to publish my article on her blog. So, without further ado, I hope the following article interests you, intrigues you, or inspires you.
Feminism & the Voice to Parliament Referendum – The intersectional affair no one is talking about
If you are in Australia at the time this article is published, there is a high chance that you have come across campaigns, advertisements, and discussions concerning the upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum. Amongst the misinformation, disinformation, and political smear campaigns, a crucial element that underpins First Nations Voice is being lost – that being the importance of women, and their voices, in several First Nations societies. Gender equality in legislation and policy has been noticeably missing from discussions concerning the Voice, which in turn completely silences the voices of those with intersectional identities and experiences.
The Australian Constitution is currently a patriarchal document, and therefore cannot sufficiently house an amendment pertaining to First Nations Voice without significant changes to prioritise gender equality, a key aspect of many First Nations societies and intersectional feminism.
Defining the terms
Feminism. Intersectionality. The matriarchy. The patriarchy. What do these terms really mean?
Feminism, in simplistic terms is “…all genders having equal rights and opportunities.” However, due to conservative trans-exclusionary radical feminists (TERFs) misconstruing ‘all genders’ to mean ‘cis-women’, traditional feminist theory has lost favour in recent years. Intersectional feminist theory has become the preferrable framework.
Kimberlé Crenshaw coined the term intersectional feminism to more appropriately address the compounding inequalities women of colour experience. Thus, the broader term ‘intersectionality’ refers to the ways in which peoples’ social identities can overlap, exposing them to various forms of discrimination.
The matriarchy is a social system in which women, typically older women, hold authority, and positions of power and control. Matrilineal societies, however, are societies in which ancestry, or descent, is traced through the female line.
The patriarchy is a social system in which men hold, and wield, power, privilege, and control. It restricts and marginalises women, and creates unattainable objectives for men with less privilege than the controlling elite.
First Nations feminism
First Nations communities have been practicing First Nations feminism for 65,000+ years.
The term matriarchy is a relatively modern, and westernised term, and does not appreciate the complexities of the role of women in First Nations societies. Many First Nations societies do not implement their matriarchy through absolute power, as in the westernised interpretation, but rather through gender equality, honouring of women’s voices, respecting women’s physical, mental, and spiritual safety, and acknowledging women as the experts in matters that pertain to them. It is common, but not universal, for First Nations societies to be matrilineal, with totems and language groups being inherited through the mother’s line, and with women holding positions of prominence and influence. My own people, those of the Kamilaroi Nation and Gamilaraay language group, is one example of a matriarchal First Nations community. We inherit our totems through our mothers, and our women are equally represented in positions of importance, such as Elders. While First Nations communities are not homogenous, several other First Nations communities follow a similar matrilineal structure. Women in First Nations societies have been sacred and valued members of their societies for millennia. Gender equality is the norm, not the exception.
Colonial patriarchy
Patriarchal ideologies were already in full swing in much of Europe by the late 1700s. For example, during this period in England women could not vote, or maintain a hold on their property post-marriage, nor could they stand as a political candidate. Men predominately held positions of power and privilege. The patriarchy was fundamentally fused with English society by the arrival of the First Fleet. Colonisation and the patriarchy became entangled, inseparable forces, which were used to forge the nation of Australia, and silence the sacred voices of First Nations women. Colonisation relies on creating a race hierarchy, while the patriarchy relies on creating a gender hierarchy. Due to this, First Nations women became a significantly marginalised group during colonisation, an horrific relic that lives on today.
Further evidence of the colonial patriarchy can be found in our everyday lives, as it has been woven into the very legal systems which govern us today. An example of this can be found in The Commonwealth of Australia Act 1900 (Cth) (the Constitution), which contains the words ‘he’ and ‘his’ over 60 times. It only mentions ‘they’ twice, ‘them’ once, and ‘their/s’ eight times. Lastly, it does not contain the word ‘she’ at all, and only mentions the term ‘her’ when referring to ‘Her Majesty.’ Evidently, the very document which establishes our system of government is inherently patriarchal, and privileges men. This is deeply concerning in the face of a potential amendment to the Constitution concerning First Nations Voice, as it is in direct contradiction to the gender equality inherent in many First Nations societies.
Removing gendered-language
The removal of gendered-language from Australian Parliamentary and Executive Government documents has recently been gaining momentum; with the Australian Capital Territory and South Australian Governments moving towards gender-neutral language in their legislation and proceedings. Updating the documents which guide our nation with gender-neutral language contributes to gender equality by decreasing the reliance on gender stereotypes, promoting social change, and embracing inclusivity.
Gender-neutrality is central to intersectional feminism, as the gender binaries found in western social constructs do not necessarily align with the gender experiences and expressions of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) communities. While traditional feminism typically focuses on the experiences of heterosexual, white, assigned-female-at-birth people, intersectional feminism is more inclusive, focusing on the experiences of all women, including queer women and trans-women; therefore, requiring more inclusive, gender-neutral terms.
Intersectional feminism
According to a recent Ipsos survey, 60% of non-indigenous Australians support a Voice to Parliament. This survey found that women were more likely to vote Yes in the upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum. The Australia Talks National Survey 2021 found that the majority of women (69%) in Australian identified as feminists. These surveys tell us that women are more likely to value First Nations self-determination and support gender equality; which suggests Australia’s women are
working towards intersectional feminism. If you identify as a feminist, no matter your gender identity, ensuring your feminism is intersectional by amplifying First Nations voices, specifically First Nations women’s voice, is a step towards challenging the colonial patriarchy governing our nation.
The road from Yes to Gender-equality
This article has established that a First Nations Voice is inherently feminist due to the structure of First Nations societies. It has also discussed how the Constitution in which the proposed Voice to Parliament is to be enshrined is deeply patriarchal. In essence, The Voice to Parliament is juxtaposed to the Constitution. Luckily, there is a solution which enables First Nations Voice, intersectional feminism, gender equality, and the dismantling of colonial patriarchal practices. If you identify as a feminist, intersectional advocate, change-maker, First Nations ally, a patriarchy fighter, or just someone who believes in the equal treatment of all people and genders, a Yes vote in the Voice to Parliament referendum is a logical and reasonable step towards racial and gender equality in the Constitution. However, this action does not end with a First Nations Voice – that is only the beginning. We must
champion and advocate for gender-neutral language in the Constitution if the Voice to Parliament is to be implemented with genuine concern for cultural considerations.
Kacie’s bio
Yaama, my name is Kacie. I am a Kamilaroi woman, born off-Country, and living on Yuggera, Jagera, and Ugarapul Country in Tulmur (Ipswich). I am a First Nations Learning Advisor at the University of Southern Queensland, and have a professional history working in State Government in areas including, youth justice, child death prevention, youth advocacy, family and child wellbeing, child safety, and disability services. I am currently studying my Masters of Domestic and Family Violence Practice, an area that is of particular significance to me due to survived-experience. I am a passionate advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs, LGBTQIA+ issues, women’s rights, and child safety (just to name a few). I also operate a small business called Kc Rae Aboriginal Art, where I sell my art to reconnect with, retain, and revitalise culture. I am inspired by the Ancestors and their fight for justice, and aim to continue this fight.
Please feel free to connect via LinkedIn or by visiting my socials via Linktree
Anita Heiss 