BEST OF 2024: A Stella Day Out success at Curban for literary event!

Stella Day Out’s first foray into regional events was hosted by Armatree CWA at Curban Community Hall.

By Supplied

Armatree Country Women’s Association hosted A Stella Day Out at Curban Community Hall on Sunday, September 8. All photos supplied.

First published September 16, 2024.

Stella Day Out’s first foray into regional events was hosted by Armatree CWA at Curban Community Hall on Sunday, with a packed hall.

“We welcomed about 80 keen readers and writers on Sunday. It was wonderful to see so many local faces, and many others travelled from Narromine, Warren, Trangie, Orange, Dubbo, Coonamble and even Sydney just to attend,” Sally Beveridge, Armatree CWA, said.

“The discussion was great, and so capably led by the moderator, Claire Wivell Plater, the deputy chair of the Stella board,” she said

The day’s first session was a discussion with Maggie McKellar, author of Graft. Maggie gave participants insights into how she structured her writing, guiding the reader as to how to read the book. Graft is constructed from her diary entries over a year on her Tasmanian farm in which they faced drought. She guides the reader through the deep content by peppering it with scientific descriptions of the local birds and their place in the environment. She also includes descriptions of some of the terms used in farming that may not be familiar with non-farming readers, making it a book accessible to all. She explained that she wrote for both audiences, with the aim of farming readers to feel they weren’t alone, and for non-farming readers to get a better understanding of life on the land.

“Maggie had many in the audience nodding along in understanding when she regaled a story of stopping traffic to move sheep along a highway and bridge to reach the shearing shed, with unpredictable tourists watching on. Although they operate their farm in such a very different environment to ours, there are so many similarities,” said Danielle Bonnington from the Armatree CWA.

“Marggie’s writing so beautifully explains the experiences so many of us have with living in our farming environment. Her book helps articulate to others what all farmers and graziers go through during drought, both physically and emotionally” she added.

With a very different style of story telling, Jessie Tu’s debut novel A Lonely Girl is Dangerous Thing was discussed in the day’s second session. Born in Taiwan, Jessie wove her experiences in Australia as an Asian woman into the story of Jena, a violinist and child prodigy, who in her twenties has a sex addiction.

In her conversation with moderator with Claire, Jessie spoke about using exaggeration to enhance the story, and to bring the themes to the surface. In the book, Jena is lonely, and the graphic descriptions of her sexual encounters, which are sometimes violent, help to enhance the reader’s understanding of Jena’s loneliness and need for validation.

“Following the day, Jessie commented that she really loved the audience questions and discussion. She told me that it was clear from the discussion that that many had clearly read her books, and the genuine interest and conversation was wonderful,” Danielle said.

Jessie’s latest book The Honeyeater, has also recently been released.

In addition to the panel sessions, QBD Books from Dubbo had Stella prize listed books available for sale, and many took the opportunity to buy a new book or two. At the conclusion of each of the sessions, the authors were available for book signings.

“What a day! Armatree CWA was so proud to be a part of bringing Stella Day Out to our region. It was so wonderful to welcome Maggie and Jessie to our part of the world, and for them to share their writing and insights with us,” said Jenny Bradley.

“We were so thrilled that Stella were able to bring their flagship program to our region, and with such a brilliant reception from the local community.

“The day came together thanks to the incredible work of Armatree CWA volunteers. As the saying goes, ‘there is no I in team’, and that was evident in the way everyone pulled together to make the event happen so smoothly,” said Sally.

“The event was made possible thanks to funding from Gilgandra Shire Council’s It’s GREAT funding, but to make up the shortfall we sold very special bags to celebrate the day, and we also ran a raffle. We are incredibly appreciative of the local businesses who so generously donated prizes,” Jenny said.