A quick reminder about tonight’s Nikki Gemmell author talk at Manly Library. I’ll be interviewing Nikki about her latest book, With my Body, and talking about her previous novels including the hit bestseller The Bride Stripped Bare. The event starts at about 6.15pm, there’s a cost of $10, light refreshments will be served and bookings are essential. For more info please contact the library on 02 9976 1747.
In about a week’s time I’m interviewing the writer Nikki Gemell, author of the international bestseller The Bride Stripped Bare, at Manly Library. Nikki is an engaging speaker, I interviewed her for a public event at Hunter Writers Centre (Newcastle) a few months back, and she is generous with her time. We spoke about her journey into writing, early life in Woollongong, how becoming a mother impacted on her writing practice, the media frenzy that accompanied the publication of Bride, and her family’s recent move back to Australia after fourteen years in London. We also chatted about the new book, With my Body, and her previous novels Shiver, Cleave and Lovesong.
After the talk was over she signed books for people and chatted to them about writing. I remember being impressed by the amount of effort she put into the signings: intricate curly cord cursive with flourishes, nice messages.
The Manly Library event is on Wednesday 28th March from about 6.15pm. Bookings are essential, light refreshments will be served and entry is $10. Please phone 02 9976 1747.
A funny example of life turning full cycle: on 5.30pm Wednesday night I’ll be interviewing the writer Nikki Gemmell at the Hunter Writers Centre. I’ve previously blogged about Gemmell’s writing, particularly the erotic best seller The Bride Stripped Bare, and have just finished reading her latest: With My Body. Bride was one of the reasons I started my experiment with erotic literature, and the inspiration for my 1001 nights novella. Another driver was the memory of reading The Story of O while an art student in London. Co-incidentally, With My Body mentions The Story of O (something of an erotic classic) and the main character is a sun-starved Australian living in London. I can vividly recall this feeling that there was never enough light. At the height of one particularly dreary winter I remember staggering into a South Kensington solarium and spending a happy hour zapping myself with carcinogenic rays.
Anyway, if you’re in Newcastle on Wednesday afternoon, I might see you at the Hunter Writers Centre.
Helen Hopcroft: an artist's life 