Ties That Bind

For this instalment of The Next Big Thing, a line-up of writers explore various types of relationships, with others, ourselves and our histories.

The first title to be published under Allen & Unwin’s Joan imprint, curated by Nakkiah Lui, Madison Godfrey’s Dress Rehearsals is a poetic memoir documenting a decade of performing womanhood in a non-binary body.

In She and Her Pretty Friend, Danielle Scrimshaw traverses Australia’s past through the relationships of lesbian and bisexual women throughout our history, showing that some people were more than just ‘roommates’.

Noa Shenker’s Voiceworks piece, ‘I Have Always Been a Runner’, is a lyric essay about running, gender performativity and masculinity.

Search History by Amy Taylor is a modern-day Rebecca, sending up contemporary dating in an exploration of love, identity, obsession and desire in the internet age.

Nina Wan’s The Albatross, shortlisted for the 2022 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for an Unpublished Manuscript, examines first love, second chances and the most elusive shot in golf.

Join us at The Moat for the next edition of this popular series, and celebrate and support new work from these exciting writing talents.

You have the option to pay what you wish for this for this event. As a guide, the suggested price is $15, although any amount will help cover our costs and keep these events accessible. Bookings are essential.

The Next Big Thing takes place every month at the Moat and is a cherished Melbourne institution. It’s the place to be if you want to hear great emerging writers read from new and adventurous work.