Here is a message from the Stella Prize people:
Since the announcement of the 2016 Stella Prize longlist on 9 February, we’ve had a huge response from readers who are loving the 12 books in contention for the prize.
To celebrate, we’re focusing on a different longlisted book each weekday from now until the announcement of the shortlist on 10 March. Check our website each day to learn more about our Book of the Day, and keep your eyes on our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages, too – we’re giving away longlisted books daily.
The Stella Shortlist Book Club is back for 2016!
From Monday 14 March, you’re invited to join us on Twitter every Monday night, 8–9pm AEDT to discuss one of the books on the 2016 Stella Prize shortlist. Stella will lead the discussion on Twitter (@thestellaprize) and we’d love you to join in using the #stella16 hashtag. You don’t have to contribute every week – just swing by if you’ve read that week’s allocated book (or even if you haven’t!) and feel like a chat. We’d love to hear your thoughts on these twelve outstanding books and your predictions on who will be the winner!
Sign up here to register your interest in joining the Stella Shortlist Book Club. One lucky reader will win a full set of the shortlisted books. To enter the draw, simply sign up before the announcement of the 2016 shortlist on 10 March.
Find out more about the Stella Shortlist Book Club here.
Shadow Reading Groups
Could your book club read six books in six weeks? We’re looking for Shadow Reading Groups to take up the Stella Shortlist challenge by selecting their own winner from our judges’ shortlist.
If your book club is interested in becoming a 2016 Stella Prize Shadow Reading Group, please email info@thestellaprize.com.au for more information.
Upcoming Stella Events
Stella Reviewing Masterclass with Felicity Plunkett
Saturday 5 March, 10:30am–4:30pm
Queensland Writers Centre
A good review can make or break a book. Suitable for bloggers and writers submitting to magazines, websites and journals, this masterclass, led by Felicity Plunkett, delves into all elements of compelling critique. You will learn practical skills for dissecting a book’s characters, themes and story, and examine ethical issues that come into play when reviewing. By the end of the day, you will have a strong grasp of what makes a great review and where you can pitch them.
Stella Diversity Survey Public Forum
Thursday 17 March, 5–8pm
The Wheeler Centre, Workshop Space
The Stella Prize and Writers Victoria invite members of the writing community to contribute to the upcoming Stella Diversity Survey at this open forum discussion. This will be an opportunity to help shape the survey by sharing and discussing any thoughts, feedback, concerns or questions. We are particularly interested in input from writers who identify as belonging to marginalised or minority groups.
This public forum is free, but attendees are requested to register their attendance at the Writers Victoria website.
The Stella Prize in Conversation
Thursday 17 March, 5:30–7pm
Noted Festival, Canberra
Stella Schools Ambassador Simmone Howell and Stella Schools Program Coordinator, Bec Kavanagh, will talk about the need to maintain recognition of outstanding women’s writing. They will also be announcing the first ACT Stella Schools Ambassador.
The Stella Prize and Australian Women Writers: A Panel Discussion
Thursday 17 March, 6:30–8pm
Books Kinokuniya, Sydney
To coincide with the Stella Prize shortlist announcement, Books Kinokuniya Sydney is running a campaign to showcase and celebrate Australian women authors throughout March. This panel discussion will focus on the Stella Prize and the current climate of women’s writing in Australia today. Hosted by writer and academic Alecia Simmonds, and featuring authors Anna Clark (Private Lives, Public History), Fiona McFarlane (The High Places), Emily Maguire (An Isolated Incident) and Sarah Ayoub (The Yearbook Committee).
Readers in the Mist 