On Better Words: Gary Lonesborough
Writing authentic Aboriginal stories for young men
Gary Lonesborough is a Yuin man, who grew up on the Far South Coast of New South Wales as part of a large and proud Aboriginal family. Gary was always writing as a child, and continued his creative journey when he moved to Sydney to study at film school. Gary has experience working in youth work, Aboriginal health, child protection, the disability sector (including experience working in the youth justice system) and the film industry, including working on the feature film adaptation of Jasper Jones. His debut YA novel, The Boy from the Mish, won multiple awards. It was published in the US in 2022 as Ready When You Are. His second novel, We Didn’t Think It Through, was published in 2023. Today we're discussing his new novel, I'm Not Really Here.
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Things we talked about
The very personal experience that inspired Jonah's story
How the story developed from a dark horror into a contemporary story
Writing authentic teen boys
Why it was so important for Gary to explore the youth justice system through his second book, We Didn't Think It Through
Gary's journey to publication and what it's like to hear from teenage readers
Other recommendations
Before we chat with our featured author, we always share some other recommendations.
Caitlin recommends: The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore*
This autumnal sensation was inspired by Gilmore Girls and although the seasons are different, this is a delightful romantic read.
Michelle shares the books she bought in Edinburgh…
Glasgow Boys by Margaret McDonald
A Little Trickerie by Rosanna Pike
The Peepshow: The Murders at 10 Rillington Place by Kate Summerscale
Cult Classic by Sloane Crosley
Mary: The Birth of Frankenstein by Anne Eekhout
Affinity by Sarah Waters
His Bloody Project by Graeme MacRae Burnett
- Caitlin & Michelle
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