Authors’ book tour to start at library

FICTION and non-fiction writer Michael Winkler and writer-musician Wayne Marshall will be at Bendigo Library tomorrow, Saturday 25 July, in conversation with The Story Society’s Cecile Shanahan.

Their latest books, what’s happening in literary fiction in Australia, and more will be discussed from midday.

Ex-teacher and now freelance editor Shanahan, who trained as a journalist and has been involved with the Bendigo Writers Festival for over a decade, established The Story Society with Bryley Savage last year after realising that the Writers Festival would not be going ahead in 2026.

“We thought we’d try to fill the gap with literary events,” she said.

“Rather than condensing everything into one weekend, we’re holding events throughout the year.

“We’ve held four since November and they’ve all been really well attended – we’re simply adding to what’s already available and helping create a regular literary culture in Bendigo.”

“We’re actually the first stop on [Winkler and Marshall’s] regional tour before they visit another nine locations.”

According to Shanahan, the books to be discussed are both “innovative and almost experimental”.

“Wayne Marshall’s Henry Goes Bush explores the famous feud between Henry Lawson and Banjo Paterson, but introduces parallel universes, multiple versions of the characters and speculative elements,” she said.

“I expected a historical reimagining, but it becomes something much more imaginative involving time portals and wormholes.”

She said Winkler’s new novel – Griefdogg – also takes an unexpected direction.

“It begins as a seemingly ordinary story before introducing an unusual premise in which the main character takes on the grief of others while living as a dog.

“Neither book follows a conventional narrative structure, which makes them fascinating to discuss, so I’m really interested in exploring the stories behind the stories and how each author developed these ideas.”

Book sales and signings will be available and registrations are at events.humanitix.com