From the Lighthouse

Handsome, Clever, Rich and Bored: The Mixed Blessings of Jane Austen's Emma

Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence. Or does she? This week, Stephanie is joined by Dr Lee O'Brien to discuss Mr Knightley, Miss Bates, and why Emma's big problem is that she's just so bored.

For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org

Generation Women: Suvi Derkenne on the Importance of Women's Voices

Generation Women is a storytelling event where women from all walks of life tell stories and celebrate women's voices. This week, Stephanie talks to Macquarie University English alumna Suvi Derkenne about bringing Generation Women to Australia, the importance of women's voices, and what she's been up to since leaving Macquarie. The first Generation Women event will be held at the Giant Dwarf Theatre on Wednesday March 7th. 

For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org

Netflix's adaption of Atwood's Alias Grace: It may be binge-worthy but is it rant-worthy?

Margaret Atwood's 1996 novel Alias Grace was recently made into a television adaptation, available on Netflix and starring Sarah Gadon as Grace Marks, and produced by Canadian actress Sarah Polley. This week, Stephanie, Michelle and Jimmy discuss the series, focusing on crime, feminism and ambiguous endings (and Stephanie rants a lot). 

For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org

Valentine's Day Special: The Wretched Cant of Love

Are you a Valentine's Day sap or a grinch? This week, Stephanie, Michelle and Jimmy are joined by Associate Professor Hsu-Ming Teo to talk about all things romance. They discuss Austen, why murder makes romance novels more interesting, why good real estate matters, and Michelle get the giggles over deer. 

For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org

The Benefits of Rejection Goals: A Discussion with Ashley Kalagian Blunt

Why does this week's guest set rejection goals? This week, Stephanie and Michelle chat to Ashley Kalagian Blunt about her work as a writer. They discuss her writing about the Armenian genocide, moving to Australia from Canada, and Ashley gives her top tips for aspiring writers.

For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org

Creative Writing Alumna Claire Catacouzinos' Tips for Young Writers

How does a young writer start their writing career? This week, Stephanie interviews Creative Writing alumna and talented writer Claire Catacouzinos about historical fiction, the impact of her Greek heritage, and her journey as a writer. Claire gives such helpful tips about managing a writing career that this episode is a must for any aspiring young writers out there. 

For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org

Special Event: A Day of Literature, Music & Culture at M on the Bund

A special From the Lighthouse presentation: an evening of poetry and song in China! Featuring Toby Davidson, Jane Messer and Hsu-Ming Teo reading their works, with musical accompaniment by Shu-Cheen Yu.

For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org

The Life of a Creative Mind: A Discussion with Associate Professor Marcelle Freiman

One of the perks of working in an English department is getting to work alongside writers. This week, Stephanie and Michelle are joined by Associate Professor Marcelle Freiman to discuss Marcelle's writing life. They discuss her youth in South Africa, migration to the UK and Australia, her career as a poet, and the life of a creative mind. 

For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org/

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that you need not have an excuse to pod about Pride and Prejudice

Do we really need an excuse to talk about Pride and Prejudice? Stephanie is joined by Dr Lee O'Brien and Dr Geoff Payne to talk about everybody's favourite novel and gush about the enduring genius of Jane Austen. 

For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org/

Percy Bysshe Shelley, Poet of Poets

In a year of big Romantic anniversaries, Percy Bysshe Shelley's "Ozymandias" celebrates 200 years since its publication on 11 January 2018. To celebrate, Stephanie is joined by Dr Geoff Payne to discuss the poem, Percy Shelley, his scandalous life, and the time somebody tried to assassinate him.

For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org/