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Abstract: Introduction : learning how to tell the story / Amy E. Robillard and D. Shane Combs -- Before the heavens open up / Beth Boquet -- An arrangement / Rona Kaufman -- Collecting and coding synecdochic selves : identifying learning across life-writing texts / Bump Halbritter and Julie Lindquist -- Writing backwards : adventures with time and structure in life writing / Sam Meekings -- Moving literacies : a need to tell transnational stories / Lisya Seloni -- (Dis)arming with stories : power and narrative reconciliation in retelling / Jessica Weber -- In the space between chaos and shape : reclaiming the bound exile through affect study and life writing / Karen-Elizabeth Moroski -- The me I don't see unless : life writing, play studies, and the untested story / D. Shane Combs -- Hearing voices / Brooke Hessler -- Writing a queer life; or, S-Town in five rhetorical situations / Jonathan Alexander -- Narrating depression / Amy E. Robillard -- Telling other stories : some musings on rhetorics of identity and time in memoir / Laura Gray-Rosendale.

Abstract: Australia, 1933: Arabella Fitzherbert, a 19-year-old English lady travels with her parents to Australia as they hope the dry climate will help their only daughter recover from her chronic illness. With the Depression in full swing, the wealthy Fitzherbert family will stop at nothing to pamper their sickly daughter. Their journey takes an unexpected turn, however, when Arabella falls from the passenger train and finds herself in the desert - all alone. Injured, she watches helplessly as the train pulls away, leaving her stranded in the middle of nowhere. Nobody notices her missing until what is presumed to be too late. Arabella's fate might have been sealed if not for a group of Aborigines who herd her to Marree, a small town in the outback, cut off from the rest of the world. While her parents believe her dead, Arabella is on her own for the first time in her life. Set in the unforgiving yet alluring Australian outback, "Under a Flaming Sky" is a testament of one young woman's survival and a willingness to grow into her true self. With an eye for detail, Elizabeth Haran is the author of numerous other romantic adventures including "Island of Whispering Winds," "River of Fortune," "Flight of the Jabiru," and "Staircase to the Moon," available as eBooks. For fans of sagas set against a backdrop of beautiful landscapes, like Sarah Lark's, "Island of a Thousand Springs" or Kate Morton's, "The Forgotten Garden." About the author: Elizabeth Haran was born in Bulawayo, Rhodesia and migrated to Australia as a child. She lives with her family in Adelaide and has written fourteen novels set in Australia. Her heart-warming and carefully crafted books have been published in ten countries and are bestsellers in Germany.

Abstract: ‘This is a strong, character-driven story from a talented playwright and novelist, which tackles some hefty issues with lightness and humour. It is an impressive debut.’ Books+Publishing Since Ava lost Kelly, things haven’t been going so well. Even before she gets thrown out of school for shouting at the principal, there’s the simmering rage and all the weird destructive choices. The only thing going right for Ava is her job at Magic Kebab. Which is where she meets Gideon. Skinny, shy, anxious Gideon. A mad poet and collector of vinyl records with an aversion to social media. He lives in his head. She lives in her grief. The only people who can help them move on with their lives are each other. The winner of the 2016 Text Prize, Beautiful Mess is funny and sad and a bit screwed up and romantic and absolutely real. In other words, a lot like life. Claire Christian is a novelist and playwright who lives in Brisbane. She has had three plays published by Playlab, and her play Bloom was shortlisted for the Griffin Award in 2009. She was one of YWCA Queensland’s 125 leading women of 2013. ‘A book full of heart and hope. Claire Christian’s voice leaps off the page, brimming with energy and verve.’ Judges' comments, Readings Young Adult Book Prize ‘A raw, affecting coming-of-age story that starts a conversation about mental health.'  Readings ‘Beautiful Mess is a powerful, poignant novel about love, loss, and learning that even though we might feel cracked or broke at times, we are still beautiful…Claire Christian must be commended for tackling some of the most confronting themes in YA with sincerity and heart.’ Written Word Worlds ‘An engrossing read that brings together Ava and Gideon, two emotionally flawed and troubled characters not unlike Libby and Jack in Jennifer Niven’s Holding Up the Universe or Eleanor and Park of Rainbow Rowell’s book of the same title.’ Readings ‘Beautiful Mess tackles young adult issues head on, but with a lightness of touch that lifts it from the dark topics it explores. A debut novel with memorable, authentic characters that touch your heart, float into your life and leave you wanting more.’ Magpies ‘A truly touching story of young people trying to navigate their way through real problems. I highly recommend this novel and congratulate Claire on a great debut.’ Lamont Books ‘Claire is such a lovely bubble of positivity. I'm excited to see what she brings to Aussie YA.' Danielle Binks, Alpha Reader Beautiful Mess is a stunning read. Claire Christian has delivered a raw and moving debut with beautifully flawed, well-drawn characters who you can’t help but fall in love with.’ Gabrielle Tozer  ‘Claire Christian delivers an honest and searing depiction of the flow-on effects of grief…A book with a lot of heart and hope and a useful compass for teens facing similar issues.’ Kids’ Book Review ‘Bittersweet and funny…A beautiful book with important words to say about mental health, love and brokenness.’ Paper Fury ‘Beautiful Mess is a wonderful reflection of complexities of adolescence. Palpable, poignant and captivating, the narration of two adolescents finding moments of solace in one another. Claire Christian is a captivating, compassionate and remarkable debut author composing a narrative that will linger long after the final page.’ Diva Booknerd ‘Beautiful Mess is the most sensitive explanation of depression and how it affects lives that I have ever read. If you read any other book and felt a bit uncomfortable about the depiction of depression, read this one and understand more. Recommend it to your teenagers, your students, your friends with teen kids. It might help them understand and recognise themselves in some of the pages.’ The Sapling ‘Tender and insightful…An enlightened look at youth suicide and mental health.’ New Zealand Herald ‘Claire has created an authentic and informative book for young adults, while also an e..