After a year of momentous work by the (brilliant) editors, Daniel Collins and Sam Twyford-Moore, the Cutwater Literary Anthology is finally published and as of Saturday evening, officially launched!
I've been working on the book's design for several months, and words can barely describe the thrill of holding in one's hands the final result of so much intense labour, the culmination of so much creative energy (authors, editors, illustrators, printers, paper reps, et al), and it was an incredible honour to be a part of it all. Big thanks to Dan and Sam - you guys were amazing to work with!
Saturday night was indeed the Book Launch - held in the warm lamp-light of Serial Space in the backstreets of Chippendale. I helped out on the book-sales table (my somewhat 'natural habitat' as somebody slyly mentioned) and so I can report that book sales were indeed strong - especially due to certain bulk purchases by certain relatives of certain editors...
The red wine was flowing, and the subdued light (think vintage table lamps) was the perfect ambience for the night's readings, including those by Cutwater contributors Mark Rossiter, Ramon Glazov, Clinton Caward, Derek Motion, Astrid Lorange, and even Sam Twyford-Moore himself. Ramon's rendition of his short story 'Caraformosa' was especially entertaining, and the readings from 'The Best of Facebook Updates 2009' offered plenty of lighthearted chuckles.
Ruby, in the blue-tinged glow of a table full of Cutwaters
Ramon Glazov reading from 'Caraformosa'
The revered Clinton Caward reading from 'Ali'
Enthralled listeners
(Launch photos by Georgia Blackie borrowed with thanks from the Cutwater Facebook page)
By the glow of soft lamp-light
So all that remains for me to say now is that Cutwater shall very soon be available for purchase at good independent bookstores around Australia, beginning in Sydney bookstores such as Glee Books, Berkelouw and those cute little bookstores along King St in Newtown. Online sales will also be possible shortly (will update this once I have the web address).
Priced at a tiny $24.95, this is one book you need to have on your bookshelf - oh, and it's a darn fine read too.
Well done. Gorgeous result. Did you mention where I could purchase such a gem?
Posted by: Georgi | July 17, 2009 at 03:00 PM
Wish I could have been at the opening - lovely work Michelle! I'm with Georgi, where can I get one?
Posted by: Jay Dee | July 19, 2009 at 01:01 AM