Congrats

I've just finished reading Uruguayan-Australian author Natalia Figueroa's Hailstones Fell Without Rain. An impressive debut novel

Good news about Aaron's second book. Seeing Torres Strait Islander writers finally getting books published over the last few years has been exciting.... and it's just the beginning.

Oh, and Jasmin's book is the 1st YA novel written by a Torres Strait Islander writer. It's been an exciting year of firsts

> However, there's some recent books that could have been included. Such as Lenora Thaker's debut novel (which is the 1st novel by a Torres Strait Islander author!) and Growing up Torres Strait Islander in Australia (1st anthology, edited by Samantha Fuller). Plus your co-authored book, of course.

Thomas Mayo has one of his books on that list. Some of the anthologies have poems, fiction & non fiction by Torres Strait Islanders; inc one edited by Jasmin McGaughy, who's debut novel was released this year. More emerging Torres Strait Islander writers to be published next year, which is exciting>

Literary journals launch editing, writing & illustration careers in Australia, including First Nations. Overland, Kill Your Darlings, Island, Griffith, Westerly - to name just a few. And exciting new ones are emerging. Most literary journals desperately need support to survive. So buy, read, donate

And Australia’s oldest literary journal is still breathing > Southerly. It was an honour to guest co-edit the last issue with Roanna Gonsalves, and help it rise from the ashes. Lots of work from First Nations writers. Alongside Palestinian and other writers living in Australia southerlylitmag.com.au

Led by Farrin Foster & steering group, newish Splinter Journal includes First Nations writers in every issue. (A partnership between SA unis & Writers SA). Latest edition is all First Nations writing (international). Guest edited by emerging writer Janalli Jones (Gunai).
splinterjournal.com#about

Looking forward, in 2026 Sovereign Text Journal will become THE place for First Nations literarture - academic, fiction, poetry, non fiction + Managed by a dream team of First Nations writers, editors and experts in literature. #AusLit
www.sovereigntextsjournal.com/about

Thanks