On the Couch with Alison Croggon

Alison Croggon AAR On the Couch - photo by Sarah WalkerWho is Alison Croggon?
A writer with what’s been called a “confusing brand”. I write poetry, novels of various kinds, criticism, libretti and theatre texts.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
My secret desire, like most poets I think, was to be a singer.

Who inspires you and why?
Right now, the awesome people I’ve been working with on My Dearworthy Darling, especially Kate Davis and Emma Valente. More generally, I’m inspired by anyone who stands up for justice and truth in a world which rewards half-truths, deception, spin and outright lies.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
The problems we’re all facing often seem overwhelming. I try to make what difference I can, when I can. If I am given a platform, I try to use it honestly and well. If I have good fortune, I try to share it. I don’t believe art can save the world, but it can give us courage and hope to continue the struggle.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
Holiday? I don’t understand the question.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
My idea of a good time is great conversation over great food. So my out-of-town friends tend to end up in the Hutong Dumpling Bar, maybe followed by coffee and cake at Brunetti.

What are you currently reading?
I just re-read Stanislaw Lem’s science fiction classic Solaris. Midway through Anna Burns’ Milkman, which is fantastic.

What are you currently listening to?
I know it’s a terrible confession, but because I can’t listen to music when I’m writing or reading, and because I spend most of my waking hours writing or reading, I’m not currently listening to anything…

Happiness is?
Dinner at home with my adored family.

What does the future hold for you?
A lot of books. So many books! I have just finished edits for my next novel for young people, The Threads of Magic, which will come out early next year in the UK, the US and Australia with Walker Books and Candlewick. I am in the middle of edits for two more books: Monsters, a creative non-fiction which I’m writing for Scribe Publications, and the second part of a science fiction series called Newport City which I’m co-writing with my husband, Daniel Keene. And I’ll be researching another children’s book, The Spell that Worked, as part of a State Library of Victoria Creative Fellowship that I was awarded last week.

Alison has written My Dearworthy Darling for feminist theatre mavericks THE RABBLE – which will be presented at the Malthouse Theatre from 2 August 2019. For more information, visit: www.malthousetheatre.com.au for details.

Image: Alison Croggon – photo by Sarah Walker