If you’re wondering how to crack the Aussie market, how to get your book noticed in contests, or how the process works when you’re releasing a debut with a large publisher, this author talk is for you!

Debut crime author Dinuka McKenzie will share her publishing journey and her top ten tips for writing, establishing a place in the publishing landscape, and debuting in Australia, with plenty of time for asking questions.

Winner of the Banjo Prize for The Torrent and longlisted for The Richell with Taken, Dinuka’s stunning crime novel, The Torrent sees heavily pregnant Detective Sergeant, Kate Miles tackling the connections between two very different cases in Northern NSW following a death in floodwaters.

This session will be recorded for those who cannot attend on the night but you must register for the session before the cut-off date of June 6th.

Readers are saying:

‘The Torrent is a compelling exploration of family dynamics and a gritty crime story that combines clever police procedural and a layered plot with emotional depth and heart.’

‘A fabulous debut full of rising tension, characters you aren't sure whether to trust, and a female detective like no other who unravels it all. The Torrent is a compelling, page-turner of a crime novel that will leave you questioning until the very end.’

‘After reading this incredible debut novel by Aussie author Dinuka McKenzie, I’m not at all surprised to find that she is the Winner of the 2020 Banjo Prize for great story telling fiction. If this is her first offering as a published author, I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next!’

Suitable for all writers at all levels

—Online events are easy to access! You will need an internet connection and (ideally) a device with a camera – computers/laptops or even phones can be used to dial in. You will be sent a link to join a few days before the event. The link will take you to a private digital meeting where you can join the session. You can test the link at any time to ensure you can log in. Please respect the other participants in your event and mute your microphone at all times while the presenter is presenting. Background noise in houses such as TVs, pets and children can affect the sound quality.

About Dinuka McKenzie

Dinuka McKenzie is an Australian writer and book addict. Her debut crime fiction novel, The Torrent, won the HarperCollins Australia 2020 Banjo Prize and will be published in February 2022. Her unpublished manuscript Taken was longlisted for the 2020 Richell Prize. When not writing, Dinuka works in the environmental sector and volunteers as part of the team behind the Writers Unleashed Festival. She lives in Southern Sydney with her husband, two kids and their pet chicken.

Members $35 / Non-members $50

This program will be delivered online via Zoom

—Writers SA members must be logged in to receive the member discount. If you are a member of another state based writers centre, please contact [email protected] at least five working days before the event to get a code for the member price. Our staff don’t work full time and we don’t want you to miss out!