Vale James Freud-a wonderful musician and a brilliant writer. His first autobiography “I Am The Voice Left From Drinking,” is a very honest look at his battle with his addictions. This book is so well written. It made me laugh in parts-it is I would say the best music autobiography I have read. His follow up “I Am The Voice Left From Rehab,” is equally as good. Here is the link below and I recommend both to all.

I have been watching Rob Lilwall’s documentary “Cycling Home From Siberia” on Nat Geo Channel-which is always on in our home. What a brilliant adventure. Read about Rob’s adventures here.

I am reading Robert Forster’s book “10 Rules of Rock and Roll.” This book is a collection of his articles-many of which have been in the excellent Monthly Magazine. The Go-Betweens being my favourite band of all time, I have always been a fan of Robert’s songwriting, but his writings really give me a different insight into the man. He is an observer who has a dry wit to his writings about rock and roll. His chapter on the Countdown Spectacular is a laugh. His chapters on the late Grant McLennan are insightful, sad yet hopeful. Here’s Robert’s website.

MixTape Magazine is a great little zine started by Justine Telfer in Melbourne. It’s about all things handmade. I recently interviewed Justine for my Masters study and she was fantastic. Started as a little photocopied zine, Justine now professionally prints close to 1000 now. You can find out about the zine, buy it online, find out where to buy it, and also read MixTapes blog. You can follow Justine and Co on Facebook too. Justine is an inspiration to all those writers (me included) who fancy DIYing their own publication! Here’s the link.

Aduki Independent Press is a small publishing company based in Melbourne. Their focus in on social justice issues and they have many great vegetarian and vegan titles you can buy. They are also a member of SPUNC. You can but their titles on line or in the shops. They also support independent writers. I had one of my stories published in their street magazine a couple of years ago-you can read on my website. Here is Aduki’s link-check them out.

The Small Press Underground Networking Community (SPUNC) is an organisation supporting the nation’s independent press. The website has some great information as well as links to great examples of what the independent press has to offer. You can purchase on line too.

Phil Barry is a Brisbane based author. His children’s book The Incredibly Boring Monotonous Family published by Pan Macmillian in 2008 is a creative scream-a book that made me laugh out loud. Check out the link below that gives you info about Phil and also a bit of a taster of this wonderful first novel. One you must buy for that young someone you know-or yourself!

Ernur Anik is another Melbourne based writer who is the process of completing her first novel. Her website The Dreaming also showcases her short stories and thoughts. You can read tasters from her novel here too. You can catch Ernur on Twitter too.

Melanie Selemidis is a Melbourne based writer and poet. She also has a interest in young adult and children’s literature. Check out her website that showcases some of her excellent work. You can also follow Melanie on Twitter.