Kill Your Darlings issue no. 6

Kill Your Darlings (KYD) is a literary journal featuring new fiction, essays, commentary and reviews. Its main goal is to provide readers with ‘fresh, clever writing that combines intellect with intrigue’.

In KYD issue no.6, editor, Rebecca Starford asks readers to consider the representation of Australian women in ‘writing, reviewing and publishing at large,’ which is an extension of Sophie Cunningham’s essay post Miles Franklin Award short list, and Jo Case’s commentary on ‘Australian Literature’.

Also in issue no.6, Gillian Terzis introduces us to ‘Anonymous’, Dmetri Kakmi is horrified by his reflection, Paul Capsis remembers his school days, Carol Hamilton introduces us to a new design craze – book furnishings – Elizabeth Bryer unties the tongue, and Elena Gomez rediscovers Brisbane. There are also two works of short fiction by Helen Dinmore and Penni Russen, and an interview with author Ron Rash. Finally there is a book review by Daniel Wood and serial reviews by Mel Campbell on the television program Misfits and Laurie Steed on Chuck.

The Miles Franklin Award was recently announced, with Ken Scott (That Deadman Dance) the 2011 winner. Sophie Cunningham’s essay A Prize Of One’s Own extends this year’s literary debate sparked when the shortlist was first announced which asked why there were no female authors in this year’s shortlist – once again. In the past few years, female authors made it to the longlist, but did they ‘deserve’ to be on the short list? Is there gender bias amongst the judges when it comes to this prestigious Australian award? And what does this mean for female authors in the future?

Jo Case briefly mentions this in her commentary on what constitutes Australian literature in Aborigines, Sharks And Australian Accents, surmising that Australian literature is usually associated with the beach, the landscape, Indigenous culture and Australian accents. According to Case, these are the books that are shortlisted and win awards, as seen for instance with Ken Scott and Tim Winton (Breath – the 2009 Miles Franklin Award winner).

Most of the commentary and essays in this issue’s KYD are quite heavy to read. However, Dmetri Kakmi’s My Face is light and witty in comparison, as he realises that he has finally reached middle age when what he sees does not reflect how he feels. As a reader, I can relate to exactly how he must have felt when you finally realise that you are getting older and there is nothing you can do about it. Your youth has gone whilst contentment, midriff spread and sagging skin settles in.

This issues short fiction was very enjoyable to read. Both Helen Dinmore’s (The London Look), and Penni Russen’s (Track Of The Light) stories are engaging with the reader wanting more. I would have liked to seen another piece of short fiction in the journal as I felt there was a bit too much commentary.

Finally there is a moving and sentimental review on American author David Foster Wallace (Infinite Jest) by Daniel Wood, Alive On The Page. Wood speaks about Wallace’s short life, writings and the posthumous publication of his unfinished novel The Pale King.

Overall, Kill Your Darlings issue no.6 is not for those who want to sit down, read a journal and get away from it all. It is by no means a relaxing read (except for the short fiction), but one that gives readers a fresh insight into the current issues and dilemmas faced by both emerging and established writers. And this is possibly KYD’s best audience – those with an interest in what is happening overall in the world of writing.

Kill Your Darlings issue no. 6
Editor: Rebecca Starford
Deputy editor Hannah Kent
Associate editor Jo Case
Online editor Estelle Tang
Designer Anne-Marie Reeves
PB, RRP $18

www.killyourdarlingsjournal.com