Bronwyn Rodden Artist and Writer
US Review of Books review of Zen and the Art of Astroturf:
review (extract) by Jonah Meyer
A good many of these poems are quite charming. Those detailing the poet’s experiences working the front lines in battling bushfires are exquisite—perhaps the strongest selections found among these one hundred pages. Rodden’s strength as a poet and storyteller seems driven by a blending of both her wealth of lived experiences and the fashion in which her material is masterly crafted into slice-of-life poems, presented casually and intelligently. Fanciness is not sought for the sake of fanciness. Rather, it seems this poet exudes a natural ease of style, flowing from narrative poems simply through their telling. After reading and then re-reading the pleasurable poems collected within this volume, an immediate impulse—reflecting well upon Rodden’s poetic talent—is to seek out additional work (both poetry and prose) by the author. A taste of these poems delights, and readers will hope there is more material on the horizon.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review
Poetry
The Crossing Poetry Anthology: I'm very pleased that a poem of mine was selected for this year's Newcastle Poetry Prize Anthology (Australia). It is called 'Jumpers' but is not about knitting! I was inspired to write about people I have met over the years who have made difficult choices in complex lives. My style is deliberately uncomfortable, with uneven line and verse lengths, and I use various ways to focus on issues which are not straightforward.
My Blue Mountains trilogy, The Crushers, Orphan Rock and The Weaver of Blackheath, was inspired by many visits and some time living in the Blue Mountains, at Katoomba, surrounded by World Heritage forest and Art Deco architecture. Some of the photographs I've taken from there are on this page: Blue Mountains Photos by Bronwyn Rodden.
For information about the books: Blue Mountains Mysteries
You can hear an interview about my work here: https://photovoltaicpoetry.com.au/https-photovoltaicpoetry-com-au-wyn-has-a-new-book-out/
Fiction
Winner of the Patricia Hackett Prize for short fiction, Finalist in the General Fiction category, Eric Hoffer Award (USA) and shortlisted for the Carmel Bird Short Fiction award, Bronwyn Rodden has published several novels and collections of short fiction.
Orphan Rock, the second in my Blue Mountains mysteries, has recently been launched. The story of how I started this series is available here: http://coffscoast.focusmag.com.au/bronwyn-rodden-winner-of-the-patricia-hackett-prize/
The Moon and the Sea
Recommended in the US Review of Books: "This genre-bending tale of pirates, treasure hunters, and adventure seekers spans generations and time periods, offering up a bounty of thrills along the way. " https://www.theusreview.com/reviews/The-Moon-and-the-Sea-by-Bronwyn-Rodden.html#.Xv6_PCgzbD4
Available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Moon-Sea-Bronwyn-Rodden/dp/1658366840
Tales for Dark Nights
Recommended, US Review of Books:
'A Writers Writer'
'A genre-bending tale of pirates, treasure hunters, and adventure seekers spans generations and time periods, offering up a bounty of thrills along the way.' US Review of Books
Book 1 in the Ros Gordon Mysteries Series, selected for Hachette Manuscript Retreat 2012
