Ashley Kalagian Blunt’s new memoir How to Be Australian details her move from Canada with her husband to live Down Under and was launched for a global audience via Zoom from Better Read than Dead in Newtown in June. In this Q&A she reveals how the heartfelt and humorous story of her own struggle to fit in has been resonating with readers.
Your book has been well received since its launch. What response have you received from readers?
One of my favourite things since moving to Australia – other than caramel slice – has been speaking to Aussies about their country. I wrote this book for Australians, in the hope of reflecting this quirky, baffling country back to itself, and sharing some of the delight and puzzlement I’ve experienced over 10 years here. I knew fellow newcomers would connect with the book, but my great joy has been locals relating how much they learned from the book and how much it made them laugh.
As a memoir writer, do you have a rule for what personal information about others to include?
My first consideration, regardless of anything else, was what needed to be in the book, what was essential to the story. Next, I ensured that, of everyone portrayed, I was the most exposed. From there, my approach was to be honest but sensitive. My parents aren’t keen on being written about, for example, so I’ve included them in broad brushstrokes only.
After a rocky start in a cockroach-infested sublet in Newtown, things improved when you moved to Camperdown, where you still live. What, have you learned, are essentials for finding a sense of home?
Two things: developing knowledge of the place, and making local friends. The first one was easy. I travelled around the country, watched Kath & Kim, read history books, and figured out what the heck a bushranger is. The second one was trickier, but after many false starts I now have a wonderful community of both expat and local friends.
What authors have most influenced your writing?
In How to Be Australian, I attempt to combine Bill Bryson’s blend of detailed research and witty charm with Helen Garner’s eye for detail and distinctive, plain-spoken style.
Good writing makes the process seem effortless, but anyone who writes knows it’s not. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
One of the most challenging aspects of writing is gaining insight into how readers experience your work. When you write, you have insider knowledge of all the rich detail and the character’s emotional interiority, either because you were there or you imagined it. But readers only have what’s on the page. If friends and family are honest, they might say your writing isn’t working, but they’ll struggle to say why. For me, finding a group of writers who could give me insight into what wasn’t working on the page made the biggest difference.
You received your citizenship in 2016 and the book ends there. How are you now? Any major changes?
The book ends tidily, but life continues in its messy way. In 2017, I became increasingly ill and was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. My recovery has been gradual. Being so unwell I struggled to get out of bed for months forced me to think about what I want most from life – which is to write and connect with people through stories. This pushed me to work harder at achieving my dreams, and my first book came out in 2019.
How can readers be in touch with you?
I love hearing from readers! I’m happy to make appearances at book clubs, either virtually or locally in person. There’s a book club discussion guide on my website, as well as recipes for cocktails I created to go with the book – lemon myrtletini, anyone? Find me at ashleykalagianblunt.com or across social media.
