AGWA Book Club

Tonight, AGWA and the Design Store welcome award-winning WA author Holden Sheppard for a keynote address as part of The West Australian 2024 Pulse Talks series.

Holden Sheppard received rave reviews and the emerging writer’s prize at the Premier’s Book Awards for his debut novel, Invisible Boys. The novel is currently being adapted as a much-anticipated ten-episode television series, filmed in Geraldton and Perth.

Holden shares his triumphs, challenges and love for his craft in this Pulse Talks instalment, titled “The Road Less Travelled: Finding a path in the arts”. He also opens up about his struggles with mental health and the benefits of resilience and perseverance.

“I grew up in Geraldton, working as a supermarket storeman from the age of 14, stacking shelves, and later as an earthmoving labourer. I had to leave my hometown, move to the big smoke to study writing at university and pursue my dream. It’s been a long, challenging, difficult road, and I had to white-knuckle my way through a lot of crushing rejections and years in the wilderness.”

Pulse Talks expands on the success of The West Australian Pulse visual arts exhibition and forms part of AGWA’s commitment to young and emerging artists across creative platforms. The event is free and hosted by The West Australian’s Ben O’Shea. Book your place HERE.

Holden says he’s “pumped” for the talk.

“So, in this speech I’m excited to open up about the submerged part of the success iceberg: the good, bad and ugly parts of what an artist’s career journey looks like. I’ll be sharing exactly how I got here, and sharing the lessons and career tips I learned along the way, in the hopes of showing young and emerging artists how they can get here, too. I want new artists to know it’s okay if you are starting out alone, with nothing. A career as an artist is entirely in your own hands and you can make it happen. I hope everyone leaves the room motivated to make art and follow their dreams,” he said.

Following the artist talk, join the author in the AGWA Design Store for a book signing.

And as the rainy days set in – check out these new books that have just landed at AGWA Design Store.