Book show Shelf Life returns with famous and emerging writers

Have you ever turned the last page of an engrossing book from an internationally famous author and wondered what inspired the characters, settings and crazy situations? Or have you stumbled across a little-known writer and felt certain they could be the next big thing?

Television Sydney’s popular book show Shelf Life is back for a fourth season featuring interviews with authors that delve beyond the covers of their most celebrated books to explore the stories and people that provided their motivation.

Produced by the University of Western Sydney and hosted by Dr Rachel Morley and Dr Milissa Deitz from the UWS School of Humanities & Communication Arts, Shelf Life tours both the best-seller and emerging writers lists to showcase what’s on for Australians keen to put their bookmark to use.

Joining them are a host of guest interviewers including academics, authors and entertainers who get the chance to meet some of their favourite writers to find out what makes them tick

The first episode of the season kicks off with an interview with New York Times bestselling author Libba Bray.  Guest interviewer Professor Peter Shergold – former Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretary and current UWS Chancellor– also interviews social commentator Hugh Mackay. 

Later in the season spoken word artist Miles Merrill and UWS Prime Minister’s Lecturer of the Year, Professor James Arvanitakis, join Shelf Life to meet a host of special writers, which include Robert Greene, famous for his books on power and seduction, and Sylvia Nasar, the author of A Beautiful Mind.

Host Milissa Deitz says Shelf Life is the perfect way to get a behind the scenes look into the thoughts and lives of some of modern literature’s most beguiling talents. 

“Curling up on a couch and reading is one of life’s simple pleasures, and Shelf Life is the perfect show for anyone who cherishes time with a cuppa and a new book,” says Dr Deitz.

Her co-host, Rachel Morley, says the show promises to be the best season yet, with writers even displaying a few hidden talents.

“This season we are lucky enough to have interviewed some of the most exciting writers right now, and to find out the inside stories on Oprah’s Book Club, one of Spain’s most celebrated writers, and the reality of life as a famous children’s author,” says Dr Morley.

“Plus, if you watch the show, you’ll also discover that several of our writers have hidden talents, principally as travelling musicians.”

“Libba Bray and Sylvie Simmons both serenaded me- like all of our writers, they’re extremely talented.”

Shelf Life premieres on Tuesday, 27 August at 7:30pm on Television Sydney, Digital Channel 44, and is repeated Wednesdays at 5:30pm, Thursdays at 12:30pm and Saturdays at 9:00am.

Ends

27 August 2013

Contact: Mark Smith, Media Officer