Writer, podcast host, and now novelist, James McKenzie Watson, joined me to discuss his 2021 Penguin Literary Prize-winning debut novel, ‘Denizen’. Trigger Warning: Mental health/mental health issues were discussed. Topics discussed include: - The origins of ‘Denizen’ - an examination of family and friendship dynamics and mental health in small-town rural Australia. - The notion of ‘just be good’. - The cycle of ‘tension’ endemic to rural Australia. - The importance of writing the story as earnestly and unflinchingly as possible. How to tone it down, or to otherwise make it more palatable would be a disservice to the real-life issues/subject matter. - Writing for self vs an audience. - And so much more! Thanks again to James for discussing all things ‘Denizen’ and writing with me on the show. What a superb guest to close out the year! Get your copy of ‘Denizen’ now!