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For 2015 we have an annual Aussie author challenge with a difference! This one we will call the Aussie Genres Challenge:)



Here's how the latest annual challenge will work :

To qualify for the Laid Back Level you need to read TWELVE (12) books, the Busy Level is TWENTY FOUR (24) or you can choose to be Out of Control with the highest level and read THIRTY SIX (36) books.

Now there's a catch (of course!) you will need to read your books from 12 different genres - well it IS an Aussie GENRE challenge- so this will mean you will need to read THREE (3) books from each of your chosen genres if you are going to be Out of Control, TWO (2) if you're Busy and ONE (1) to be Laid Back.

FIRST , you need to decide on your choice of the twelve (12) genres

SECOND , choose which level you'd like to read

THIRD , choose your books and make sure they are written by an Australian Author.



Some examples of genres you can choose from;
Contemporary, Historical, Non Fiction, Crime, Romance, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror, Young Adult, Chick-Lit, Classic, Literary fiction

Go Here for more GENRE choices:)

Some links to help you choose
Popular Australian Authors
Best Books Set in Australia
Aussie Readers New Release Thread
Aussie Readers Bookshelf
Aussie YA releases 2011; 2012; 2013; 2014
Aussie YA Speculative Fiction

When you have decided which level you'd like to achieve, make your list and post here in this thread.



Relax and enjoy a year of great Aussie reading!

oooh 12 different genres!?!?!? This will be an interesting one. Looking forward to it :)

I have chosen to be OUT OF CONTROL!

THRILLER - 1.) Graveyard of the Atlantic by Helen Goltz 5��s
2.) Medea's Curse by Anne Buist 4.5��s
3.) Tell the Truth by Katherine Howell 4.5��s

CONTEMPORARY - 1.) Season of Shadow and Light by Jenn J. McLeod 4��s
2.) Fly In Fly Out by Georgina Penney 4��s
3.) Useful by Debra Oswald 3.5��s

YOUNG ADULT - 1.) Unforgotten by Tohby Riddle 4��s
2.) Chasing the Valley by Skye Melki-Wegner 5��s
3.) Isla's Oath by Cassandra Page 4.5��s

FANTASY - 1.) Borderlands by Skye Melki-Wegner 5��s
2.) Isla's Inheritance by Cassandra Page 5��s
3.) Across the Bridge of Ice by Ruth Fox 4��s

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE - 1.) Storm Clouds by Bronwyn Parry 5��s
2.) Essie's Way by Pamela Cook 5��s
3.) Outback Flames by Suzanne Brandyn 4.5��s

HISTORICAL - 1.) After Darkness by Christine Piper 4��s
2.) Paper Daisies by Kim Kelly 5��s
3.) The Turning Tide by C.M. Lance 4.5��s

ROMANCE - 1.) Outback Ghost by Rachael Johns 4��s
2.) Intensive Care by Nicki Edwards 3��s
3.) Snowy River Man by Lizzy Chandler 5��s

CRIME - 1.) The Dragon Man by Garry Disher 3��s
2.) Hidden by Ann B. Harrison 4��s
3.) Blessed Are the Dead by Malla Nunn 5��s

MYSTERY - 1.) Death by Disguise by Helen Goltz 5��s
2.) The Painted Sky by Alice Campion 5��s
3.) Present Darkness by Malla Nunn 5��s

NON FICTION - 1.) Out of the Mists: The Hidden History of Elizabeth Jessie Hickman by Di Moore 4��s
The Fall by Amy Dale 4��s
Angels of Death by Emily Webb 4��s

SUSPENSE - 1.) The Fourth Reich by Helen Goltz 5��s
2.) Lane's End by Jill Paterson 5��s
3.) The Missing - Two Sophie Anderson short stories #7 by P.D. Martin 4��s

SCIENCE FICTION - 1.) The Great Zoo of China by Matthew Reilly 4��s
2.) TimeStorm by Steve Harrison 5��s
3.) Eden, Noon by Archer Swift 4.5��s

All subject to change of course:)

Oh, I'm keen. I was just saying that I wanted to read more Australian books. I think I'll start off laid back.

Zoey wrote: "oooh 12 different genres!?!?!? This will be an interesting one. Looking forward to it :)"

I can't wait Zoey! I think it'll be a lot of fun!!

I am committing to the Laid Back level �� 1 book from 12 different genre �� 12 books


1. Fantasy: The Bloodstone Key by Jenni Boyd
2. Historical Fiction: The Ladies of Missalonghi by Colleen McCullough
3. Literary Fiction: A Small Madness by Dianne Touchell
4. Romance: The Maxwell Sisters by Loretta Hill
5. Mystery: Thin Blood by Vicki Tyley
6. Young Adult: Escape from Wolfhaven Castle by Kate Forsyth
7. Contemporary: Lost & Found by Brooke Davis
8. Adventure:The Bellamy Bird by Clare Havens
9. Paranormal: Night Walker by Aaron L. Speer
10. Women’s Fiction: Mr Chen's Emporium by Deborah O'Brien
11. Dystopian: The Last Place by Michael Adams
12. Science Fiction: Clade by James Bradley

I have your #12 on my list too Sally:)

I'm in for Laid Back level.

1. Historical Fiction: South of Darkness by John Marsden 3 stars
2. Thriller: Covet by Tara Moss4 stars
3. YA: Clariel by Garth Nix 4 stars
4. Fantasy: Endsinger: The Lotus Wars 3 by Jay Kristoff3 stars
5. Literary Fiction: Past the Shallows by Favel Parrett4 stars
6. SF: Eden, Dawn by Archer Swift 2 stars
7. Crime: Tell the Truth by Katherine Howell 4 stars
8. Contemporary: The Love Story of Miss Queenie Hennessy 5 stars
9. Memoir: Foreign Correspondence: A Pen Pal's Journey from Down Under to All Over by Geraldine Brooks 3 stars
10.Romance: Gather the Bones by Alison Stuart 4 stars
11.Mystery: Sleight Malice by Vicki Tyley 4 stars
12.Classic: The Tree Of Man by Patrick White 3 stars

Well, I could try the Laid Back level, but I won't know which books or genres till I get to them in my TBR pile/bookcase/room. Not sure if this is quite in the spirit of a challenge. I will update as I go along. Unless I am told that this is no way to commit to a challenge, and get kicked out by the Out of Control mod ;)

Marianne wrote: "Well, I could try the Laid Back level, but I won't know which books or genres till I get to them in my TBR pile/bookcase/room. Not sure if this is quite in the spirit of a challenge. I will update ..."

What you could do is choose your genres Marianne, and list them. Then you could add as you know:) Basically reserve a spot with your listed genres!

I could make a start....
1 Romance The Chocolate Promise 4�ȴ Only We Know 5�ȴ
2 Crime Bitter Wash Road 5�ȴ Hades 5�ȴ
3 Contemporary The Memory Tree 5�ȴ Streets on a Map: Journey Through Changes 4�ȴ
4 Memoir One Life: My Mother's Story 5�ȴ Reckoning: A Memoir 4.5�ȴ
5 Humour Unmarry Me 4.5�ȴ and Useful 5�ȴ
6 Mystery The Good Daughter 5�ȴ and The Lake House 5�ȴ
7 Thriller Medea's Curse 5�ȴ Eden 5�ȴ
8 Historical Fiction Skin 4.5�ȴ Unnatural Habits 5�ȴ
9 Non-Fiction Worse Things Happen at Sea Silent Shock: The Men Behind the Thalidomide Scandal and an Australian Family's Long Road to Justice 5�ȴ
10 Hen's Lit Last Chance Cafe 5�ȴ In the Company of Strangers
11 Classic In Certain Circles 3�ȴ
12 Paranormal Day Boy 4.5�ȴ Gypsy Hunted 4�ȴ

but subject to change at any whim!! ;)

snap!

Haha!!!

Oh, this one sounds fun! I'll go for laid back. I'll post my book choices soon.

0/12

1. Paranormal
2. Non Fiction
3. Crime
4. Biography
5. Historical Fiction
6. Romance
7. Mystery
8. Thriller
9. Science Fiction
10. Contemporary
11. Classics
12. Young Adult

I will try for the Laid Back Level

Here is my list (of course, will probably change throughout the year)


1. Memoir - Cleo by Helen Brown 4��

2. Chick-Lit - Curve My Song by Sarah Gai4��

3. Contemporary - Angel Puss by Colleen McCullough3��

4. Historical Fiction - The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough3.5��

5. Literary Fiction - Dirt Music by Tim Winton 2��

6. Mystery - Getting Warmer by Alan Carter4��

7. Paranormal -The Witch Hunter by Nicole R. Taylor4��

8. Romance - The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion4.5��

9. Science Fiction - TimeStorm by Steve Harrison4.5��

10. True Crime - Razor: Tilly Devine, Kate Leigh and the Razor Gangs by Larry Writer 4��

11. Young Adult - The Third Day, The Frost by John Marsden 4.5��

12. Romantic Suspense - A Dangerous Arrangement by Lee Christine4��

1. Women's Fiction
2. Mystery/thriller
3. Romance
4. Classic
5. Historical Fiction
6. Childrens
7. Literary Fiction
8. Non Fiction
9. Contemporary Fiction
10. The Book Thief
11. Chick Lit
12. Fantasy

Nice list Zoey!

My life is out of control so I'm going for laid back
No time to pick genres or titles so I will just mark my spot.

My list
1.Young Adult
Divided by M.J. Stevens
Isla's Oath by Cassandra Page
2.Romance
The Chocolate Promise by Josephine Moon
Jilted by Rachael Johns
3.Contemporary Fiction
Season of Shadow and Light by Jenn J. McLeod
Leap of Faith by Fiona McCallum
4.Suspense /Thriller
White Gold by Rachel Amphlett
The Recipient by Dean Mayes
5.Fantasy
The Bloodstone Key by Jenni Boyd
Altaica by Tracy M. Joyce
6.Childrens
Molly Gumnut Rescues a Bandicoot: Adventures of Molly Mavis Gumnut by Patricia Puddle
Thirteen by James Phelan
7.Mystery
The Lost Swimmer by Ann Turner
Look Closer by Rachel Amphlett
8.Historical Fiction
Triangle Trade byGeoff Woodland
Wild Wood by Posie Graeme-Evans
9.Science Fiction
The Gardener Who Could See by John Jetty
The Heir by Lynne Stringer
10.Romantic Suspense
Outback Fever by Suzanne Brandyn
Mistake Creek by Rachel Amphlett
11.Crime
The Spy by James Phelan
The Hunted by James Phelan
12.Chick Lit
Nanny Confidential by Philippa Christian
She's Having Her Baby by Lauren Sams

LOL! Veronica:) Looking forward to seeing your list:)

My list got totally out of control in 2014 so I'm going to aim for that level again!
I might just start by listing 12 books and adding more on through the year - here are my genres, books to follow in January

1. Crime

2. Sci Fi

3. Historical

4. Contemporary

5. Suspense

6. Non fiction

7. Literary

8. YA

9. Romance

10.Fantasy

11. Mystery

12. True Crime

I think I'm going to try for laid back. I'm in the U.S. and it's difficult to find Australian authors. I have nobody to "suggest" to me, like Amazon. It's taken me years to find good British fiction and I do love leaving the country for a few hours and learning about different places. I think I'll use some other reader's suggestions and the listopia stuff. I'll update my entry tomorrow.

Okay, I totally can't stand staying Laid Back! I must do Busy!

1. Classics
The Tree Of Man by Patrick White
Requiem for a Wren by Nevil Shute

2. Crime
Vodka Doesn't Freeze by Leah Giarratano
Fatal Liaison by Vicki Tyley

3. Dystopian
Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden
Shade's Children by Garth Nix

4. Sci-Fi
Red Queen by Honey Brown 2�ȴ
Twinmaker by Sean Williams 3�ȴ

5. Young Adult
These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman
On the Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

6. Fantasy
Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff
The Rook by Daniel O'Malley 4�ȴ

7. Historical Fiction
Treason by Meredith Whitford
Grand Days by Frank Moorhouse

8. Romance
The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough 5 ★s
Dark Country by Bronwyn Parry 4�ȴ

9. Literary Fiction
Remembering Babylon by David Malouf
Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta

10. Contemporary
I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak 3�ȴ
Poet's Cottage by Josephine Pennicott 3�ȴ

11. Mystery
The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
Thornwood House by Anna Romer

12. Horror
Dead Tree Forest by Brett McBean 3�ȴ
Beneath the Dark Ice by Greig Beck


This ought to be fun! I'm particularly excited about The Thorn Birds since my mom has been talking about it most of my life. :)

I'm going for the Laid Back level:
.

1. Thriller .....................Can You Keep a Secret? by Caroline Overington. 3.5��
2. Young Adult ............Saving Wishes by G.J. Walker-Smith .......... 4�ȴ
3. New Adult ...............Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta. 5�ȴ
4. Historical Fiction ... The Silk Thief by Deborah Challinor 5�ȴ.
5. Contemporary ........The Secrets in Silence by Nicole Trope 4�ȴ
6. Non Fiction .............Last Woman Hanged by Caroline Overington. 5�ȴ
7. Mystery ...................Sleight Malice by Vicki Tyley 5�ȴ
8. Crime ......................Tell Me Why Sandi Wallace 4�ȴ
9. Literary Fiction .......When the Night Comes by Favel Parrett 4�ȴ
10. Romance ...............The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. 5�ȴ
11. Fantasy ..................Mark of the Dragon Queen by Katie W. Stewart 5�ȴ
12. Suspense .....Already Dead by Jaye Ford4�ȴ

My list - Laid Back

1. Romance - Star Promise by G.J. Walker-Smith
2. Historical Fiction - The Road To Ruin byBronwyn Stuart - 5*
3. Science Fiction - Eden, Dawn by Archer Swift
4. Fantasy - Sabriel by Garth Nix
5. Mystery -Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
6. Paranormal - Life Lived Twice by Sherrie Wouters
7. YA - Isla's Inheritance by Cassandra Page - 3*
8. Chick Lit - Mad About The Boy by Maggie Alderson
9. Contemporary - Deeper Water by Jessie Cole
10. Non-fiction - Girt: The Unauthorised History of Australia by David Hunt
11. Dystopia or Utopia - Red Queen by Honey Brown - 4*
12. Thriller - Already Dead by Jaye Ford

Hi everyone, I'll go for -Laid Back
1 Romance
2 Science fiction
3 Fantasy
4 Mystery
5 Chick Lit
6 Horror
7 Thriller
8 Classic
9 YA
10 Women's Fiction

I'll have to add the titles later after I do a little bit of research.
Can we add more if we have only chosen the Laid Back Catagory?

Sarah wrote: "I think I'm going to try for laid back. I'm in the U.S. and it's difficult to find Australian authors. I have nobody to "suggest" to me, like Amazon. It's taken me years to find good British fictio..."

Sarah look at the links at the top of this page especially the one called Aussie Readers Bookshelf. It has great ideas plus the genre of the books are on the side.

Sharon wrote: "Hi everyone, I'll go for -Laid Back
1 Romance
2 Science fiction
3 Fantasy
4 Mystery
5 Chick Lit
6 Horror
7 Thriller
8 Classic
9 YA
10 Women's Fiction

I'll have to add the titles later a..."

Sharon please edit your post to remove reference to your book :) Thanks!

Brenda wrote: "I have chosen to be OUT OF CONTROL!

THRILLER - 1.) Graveyard of the Atlantic by Helen Goltz
2.) Hell's Fury by P.D. Martin
3.) [bo..."

What a fantastic list of books Brenda! I hope it reduces your list of TBRs to some degree.

I think this challenge is a GREAT idea, in that it will encourage me, and other readers, to explore beyond the usual comfort zone.

I'm going to commit to the Laid Back level, i.e. 12 Aussie Authors in 12 different genres. My choice of genres TBA.

I certainly know I will read more than 12 Aussie authors in 2015, but I just don't know about that wide range of genres. So one of each genre will be good for getting on with. Who knows, I might make it to Out of Control by this time next year??? :-D

Sharon wrote: "Hi everyone, I'll go for -Laid Back
1 Romance
2 Science fiction
3 Fantasy
4 Mystery
5 Chick Lit
6 Horror
7 Thriller
8 Classic
9 YA
10 Women's Fiction

I'll have to add the titles later a..."

You can update your choices any time throughout the year, as long as you retain the same genres that you choose now:)

MaryG2E wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I have chosen to be OUT OF CONTROL!

THRILLER - 1.) Graveyard of the Atlantic by Helen Goltz
2.) Hell's Fury by [author:P.D. Martin|..."

Thanks Mary:) That's what I hope to do!

MaryG2E wrote: "I think this challenge is a GREAT idea, in that it will encourage me, and other readers, to explore beyond the usual comfort zone.

I'm going to commit to the Laid Back level, i.e. 12 Aussie Author..."

Have fun with it Mary!

I put my thinking cap on and came up with a list of genres that appeal to me for 2015:
1. Travel Narrative
2. Non-Fiction
3. Biography/memoir
4. Australian Classic
5. Contemporary Fiction
6. Literary Fiction
7. Crime Fiction
8. Suspense/mystery
9. YA
10. Humour
11. Romance
12. Historical Fiction
Because these are all genres that I greatly enjoy, I can easily see myself getting through 24 books along those lines. Therefore I'm going to upgrade myself to BUSY LEVEL

MaryG2E wrote: "I put my thinking cap on and came up with a list of genres that appeal to me for 2015:
1. Travel Narrative
2. Non-Fiction
3. Biography/memoir
4. Australian Classic
5. Contemporary Fiction
6. Litera..."

Well done Mary! Can't wait to see your list:)

Ooh, sure. I usually read in a pretty narrow band, though, so this could be hard, even at "laid back". Still, here's what I have so far.

1. New adult: Eleven Weeks by Lauren K. McKellar - /review/show...
2. Non-fiction: My Story by Julia Gillard - /review/show...
3. Science fiction: Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff - /review/show...
4. Urban fantasy: Burn by Paula Weston - /review/show...
5. Historical: The Wild Girl by Kate Forsyth - /review/show...
6. Young adult: Life in Outer Space by Melissa Keil - /review/show...
7. Adult: Darkness Unbound by Keri Arthur
8. Gothic fantasy: Fairytales for Wilde Girls by Allyse Near - /review/show...
9. Humour: The Intern by Gabrielle Tozer - /review/show...
10. Mystery: Every Breath by Ellie Marney - /review/show...

I will do laid back.

1. Romance
2. Contemporary
3. Historical
4. Fantasy
5. Young Adult
6. Science Fiction
7. Classic
8. Mystery
9. Childrens
10. Womens
11. Suspense
12. Adventure

PS I know adding Darkness Unbound is a tiny bit controversial, because it's also urban fantasy, but apparently it's quite racy, where Paula Weston's books aren't. :p

I like the sound of this one. I will do the laid back challenge but won't have time to look at my books and genres until after the Christmas rush. Thanks again Brenda and the other moderators for keeping it interesting.

Elaine wrote: "I like the sound of this one. I will do the laid back challenge but won't have time to look at my books and genres until after the Christmas rush. Thanks again Brenda and the other moderators for k..."

Glad you're able to join in Elaine:) I'll look forward to your genre choice and books when you can...

I will be doing the Busy level


Crime:
1. Web of Deceit by Katherine Howell
2. Deadly Obsession by Karen M. Davis

Contempary:
1. The Sunnyvale Girls by Fiona Palmer
2. The Eye of the Sheep by Sofie Laguna

Mystery:
1. Bitter Nothings by Vicki Tyley
2. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Suspense:
1. Life or Death by Michael Robotham
2. Darkening Skies by Bronwyn Parry

Thriller:
1. Deserving Death by Katherine Howell
2. Dark Horse by Honey Brown

Historical:
1. The Blue Mile by Kim Kelly
2. Ronan's Echo by Joanne van Os

Romance:
1. Gemma's Bluff by Karly Lane
2. Operation Valentine by Loretta Hill

Chick Lit:
1. The Cattleman's Daughter by Rachael Treasure
2. Nobody But Him by Victoria Purman

Short Story:
1. Dance In the Outback by S.E. Gilchrist
2. Echoes of Daniel by Bronwyn Parry

Rural:
1. Crimson Dawn by Fleur McDonald
2. Bridie's Choice by Karly Lane

Yong Adult:
1. Cooper Bartholomew is Dead by Rebecca James
2. Second Hearts by G.J. Walker-Smith

Non Fiction:
1. Never Say Die / Whistleblower by Chris O'Brien
2. Under the Microscope by Earl Owen

Excellent genres and list Sharon:)

Thanks Brenda. You'll notice I missed a genre ;)

Brenda wrote: "I have chosen to be OUT OF CONTROL!

THRILLER - 1.) Graveyard of the Atlantic by Helen Goltz
2.) Hell's Fury by P.D. Martin
3.) [bo..."

Just saw this, Brenda and Sally - no, no pressure ;) None at all. (But it is finished and submitted - but there will be the editing process yet :) )

Sharon wrote: "Thanks Brenda. You'll notice I missed a genre ;)"

There are 12 there?? Unless you mean "short story"? You could actually call that Romantic Suspense if you wanted to:)

Leonie wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I have chosen to be OUT OF CONTROL!

THRILLER - 1.) Graveyard of the Atlantic by Helen Goltz
2.) Hell's Fury by [author:P.D. Martin|..."

We KNOW it will be released sometime in 2015 Leonie, so we're safe;)

So I'm going for the "laid back" option and my list (subject to change) is:


1) Humour - They're a Weird Mob by Nino Culotta
2) Contemporary - Vernon God Little by D.B.C. Pierre
3) Short stories - The Promise by Tony Birch
4) Literary Fiction - Theft: A Love Story by Peter Carey
5) Classic - Monkey Grip by Helen Garner
6) War - A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute
7) Historical - Dark Places by Kate Grenville
8) MM Romance - Tigers and Devils by Sean Kennedy
9) Travel 30 Days in Sydney: A Wildly Distorted Account by Peter Carey
10) Mystery - Flying Too High by Kerry Greenwood
11) Autobiography - Rose Boys by Peter Rose
12) TBA

Brenda wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Thanks Brenda. You'll notice I missed a genre ;)"

There are 12 there?? Unless you mean "short story"? You could actually call that Romantic Suspense if you wanted to:)"

Fantasy :)

No, you can choose any genre you like Sharon:) If you want to leave Fantasy out, that's up to you!

Great challenge!

I'm in. I'll be doing the Laid back level.

Here goes:

1. Historical Fiction - Burial Rites
2. Crime - Deadly Obsession
3. Romance - Shiver
4. Fiction - So Much to Tell You
5. Adventure - The Pearl Hunters
6. Fantasy - The Beast Within
7. Science Fiction - The Rook
8. Non Fiction - This House of Grief - 5 Stars
9. YA - Laurinda - 5 Stars
10. Short Stories - The Promise - 4 Stars
11. Women's Fiction - The Secret Keeper - 3 Stars
12. Mystery - Fetish - 3 Stars

Awesome idea!

I'll try for Laid Back and come back soon to post genres and titles, gotta do some research first. See which ones I already have in my giant TBR pile :)


1. Poetry - Regulator Benjamin Dodds
2. Memoir - The Dangerous Bride Lee Kofman
3. Classic - Picnic at Hanging Rock Joan Lindsay
4. Fantasy - Debris Jo Anderton
5. Horror - Last Year, When We Were Young Andrew J. McKiernan
6. Short Fiction - Unearthly Fables David Schembri READ
7. Non Fiction
8. Children's - With My Knife Andrew Landsdown
9. Mystery
10. Manga - The Dreaming - Queenie Chan
11. History - The Narrow Road to the Deep North Richard Flanagan
12. Music - My Bon Scott Irene Thornton READ