In the land of the small press the first book release for the year is always an exciting event. On the 1st of March Cow was officially released. Susan Hawthorne’s latest poetry collection is an intriguing approach to the rewriting of myth, and takes us on a journey through the history of languages and symbolic traditions. And another cause for celebration—Spinifex Press celebrates 20 years in 2011. Founded by Susan Hawthorne and Renate Klein, Spinifex is Australia’s only feminist publisher. Spinifex started as a ‘publishing experiment’ in 1991; today, Spinifex is an internationally connected publisher of over 200 print and eBook titles. To read more, go to The Spin blog. The Spinifex eBook list continues to grow with 9 eBook titles available on the newly launched Readings eBookshop. The first eBookshop to be stocked with locally published titles and also Australia’s first independent bookseller to sell eBooks. Easy to browse and easy to use, all titles can be accessed on any device that can host a modern web browser.

EVENTS As part of the 100th Anniversary International Women’s Day celebrations, the Victorian Women’s Trust will hold a public lecture by South Australian MP, Frances Bedford on the remarkable life and achievements of feminist and activist Muriel Matters. Bookings are essential for this event and tickets are a gold coin donation (proceeds going to the Muriel Matters Society Inc.)

Where: Welsh Church, 320 LaTrobe St, Melbourne When: Tuesday March 15 Bookings: janya@vwt.org.au or ph: 96420422

Susan Hawthorne will be promoting her latest poetry collection Cow in New Zealand, Melbourne and country NSW, during March and April, as well as taking part in other events.

New Zealand: Coinciding with the Wellington Out Games Conference, Pat Rosier, former editor of Broadsheet and author, is launching Cow.

Where: Luna 2, Thistle Hall, Cuba Street When: Friday 18 March, 5.30pm

Susan Hawthorne is also speaking at the Out Games conference, Thursday 17 March, 4pm on her paper titled, Footnoted and sidelined: the campaign for lesbian human rights. Go to the website for more information: http://www.wellingtonoutgames.com

Melbourne: The Melbourne Poets Union is featuring Susan Hawthorne in their upcoming event I love a Catastrophic Country. Contact the MPU for bookings, details below:

Where: The Wheeler Centre workshop space,176 Little Lonsdale St Melbourne When: Friday March 25, 7.15pm Entry fee: full $9, conc $7, members /students $6 All proceeds will go to those in recent flood, fire and cyclone affected areas.

Collected Works will hold an open launch for Cow. No booking required for this event:

Where: Collected Works, L1 Nicholas Bldg, 37 Swanston St, Melbourne When: Tuesday March 29, 6 for 6.30pm

NEWS WRAP Spinifex author, Unity Dow was in Australia recently as a special guest of UN Women Australia. She took part in several events for International Women’s Day 100th anniversary celebrations. Listen to this honest and inspiring interview she did with Richard Aedy on ABC RN Life Matters program. And Lizz Murphy interviewed Susan Hawthorne recently on writing, travelling as a poet and cows. Read the interview in full here. 

SPINIFEX BLOG In The Spin last month: Spinifex author, speaker, commentator, blogger and advocate for women and girls, Melinda Tankard Reist, speaks out against Brian McFadden’s newly released single Just The Way You Are (Drunk at the Bar). And Spinifex Press celebrates 20 years: a reflection and the continuing journey.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? For more regular Spinifex updates visit our News page, join us on Facebook and follow our Twitter account: @spinifexpress.