"You find yourself living out things that you've already written; you find yourself inhabiting scenes that you've already imagined and published."

In his 40-year career, celebrated Australian author Tim Winton has experienced a curious kind of déjà vu.

Speaking to The Book Show's Claire Nichols, he recalls a recent moment when he led his elderly mother to the beach, to help her into the water.

His mum had been a swim teacher as a younger woman, but was now too frail to swim on her own. As Winton and his wife held his mother in the ocean, they were both very aware that this was a scene he had imagined more than 20 years earlier, in his 1997 novel, Blueback.

"It was odd because I think all of us were conscious of the connection; as if we were inhabiting some fictional reality," he says.

We were lucky enough to host Winton at a live event for ABC RN's Big Weekend of Books, our on-air writers' festival.

He was among many incredible authors from Australia and overseas — all of whom you can listen back to online or via the ABC listen app.

You can also read our online articles from the program, featuring Tim Winton's poignant reflections on his career, incisive commentary from comedian and author Hannah Gadsby, and  reading recommendations from your favourite writers.

We're also thrilled to feature an inspiring lineup of creatives as part of the ABC's Art Week, as well as discussions of the meaning and purpose of art in our everyday lives.

Read explainers from our Arts team on how to appreciate Aboriginal art, how to make the most of a gallery visit, and what to look for in contemporary dance.

Plus, listen back to conversations about art as subterfuge, what makes good public art, and what Australia's arts sector needs right now.

Until next time,

Anna Levy, RN deputy digital editor
 

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