Want to know what a big-time publisher’s job entails?  Want some tips on making it in the writing biz?

My publisher at Hachette, Vanessa Radnidge, was recently interviewed by “Australia’s leading independent site dedicated to literary free thinking” – The Australian Literature Review.  As well as re-iterating her love for Kindling (thanks, V :)), she has some useful advice for those of you out there with big, booky-type dreams.

Here’s a snippet…

What is the most important piece of advice you would like to give for people writing their first novel-length manuscript for National Novel Writing Month in November?

Polish, perfect, proofread.  And remember it takes a lot to write a novel, to lock yourself away and remove yourself from family and friends, so celebrate every step. It is an achievement to create a story, so be proud. You don’t know how it will be received or if it will be published but in that moment between finishing your story and sharing it with someone else, sit back and appreciate that no matter what happens you have achieved what you set out to do. That is a big thing.

The annual BCLC silent auction to support iconic charity, United Way, featured a literary touch this year – a first edition copy of Kindling and the chance to be a walk-on fictional character in my upcoming novel, The Mantle.

The bidding was often and spirited, but ultimately Pam Bassi wouldn’t be denied. Her bid of $85 trumped all others and assured her a prominent place amongst the pages of my next Australian release in 2012 (Mayan apocalypse permitting). Good on you, Pam!

A second copy of Kindling and associated literary stardom is currently up for grabs in the Kamloops BCLC office – stay tuned to see if they can out-do their big smoke counterparts…

I must say, I’ve been big-time chuffed with the overwhelmingly positive response  to Kindling in its first three months of published life.  Across the board – from writers to booksellers to reviewers to regular punters – people seem to have really connected with Nate and Kieran and a certain summer afternoon of high drama.

The latest praise has come from M/C Reviews.  It exhibits the following words:

“beautiful…amazing…favourite…emotional…poetic…enthralling…flawless…must-read“ 

To see how these words were used in sentences, click here.

To everyone who’s had a kind word (or words) to say about Kindling, I thank you most sincerely.

The following is a transcript of an article that appeared in Sydney’s Sun Herald newspaper on September 12.  It details the tomes that altered my perception as a writer, reader and member of the human race…What are yours?

THE BOOKS THAT CHANGED ME: DARREN GROTH

‘Jaws’ by Peter Benchley

I read this when I was in grade 8. It was one of the first books I saw when I wandered wide-eyed into Brisbane’s Marcellin College library during my first week of “grown-up” high school. I took it off the stand, sat down and started reading. There was a naked chick and a shark attack barely a step into the story. I thought it was the greatest book ever written (I might’ve even shared this revelation with the librarian and random students at the shelves). And there was still about 300 pages of nudity and gore left to awe my testosterone-addled mind. Sadly, it didn’t quite meet with those adolescent expectations (however, there was plenty of blood in the water). A terrific read, though.

Continue reading “Five Books That Changed Me” →

Of the many media dates I had during the Oz Kindling tour, the most enjoyable and interesting might have been my little sit-down with the ABC’s First Tuesday Book Club.

Joining a podcast honour roll that included Irvine Welsh, Sarah Dunant and Audrey Niffenegger was a genuine thrill.  Sincerest thanks go to Emma Noble for jagging the gig and to Brendan and Co. at Aunty’s Sydney studios.

Ah, it’s good to be in the club…

The upcoming Oz Tour for Kindling features a host of radio interviews and guest appearances.  So, if you don’t own a television, and the internet is just something that happened to other people, feel free to turn on, tune in and take five…

Tuesday July 27, 10.40am: ABC Australia Breakfast Club with Phil Kafcaloudes 

Friday July 30, 8.30am: Radio 3MDR Breakfast Lounge LIVE

Sunday August 1, 10.45am: 612 ABC Brisbane with Warren Boland

Wednesday August 11, 10.00am: 4ZZZ FM LIVE

Friday August 13, 9.15am: ABC Mid North Coast Mornings Book Club

Courtesy of QWC, I’m now presenting an extra session – ‘The Journey of the Book’ – at the Byron Bay Writers’ Festival:

Date:	Thursday, August 5, 2010
Time:	2:30pm – 3:55pm
Where:	Byron Bay Community Centre, Byron Bay Writers Festival

Not surprisingly, my bit concerns the whole writing thingy – I’ll be raving on about the Kindling story idea and subsequent manuscript development for the assembled group of emerging authors.

The best part of this extra gig?  My agent, Tara Wynne (Curtis Brown), and my publisher, Vanessa Radnidge (Hachette), will also be present to pass on their considerable expertise!

And the extra best part of this extra gig?  My insanely talented author brother, Simon Groth, will be front and centre in the session immediately before mine!

Kate Eltham, CEO of the Queensland Writers Centre, wrote a very kind review for Kindling as part of her ‘Great Selection of Australian Novels’ piece she put together for ABC Radio in North Queensland.

Here’s a teaser:

“…A beautiful story that shares the perspective of both Kieran and his father Nate…This book is incredibly moving with an unrelenting pace.”

See the full review here.

Fiona Stager and the terrific Avid Reader bookstore crew have offered up their digs for an evening of Kindling capers!

Date:	Thursday, August 12, 2010
Time:	6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location:	Avid Reader Bookshop, West End Qld Australia

The event is free and bookings are essential.  Folks from all walks will be there…including a famous author or two!