Mary Garden
@marygarden.bsky.social
Award-winning author
PhD Journalism
My Father's Suitcase (2024) Shining a light on sibling abuse.
The Serpent Rising (1988)
My years in a sex cult 1970s. Sundowner of the Skies (2019). On my father.
https://www.marygarden.com.au/my-fathers-suitcase
PhD Journalism
My Father's Suitcase (2024) Shining a light on sibling abuse.
The Serpent Rising (1988)
My years in a sex cult 1970s. Sundowner of the Skies (2019). On my father.
https://www.marygarden.com.au/my-fathers-suitcase
Reposted by Mary Garden
One author's experience with a dubious book award - and what it cost her. @marygarden.bsky.social at @janefriedman.com janefriedman.com/my-brush-wit... #writingcommunity #publishing #authorcommunity
My Brush with a Pay-to-Play Book Award | Jane Friedman
The majority of book awards are pay-to-play deals. Some do little harm, others are genuinely useful, but most make no difference to your career or sales.
janefriedman.com
December 6, 2025 at 8:29 AM
One author's experience with a dubious book award - and what it cost her. @marygarden.bsky.social at @janefriedman.com janefriedman.com/my-brush-wit... #writingcommunity #publishing #authorcommunity
Reposted by Mary Garden
Ever since I’ve been in the business, there have been pay-to-play book awards. They make up the majority of book awards, in fact.
Some of these awards do little harm, others are genuinely useful, but most don't make a difference at all. Learn more from @marygarden.bsky.social.
Some of these awards do little harm, others are genuinely useful, but most don't make a difference at all. Learn more from @marygarden.bsky.social.
My Brush with a Pay-to-Play Book Award | Jane Friedman
The majority of book awards are pay-to-play deals. Some do little harm, others are genuinely useful, but most make no difference to your career or sales.
janefriedman.com
December 4, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Ever since I’ve been in the business, there have been pay-to-play book awards. They make up the majority of book awards, in fact.
Some of these awards do little harm, others are genuinely useful, but most don't make a difference at all. Learn more from @marygarden.bsky.social.
Some of these awards do little harm, others are genuinely useful, but most don't make a difference at all. Learn more from @marygarden.bsky.social.
My article on a strange book award. I got sucked in!
many thanks @janefriedman.com
janefriedman.com/my-brush-wit...
many thanks @janefriedman.com
janefriedman.com/my-brush-wit...
December 4, 2025 at 6:20 PM
My article on a strange book award. I got sucked in!
many thanks @janefriedman.com
janefriedman.com/my-brush-wit...
many thanks @janefriedman.com
janefriedman.com/my-brush-wit...
Here is my piece on the Able Golden Book Award, a very unusual and strange award.
newsroom.co.nz/2025/11/25/a...
newsroom.co.nz/2025/11/25/a...
Author attends quite weird awards ceremony
Flights, hotel, and a $275 dinner: the costs of attending a vanity book awards ceremony.
newsroom.co.nz
November 24, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Here is my piece on the Able Golden Book Award, a very unusual and strange award.
newsroom.co.nz/2025/11/25/a...
newsroom.co.nz/2025/11/25/a...
Lovely to see my article Why I didn't grieve my sister's death published by Women Writers Womens Books
booksbywomen.org/why-i-didnt-...
booksbywomen.org/why-i-didnt-...
Why I Didn’t Grieve My Sister’s Death - Women Writers, Women's Books
By Mary Garden When my sister died, I didn’t cry. I didn’t feel heartbroken. I felt relief. It was August 2023. My sister Anna had just passed away. Instead of overwhelming sadness, I felt a quiet cal...
booksbywomen.org
October 25, 2025 at 12:09 AM
Lovely to see my article Why I didn't grieve my sister's death published by Women Writers Womens Books
booksbywomen.org/why-i-didnt-...
booksbywomen.org/why-i-didnt-...
Thrilled that my essay on the power of memoir has been published by @womenwriters.bsky.social
I love true stories, especially memoir. That's what I mostly write. It has helped me get rid of shame and see things more clearly.
My books help others, too.
booksbywomen.org/the-power-of...
I love true stories, especially memoir. That's what I mostly write. It has helped me get rid of shame and see things more clearly.
My books help others, too.
booksbywomen.org/the-power-of...
The Power of Memoir By Mary Garden - Women Writers, Women's Books
By Mary Garden Writing my life helped heal me – and showed others they weren’t alone I love true stories, especially memoirs. That’s what I write. I have now written three books, each exploring my pas...
booksbywomen.org
October 12, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Thrilled that my essay on the power of memoir has been published by @womenwriters.bsky.social
I love true stories, especially memoir. That's what I mostly write. It has helped me get rid of shame and see things more clearly.
My books help others, too.
booksbywomen.org/the-power-of...
I love true stories, especially memoir. That's what I mostly write. It has helped me get rid of shame and see things more clearly.
My books help others, too.
booksbywomen.org/the-power-of...
So thrilled to be on this long list. Overcoming adversity.
My Father’s Suitcase.
Surviving family violence, intergenerational trauma and sibling abuse and betrayal.
My Father’s Suitcase.
Surviving family violence, intergenerational trauma and sibling abuse and betrayal.
September 26, 2025 at 3:05 AM
So thrilled to be on this long list. Overcoming adversity.
My Father’s Suitcase.
Surviving family violence, intergenerational trauma and sibling abuse and betrayal.
My Father’s Suitcase.
Surviving family violence, intergenerational trauma and sibling abuse and betrayal.
Thrilled that My Father’s Suitcase is on the longlist for Chanticleer Award: Journey Award for Overcoming Adversity.
Amazed and surprised that MFS now has five awards (also finalist for Able Golden Book Award to be announced in Melbourne in October).
I poured my heart into this story. A reckoning
Amazed and surprised that MFS now has five awards (also finalist for Able Golden Book Award to be announced in Melbourne in October).
I poured my heart into this story. A reckoning
September 25, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Thrilled that My Father’s Suitcase is on the longlist for Chanticleer Award: Journey Award for Overcoming Adversity.
Amazed and surprised that MFS now has five awards (also finalist for Able Golden Book Award to be announced in Melbourne in October).
I poured my heart into this story. A reckoning
Amazed and surprised that MFS now has five awards (also finalist for Able Golden Book Award to be announced in Melbourne in October).
I poured my heart into this story. A reckoning
My revised/updated book cover.
Very honoured that MFS has four awards. I poured my heart and soul into this book. It is not a misery memoir - it is a story of survival & healing from intergenerational trauma, including sibling abuse, the most common form of family violence, yet seldom discussed.
Very honoured that MFS has four awards. I poured my heart and soul into this book. It is not a misery memoir - it is a story of survival & healing from intergenerational trauma, including sibling abuse, the most common form of family violence, yet seldom discussed.
September 2, 2025 at 3:28 AM
My revised/updated book cover.
Very honoured that MFS has four awards. I poured my heart and soul into this book. It is not a misery memoir - it is a story of survival & healing from intergenerational trauma, including sibling abuse, the most common form of family violence, yet seldom discussed.
Very honoured that MFS has four awards. I poured my heart and soul into this book. It is not a misery memoir - it is a story of survival & healing from intergenerational trauma, including sibling abuse, the most common form of family violence, yet seldom discussed.
Maurice and Me: My story of Maurice Gee and what he meant to me. open.substack.com/pub/gardenm/...
Maurice and Me
my story of Maurice Gee and what he meant to me
open.substack.com
August 12, 2025 at 6:41 AM
Maurice and Me: My story of Maurice Gee and what he meant to me. open.substack.com/pub/gardenm/...
Beautiful Maroochydore
July 10, 2025 at 7:27 AM
Beautiful Maroochydore
Yay!!!
Still can't get my head around the fact that my little book has won FOUR INDIE AWARDS
MFS is a memoir on surviving & recovering from family violence and difficult sibling relations. It is a story of hope & resilience.
Thanks to the readers, booksellers, and everyone else for the support.
Still can't get my head around the fact that my little book has won FOUR INDIE AWARDS
MFS is a memoir on surviving & recovering from family violence and difficult sibling relations. It is a story of hope & resilience.
Thanks to the readers, booksellers, and everyone else for the support.
July 3, 2025 at 3:06 AM
Yay!!!
Still can't get my head around the fact that my little book has won FOUR INDIE AWARDS
MFS is a memoir on surviving & recovering from family violence and difficult sibling relations. It is a story of hope & resilience.
Thanks to the readers, booksellers, and everyone else for the support.
Still can't get my head around the fact that my little book has won FOUR INDIE AWARDS
MFS is a memoir on surviving & recovering from family violence and difficult sibling relations. It is a story of hope & resilience.
Thanks to the readers, booksellers, and everyone else for the support.
Absolutely gobsmacked and surprised that My Father's Suitcase has won another award. 4th now, but this is the best.
National Indie Excellence Award. Won in the category of AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Why mine? No idea, but thrilled to bits.
It's a difficult read on healing/recovering from family violence
National Indie Excellence Award. Won in the category of AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Why mine? No idea, but thrilled to bits.
It's a difficult read on healing/recovering from family violence
June 29, 2025 at 8:21 AM
Absolutely gobsmacked and surprised that My Father's Suitcase has won another award. 4th now, but this is the best.
National Indie Excellence Award. Won in the category of AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Why mine? No idea, but thrilled to bits.
It's a difficult read on healing/recovering from family violence
National Indie Excellence Award. Won in the category of AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Why mine? No idea, but thrilled to bits.
It's a difficult read on healing/recovering from family violence
At last. Sundowner of the Skies finally available as an ebook. It's taken 6 years, from when it was first published by New Holland.
I'm now self-publishing it. What a beauty. Gorgeous cover by Alex Ross, who did cover of My Father's Suitcase
My story of my father
www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FG1BMVC...
I'm now self-publishing it. What a beauty. Gorgeous cover by Alex Ross, who did cover of My Father's Suitcase
My story of my father
www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FG1BMVC...
Sundowner of the Skies: the story of Oscar Garden, the forgotten aviator
Sundowner of the Skies: the story of Oscar Garden, the forgotten aviator eBook : Garden, Mary: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store
www.amazon.com.au
June 29, 2025 at 8:16 AM
At last. Sundowner of the Skies finally available as an ebook. It's taken 6 years, from when it was first published by New Holland.
I'm now self-publishing it. What a beauty. Gorgeous cover by Alex Ross, who did cover of My Father's Suitcase
My story of my father
www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FG1BMVC...
I'm now self-publishing it. What a beauty. Gorgeous cover by Alex Ross, who did cover of My Father's Suitcase
My story of my father
www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FG1BMVC...
My brother-in-law has died. He's been an important part of my life. Endorsed all my books. He was a huge supporter of Sundowner of the Skies.
www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/3607...
www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/3607...
The Press
www.thepress.co.nz
June 15, 2025 at 3:29 AM
My brother-in-law has died. He's been an important part of my life. Endorsed all my books. He was a huge supporter of Sundowner of the Skies.
www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/3607...
www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/3607...
New cover of my biography/memoir of my pioneer aviator father.
After 6 years, taking back the rights and self-publishing. And an e-book at last. God knows why the publisher didn't do one. Got sick of asking.
After 6 years, taking back the rights and self-publishing. And an e-book at last. God knows why the publisher didn't do one. Got sick of asking.
June 5, 2025 at 6:06 AM
New cover of my biography/memoir of my pioneer aviator father.
After 6 years, taking back the rights and self-publishing. And an e-book at last. God knows why the publisher didn't do one. Got sick of asking.
After 6 years, taking back the rights and self-publishing. And an e-book at last. God knows why the publisher didn't do one. Got sick of asking.
So happy to see my memoir My Father’s Suitcase still attracting reviews a year after its release.
Nonfiction books have a long life.
Family violence an important issue. Sibling abuse seldom discussed
And there is also beauty in trauma, surviving it all
thepineapple.net.au/2025/05/31/b...
Nonfiction books have a long life.
Family violence an important issue. Sibling abuse seldom discussed
And there is also beauty in trauma, surviving it all
thepineapple.net.au/2025/05/31/b...
BOOK REVIEWS: Two books by Queensland authors offer fresh takes on family violence - Pineapple
As Domestic Violence Prevention Month in May draws to a close, two new books by Queensland authors offer new perspectives on surviving the violence affecting
thepineapple.net.au
May 31, 2025 at 8:50 AM
So happy to see my memoir My Father’s Suitcase still attracting reviews a year after its release.
Nonfiction books have a long life.
Family violence an important issue. Sibling abuse seldom discussed
And there is also beauty in trauma, surviving it all
thepineapple.net.au/2025/05/31/b...
Nonfiction books have a long life.
Family violence an important issue. Sibling abuse seldom discussed
And there is also beauty in trauma, surviving it all
thepineapple.net.au/2025/05/31/b...
Thank you IPPY BOOK AWARDS.
I only found out this morning as their emails languishing in my Junk Folder. LOL.
Bronze winner Australia/NZ nonfiction.
Just thrilled
I only found out this morning as their emails languishing in my Junk Folder. LOL.
Bronze winner Australia/NZ nonfiction.
Just thrilled
May 29, 2025 at 12:42 AM
Thank you IPPY BOOK AWARDS.
I only found out this morning as their emails languishing in my Junk Folder. LOL.
Bronze winner Australia/NZ nonfiction.
Just thrilled
I only found out this morning as their emails languishing in my Junk Folder. LOL.
Bronze winner Australia/NZ nonfiction.
Just thrilled
Reposted by Mary Garden
This arsewipe attacks South Africa whilst every week Mass shootings happen across America, many at Schools. Then a few days after this visit the GOP pass Legislation approving the sake of Silencers. GO TO HELL TRUMP AND MAGA
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre.... No leaders should go to Washington. Meet the prick in neutral territory or not at all. Imagine if world leaders pulled stunts like this on Trump when he visits their Country's. #Auspol
Trump’s ambush of South Africa’s president shows how low the US has fallen | Justice Malala
Instead of embarrassing Cyril Ramaphosa, the US president’s ‘gotcha’ moment illuminates the fact-free reality show that is Trump’s America
www.theguardian.com
May 24, 2025 at 5:43 AM
This arsewipe attacks South Africa whilst every week Mass shootings happen across America, many at Schools. Then a few days after this visit the GOP pass Legislation approving the sake of Silencers. GO TO HELL TRUMP AND MAGA
Reposted by Mary Garden
"Apologists for Israel might want to reject the charge of genocide [and] suggest its hyperbole or even antisemitic, but the actual experts on genocide know a genocide when they see one - and they see one in Gaza."
My receipts on all the experts who say Gaza *is* a genocide.
zeteo.com/subscribe
My receipts on all the experts who say Gaza *is* a genocide.
zeteo.com/subscribe
May 23, 2025 at 7:32 PM
"Apologists for Israel might want to reject the charge of genocide [and] suggest its hyperbole or even antisemitic, but the actual experts on genocide know a genocide when they see one - and they see one in Gaza."
My receipts on all the experts who say Gaza *is* a genocide.
zeteo.com/subscribe
My receipts on all the experts who say Gaza *is* a genocide.
zeteo.com/subscribe
Reposted by Mary Garden
Today's review:
@marygarden.bsky.social on Karen Viggers' novel Sidelines:
"I simply could not put it down, and raced to the end before rereading it more slowly. It is a riveting and important read."
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/karen-vigger...
#AustralianWriters
#SoccerParents
#BookSky 💙 📚
@marygarden.bsky.social on Karen Viggers' novel Sidelines:
"I simply could not put it down, and raced to the end before rereading it more slowly. It is a riveting and important read."
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/karen-vigger...
#AustralianWriters
#SoccerParents
#BookSky 💙 📚
May 22, 2025 at 1:14 AM
Today's review:
@marygarden.bsky.social on Karen Viggers' novel Sidelines:
"I simply could not put it down, and raced to the end before rereading it more slowly. It is a riveting and important read."
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/karen-vigger...
#AustralianWriters
#SoccerParents
#BookSky 💙 📚
@marygarden.bsky.social on Karen Viggers' novel Sidelines:
"I simply could not put it down, and raced to the end before rereading it more slowly. It is a riveting and important read."
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/karen-vigger...
#AustralianWriters
#SoccerParents
#BookSky 💙 📚
Reposted by Mary Garden
ICYMI this week's reviews:
Braham Dabscheck on Raina MacIntyre's Vaccine Nation: Science, reason and the threat to 200 years of progress
@marygarden.bsky.social on Karen Viggers' novel about soccer parents, Sidelines
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au
@newsouthpublishing.bsky.social
#BookSky 💙 📚
Braham Dabscheck on Raina MacIntyre's Vaccine Nation: Science, reason and the threat to 200 years of progress
@marygarden.bsky.social on Karen Viggers' novel about soccer parents, Sidelines
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au
@newsouthpublishing.bsky.social
#BookSky 💙 📚
May 23, 2025 at 1:14 AM
ICYMI this week's reviews:
Braham Dabscheck on Raina MacIntyre's Vaccine Nation: Science, reason and the threat to 200 years of progress
@marygarden.bsky.social on Karen Viggers' novel about soccer parents, Sidelines
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au
@newsouthpublishing.bsky.social
#BookSky 💙 📚
Braham Dabscheck on Raina MacIntyre's Vaccine Nation: Science, reason and the threat to 200 years of progress
@marygarden.bsky.social on Karen Viggers' novel about soccer parents, Sidelines
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au
@newsouthpublishing.bsky.social
#BookSky 💙 📚
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/karen-vigger...
My review of Karen Vigger's Sidelines. Brilliant gripping book, that is actually not about footy!
My review of Karen Vigger's Sidelines. Brilliant gripping book, that is actually not about footy!
KAREN VIGGERS Sidelines. Reviewed by Mary Garden - Newtown Review of Books
Karen Viggers’ fifth novel centres on a junior soccer team, but the ambitions and rivalries of the parents are the real story.
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au
May 22, 2025 at 2:18 AM
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/karen-vigger...
My review of Karen Vigger's Sidelines. Brilliant gripping book, that is actually not about footy!
My review of Karen Vigger's Sidelines. Brilliant gripping book, that is actually not about footy!
The Secrets We Keep is brilliant.
I wonder if anyone who watched it guessed the ending.
I couldn't help but watch it over two days. God, I'd hate to be rich.
www.tomsguide.com/entertainmen...
I wonder if anyone who watched it guessed the ending.
I couldn't help but watch it over two days. God, I'd hate to be rich.
www.tomsguide.com/entertainmen...
Netflix’s new mystery thriller is one of the best binge-watches of 2025 so far — and it’s already crashed the top 10
‘Secrets We Keep’ is another Netflix thriller perfect for Harlen Coben fans
www.tomsguide.com
May 19, 2025 at 8:40 PM
The Secrets We Keep is brilliant.
I wonder if anyone who watched it guessed the ending.
I couldn't help but watch it over two days. God, I'd hate to be rich.
www.tomsguide.com/entertainmen...
I wonder if anyone who watched it guessed the ending.
I couldn't help but watch it over two days. God, I'd hate to be rich.
www.tomsguide.com/entertainmen...
Out with the girls at Peregian Beach.
I hope you like my hat. I grabbed it from Nanek's head. (Nanek = grandmother)
I hope you like my hat. I grabbed it from Nanek's head. (Nanek = grandmother)
May 18, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Out with the girls at Peregian Beach.
I hope you like my hat. I grabbed it from Nanek's head. (Nanek = grandmother)
I hope you like my hat. I grabbed it from Nanek's head. (Nanek = grandmother)