Photo: Jared Thomas with Bettina Richter, his daughter, Tilly and Magabala Books Publisher, Rachel Bin Salleh

On Saturday 27th August, Magabala author, Jared Thomas celebrated the launch of his latest Young Adult novel, Songs that sound like blood at Beer Deluxe in Fed Square as part of the 2016 Melbourne Writers Festival.

The book was officially launched by author, Tony Birch and writer, Celeste Liddle and featured music by Jared’s daughter, Tilly Thomas. Jared was also joined by Magabala Books Publisher, Rachel Bin Salleh and publicist, Bettina Richter from Miss Bettina Media.

Speaking about the event, Jared said it was a pleasure to launch the book at the MWF and have such notable literary figures speak to his work. “Tony and Celeste are people I look to for inspiration and Rachel is a person who has been a great mentor during some of the most important stages of my writing career," he said. 

“The launch was a great way to celebrate the release of my latest book with friends and family and to connect to readers and Young Adult fiction specialists.” 

In addition to his launch, Jared featured in a number of key sessions at the MWF, including a discussion with fellow Magabala Books' author, Jane Harrison on how Indigenous writers consider and write about the Stolen Generations in their work.

“The support of Magabala Books meant that I was also able to speak at the festival about issues such as Indigenous peoples and climate change and diversity in Young Adult fiction,” Jared said. 

Rachel Bin Salleh said it was wonderful for Magabala Books to launch Songs that sound like blood at the MWF surrounded by the warmth of Jared's family, friends and supporters. "It has been a pleasure to work with Jared on his book, and to journey with him alongside his characters," she said. 

The story of Roxy May Redding, a young Indigenous girl from a small country town who travels to Adelaide to study music at university, Songs that sound like blood is a fresh YA novel that deals with LGBQTIA themes and interweaves issues around stigma, coming out, pride and belonging in a gentle and seamless way. Jared Thomas has deftly fashioned an absorbing and moving tale peppered with humour, drama, and edgy characters. It is a vital coming-of-age novel for teenagers and parents alike about diversity and finding your true self.

It is available now from Magabala Books and all good bookstores across the country.