Magabala is thrilled to announce the acquisition of the funny, queer, regionally set, New Adult novel by debut Dulgubarra-Yidinji author, journalist and comedian, Skye Cusack.

Shortlisted in 2024 for the prestigious black&write! Writing Fellowship, The Dangers of Just One Person is a First Nations New Adult novel that follows the intertwined stories of two young, lost Launceston women. Lacey and Mattel meet in a Tasmanian therapy clinic waiting room. Mattel thinks this is a love story. Lacey doesn’t. This misunderstanding has devastating consequences.  

The Dangers of Just One Person can be compared to, Becoming Kirrali Lewis by Jane Harrison (Magabala Books), and the award-winning TV show, Chewing Gum created by Michaela Coel.  

Magabala has acquired World rights and will publish in 2027. 

Editor on The Dangers of Just One Person Dr Arlie Alizzi says: 

‘I’m excited to release this book; it’s deeply funny, strange, clever and subtle. A regional romantic comedy/tragedy that speaks to what a lot of people in our generation go through as they search for identity and experience the absurd struggle for mental health care and true ‘wellness’.’ 

 Skye Cusack says: 

 ‘I'm so beyond grateful to Magabala Books for giving me the opportunity to tell Lacey and Mattel's story. I wrote this book for the girls, gays and theys who have ever struggled with OCD, disordered eating or a classic identity crisis. The fact that my weird little book is getting published is just insane, actually. Thank you so much to Dr Arlie Alizzi and Rachel Bin Salleh OAM for taking a chance on three messy divas - Lacey, Mattel and Skye.’ 

The Dangers of Just One Person was in development with Magabala prior to Skye’s role at Magabala commencing.  

About Skye Cusack 

Skye Cusack is a Dulgubarra-Yidinji, Indonesian and Chinese writer, journalist and accidental comedian living in Rubibi (Broome). Skye shares stories that make you laugh, cry, and call your therapist. Common themes in her writing include mental health, disability, fatphobia, existential Blak crises, and people generally making fools of themselves. Her most recent work Checked Out received a 2025 Elevate Grant, 2025 Copyright Agency Varuna Fellowship and is shortlisted for the 2025 Penguin Write It! Fellowship.

The Dangers of Just One Person will be published by Magabala Books in 2027.