Home » Arts & Entertainment » Author Orr looks to dark side of family life

Author Orr looks to dark side of family life

EXPLORING and examining the dark, fictional lives of ordinary families is what Melbourne-based author Kylie Orr does best.

“I was once asked at a library event by an 80-year-old woman what inspires me, and I thought, geez that is a hard question to answer because it is such a broad question, and the answer I came up with was ‘rage’ – rage inspires me,” Ms Orr told the Gannawarra Times.

“I write about pretty dark topics – I just like to delve into domestic kind of scenarios of seemingly ordinary families of their lives behind closed doors, because I think most of us can relate to ordinary families because we are ordinary families.

“But there are some dark things that go on in families that we don’t always see, and that is the area that I am really interested in getting to the nitty gritty of when you open that door and see what is going on.”

Ms Orr is set to visit the Gannawarra region next week to have a chat to readers about her debut novel, Someone Else’s Child.

“I am just keen to explore the area and meet regional readers, because I feel like maybe they miss out a bit – it’s a really long way to come (from the city) for most events,” Ms Orr said.

“It is really nice to just get out and meet readers, people who love books and want to chat about stories.”

Audiences can expect a fairly informal question and answer style talk with Ms Orr at her events.

“Mainly I prefer a Q and A structure because I feel like me just sitting and talking in front of people is probably a little bit boring,” Ms Orr said.

“It’s nice to be asked questions, I just let them come up with the questions because then I feel it’s a lot more organic and engaging talk.

“Attendees will be able to buy books if they want and I can sign them for them, or they can just come along and ask questions and have just a nice day out.”

Ms Orr will be at The Little Blue Bookshop in Kerang on Thursday, April 13 at 7.30pm. This event is free to attend.

Digital Editions


  • Flood of emotions from farmers

    Flood of emotions from farmers

    THE widespread rainfall has made many farmers optimistic for improved soil conditions, says Rural Aid councillors. Last weekend’s weather event saw many farm areas drenched…

More News

  • Recognising International Women’s Day

    Recognising International Women’s Day

    International Women’s Day has a long and powerful history in Australia, reflecting more than a century of activism, reform and progress toward gender equality. The origins of International Women’s Day…

  • Protecting the Gannawarra’s roadside native vegetation

    Protecting the Gannawarra’s roadside native vegetation

    GANNAWARRA Shire Council says complaints about the removal of protected roadside vegetation are being taken seriously and are under review. The council said it played an important role in supporting…

  • Dairy industry reunites

    Dairy industry reunites

    VICTORIA’S dairy farmers will again be represented by a single body, following a reunification agreement announced on Wednesday. The Victorian Farmers Federation confirmed that United Dairyfarmers of Victoria will resume…

  • Workshop to shape drought resilience funding for Mallee communities

    Workshop to shape drought resilience funding for Mallee communities

    COMMUNITY groups in the Mallee are being invited to help shape how up to $900,000 in funding is spent to strengthen local drought resilience. The workshops are being run by…

  • Council planning figures praised

    Council planning figures praised

    MORE than 95 per cent of planning applications were processed within 60 days in the final quarter of 2025, with councillors praising staff for delivering results that outperform many other…

  • Measles cases rise as health officials warn of vaccination gaps

    Measles cases rise as health officials warn of vaccination gaps

    HEALTH authorities are urging people to check their vaccination status as measles cases rise across Victoria. The Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit is calling on the community to ensure they…

  • Firewood collection areas now open

    Firewood collection areas now open

    VICTORIANS can now collect free firewood for personal use from designated state forest firewood collection areas. Due to ongoing elevated fire risk, the season will start on 1 April in…

  • Why strategic planning is essential for growing regional businesses

    Regional businesses play a vital role in supporting local communities across Australia. From agriculture and retail to services and manufacturing, these businesses contribute significantly to employment and economic growth in…

  • Expanding care at chemists

    Expanding care at chemists

    THE oral contraceptive pill will be available to women over 18 without a script at participating pharmacies from July, as the State Government expands the Chemist Care Now initiative. Participating…

  • Year in review December

    Year in review December

    Tuesday, 2 December THE Victorian Government approved a key work plan for VHM Limited’s Goschen Rare Earths and Mineral Sands Project in the Mallee. The project was said to increase…