Essays

Forthcoming and in progress:

John Jenkins: Collected Essays

JAN 2021: Buzz Buzz! Yes, yet another book-length project, currently in progress, and with the luxury of not having a deadline! So far, I have several provisional titles, none of which necessarily involve bees.

As a journalist, and peering back through the swarm of it all, I have written/re-written/worked on/edited/researched a great many and varied pieces.

As a citizen of the literary world, however, I have also busied myself with reviews, launch speeches, public talks, audio-visual presentations, and – yes – several published essays.

My topics have been far-ranging, from backyard ecology to critical appreciations of fellow writers… pieces on film directors, visual artists and composers. Then there’s a history of Queen Victoria Market, and quite a bit of travel writing. Oh, did I also mention certain scientific subjects, plus a social history of the Australian suburbs? 

At the moment, and for the next year or so, short stories will remain my top priority. That said, I already have at least the core of an essay collection: a rich honeycomb of contenders. My challenge and pleasure now will be to draw together my interests into a lively and informative collection... eventually.

Meanwhile, to gain a quick idea of my essay style, here is a free Tedx talk I gave at Melb. Uni in 2013,  titled Marvellous Melbourne. Although it is now a little out of date, and needs to be revised should I ever re-write it as an essay, it gives some idea of my approach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_CMYus5-RI

Also, for the cost of a very insightful journal, interested people can read an essay of mine, titled Poetry as Cinema, published in Southerly (Edition 71.3, A Nest of Bunyips, 2011). See: https://southerlyjournal.wordpress.com/back-issues/ And, more specifically: https://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=265528082634360;res=IELLCC

Yes, watch this space for more details.

Pics: Beeman, Swarm, Remnant Honeycomb on Tree, by JJ.