Author Talk: Natasha Rai & Zahid Gamieldien

Stories of identity, mystery and the journey to publication

Join acclaimed debut authors Natasha Rai and Zahid Gamieldien for a compelling conversation about their novels, creative process and what it means to be a first-time author in Australia.

What to expect:

• Insights into the writing craft and pathways to publication
• Discussion of themes including identity, trauma, racism and place
• Reflections on the challenges and triumphs of debut authorship
   

About the novels

An Onslaught of Light by Natasha Rai

A powerful story of migration, grief and identity. The novel follows the Sharma family’s move from India to Australia, exploring the emotional fallout of racism, estrangement and queer identity through the eyes of daughter Arch.

All the Missing Children by Zahid Gamieldien

A literary mystery with supernatural undertones. The novel unravels the impact of two children’s disappearance on a cast of psychologically complex characters, challenging readers to uncover what really happened.
 

Meet the authors

Natasha Rai is a writer and somatic counsellor whose work spans fiction and nonfiction. Her debut novel was published by Pantera Press and has received multiple literary commendations. She also co-hosts the Book Deal podcast.
 

Zahid Gamieldien is an author, screenwriter and editor. His debut novel was published by Ultimo Press and his short fiction has appeared in leading Australian literary journals. He’s also a writing tutor and recipient of major arts grants.