Local Author Launches Debut Novel To Critical Acclaim

After twenty years of script writing in the television industry and honing her craft thanks to two Masters degrees, local author Kylie Needham launched her debut novel earlier this year. 

Girl In A Pink Dress tells the story of reclusive female artist, Frances and the defining relationship of her life which was fraught with uncertainty, creativity and passion. 

We’ve read it [+ loved it!] and chatted to Kylie about her own creative career and the inspiration behind Girl In A Pink Dress.

1 :: How did your writing career start?

After graduating from university at 21 with a BA Communication [Theatre/Media] degree, I’d learned a lot about storytelling but still had no idea how to earn a living as a writer. 

My dad suggested I phone the nearest television station and ask for work experience in their script department.

The cold call paid off and I’ve been a screenwriter ever since.

This year I also published my first novel, Girl in a Pink Dress.

2 :: Did you find writing or did writing find you?

Growing up, I was a big reader; my heroes were writers and poets like Jane Austen and Sylvia Plath. 

When I was working as a television script writer by day, I was studying for Masters degrees in English Literature and Creative Writing by night. 

Publishing a novel has been a long-held dream.

3 :: And you’ve made that dream come true! So, who has been your biggest influence?

I had a brilliant English teacher at high school who encouraged my writing even when it was self-conscious and overblown. 

Having a teacher who believes in you like that, and lets you know it’s okay to make mistakes, is precious. 

I’m still in touch with my old teacher today – he’s eighty and he caught the train to my book launch in Newtown.

4 :: What was the inspiration behind your debut novel, Girl In A Pink Dress?

Historically, so many female artists have been overlooked, underestimated, or have become better known as muses than as artists in their own right. 

I wanted to tell a story about the position of women in the art world today – about the challenges and sacrifices of being a female painter – and I wanted to set it in a distinctly Australian rural landscape.

5 :: Tell us about a career highlight.

My biggest career highlight came in April this year when Penguin Random House published my first novel. 

It was incredible to hold the finished book in my hands – and to see copies of it piled high in The Bookshop Bowral window!

There’s nothing more wonderful than local support.

6 :: What’s on the writing horizon now?

I had so much fun writing Girl in a Pink Dress and I’m already itching to be back to my desk, building up another manuscript. 

Completing a novel is a marathon though, and I’m right back at the beginning again trying to find my characters and my story.

7 :: What do you love about being a creative in the Southern Highlands?

Being a writer – or a painter like Frances, the protagonist in my book – is largely a solo effort, so having other people nearby who understand what you’re trying to achieve, and who encourage you to keep going when it all seems too hard, is so important. 

I’m incredibly grateful for the supportive group of creative friends – writers, artists, musicians, filmmakers – that I have here in the Southern Highlands. 

Amazing – thanks Kylie! And a huge congratulations on Girl In A Pink Dress.

Guys, we’ve read Kylie’s book which she so generously signed for us, and loved it.

You can grab your own copy from The Bookshop Bowral who, as Kylie mentioned, hve been a huge supporter of Kylie, her debut novel and all local writers, actually!

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