Touch Grass: From Writer to Published Author | Mary Colussi on Winning the Penguin Literary Prize

Australian-American novelist Mary Colussi joins the podcast to share the remarkable journey behind her debut novel, Touch Grass. From growing up between Australia and the United States to navigating the challenges of publishing, Mary offers an honest look at the realities of becoming a published author.In this episode, we discuss how her multicultural background shaped her storytelling, the inspiration behind Touch Grass, and how themes of digital disconnection and the search for authentic human connection became central to her work. Mary also shares her writing process, completing a manuscript in just three months, overcoming rejection, and ultimately winning the prestigious Penguin Literary Prize.Whether you're an aspiring author, a creative professional, or someone interested in the publishing industry, this conversation provides valuable insights into resilience, creativity, and building a successful writing career.In this episode;Mary Colussi's Australian-American upbringingLife in New York and returning to AustraliaThe inspiration behind Touch GrassWriting a novel in three monthsDealing with rejection and literary competitionsWinning the Penguin Literary PrizeThe importance of mentorship and writing communitiesPublishing industry insights for emerging authorsAustralian culture and its influence on storytellingBuilding resilience as a writer