Writing is generally a solitary activity, but the past fortnight has been the exact opposite. I’m still buzzing from the procession of launch events and interviews for my debut novel for adults – One Punch. I’m also incredibly humbled by the generous support I’ve received from family, friends, booksellers, book clubs and my amazing publisher – Affirm Press. A special thankyou goes author Samantha Wheeler for being the best conversation partner ever at my Avid Reader bookshop events. Sharing One Punch has has been such a blast!
Julie Fison catapults readers into the murky and contested waters of love, morality and justice from the first page of One Punch and holds them, transfixed, right till the end. It’s a story that exposes the consequences of unconditional love; the cost and burden this delivers parents, their children and anyone caught in its more nefarious orbit. One Punch is a raw, urgent and chilling portrait of family loyalty and the frightening repercussions of being blind to the faults in those we love. Read this book and your conviction about what is right and wrong will be changed forever.
Sally Piper, Author of Bone Memories
Image: Kerri Bodimeade
Many of you know that One Punch is a story close to my heart. As a mother of young adult sons, I’ve seen the tragic consequences of violence. It’s a story that was heart-breaking to research, and difficult, at times, to write. But telling the story from the point of view of two ordinary mother facing incredibly painful circumstances was eye-opening for me as a writer, and a parent. I haven’t attempted to explain violence in this book. It’s a story about choices, family dynamics and parenting – as well as all of the sadness, joy and craziness that comes with it.
A massive thank you to those who shared their medical expertise, their stories and their feedback. You all helped to make One Punch the best it could be. I’m also grateful to author of Bone Memories, Sally Piper and author of The Tricky Art of Forgiveness, Meredith Jaffe for their endorsements of One Punch.
I’m now back at my desk working on my next novel for adults – another gripping suburban drama – and I’m very excited to be here. But I’m slightly envious of my novel. It appears to be enjoying an international holiday, while I’m working! Luckily, I had an incredible trip to the Kimberley region of Western Australia before my book was launched. I’ve included a couple of snaps at the end of the post. I’m hoping to write a more comprehensive story soon!
Julie Fison’s One Punch takes a simple premise and turns it into a tight study of class and human nature–what we believe to be true about ourselves, and those we love, and who we really are. A crime is the pivot point for a sharp observation of human nature and blends compassion and humour in equal measure.
Meredith Jaffe, The Tricky Art of Forgiveness
A taste of the Kimberley …
Thank you for sharing the journey with me – for your support, your comments and thoughtful reviews, for reaching out with your own stories, for your photos, and for texting me late at night with random quotes from my book! If you enjoy One Punch I’d love you to leave a review on Goodreads or any other online bookstore. It really helps! And for more stories on writing, travel and other useful trivia, please subscribe to my monthly newsletter.
Happy reading!
Julie
Julie Fison 