An anthology of prose poems and microfiction from 30 Australian writers. Prose poem or sudden prose? The line break takes a small and stealthy stroll through the streets and fields of prose at unexpected moments it breaks all the rules. Expect synergy. When jazz fuses with another music style new energy is released. When the cuisines of different cultures merge the combinations of flavors surprise and delight us. Another burst of energy comes from the integration of the work of so many emerging writers with the work of widely published and respected authors. Here are short and clever pieces by thirty contemporary Australian writers on topics ranging from the eroticism of mashed potato, parenting as magic realism, and a tongue-in-cheek history of the Cyclops bicycle. Each one is a creative blast straight from "brain stem to pen," with ideas and insights that will blow your mind. Includes award-winning writers Michael Farrell, Keri Glastonbury, Judith Beveridge, and Peter Boyle. Features prose poems and microfiction selected by competition judge, Joanne Burns. Cover design and evocative sketches inside by talented artist, Paden Hunter.

'Cracking The Spine is the most innovative resource in Australian literature I have seen in many years. An anthology of contemporary short stories, each with a commentary by their authors, the collection breaks down the wall between the creative and discursive, the imagistic and the expository. Filled with cutting-edge, innovative writers and armed with an expansive definition of what it is to be an Australian, Cracking the Spine will be at once accessible to undergraduate students and informative and challenging for their teachers. What a thrill to see a work like this come about ' -Nicholas Birns, editor, ANTIPODES

What do our best wordsmiths have to say about Australian icons? This anthology takes a fresh look at everything from the HIH collapse to crocs, Margaret Olley, bush burials, and the ABC. We visit a post-apocalyptic Opera House and spend Saturday night in downtown Byron Bay. Tones range from nostalgic to sceptical, from wry to LOL. Featuring prose poetry and microfiction by Mark O'Flynn, Anna Kerdijk Nicholson, Michael Sharkey, Moya Costello, and many more.

Chevalier's characters ride the citybound bus route, spend the night in a nudist colony and do time in jail(as inmates and as prison educators). Set in both Australia and America, these quirky tales are written with humour, compassion and great flair. 'A new voice in Australian fiction.' Fiona McGregor