BIO

Melanie Joosten is a writer and social worker who has published three novels (Berlin Syndrome, Gravity Well and Like Fire-Hearted Suns) and a collection of essays (A Long Time Coming: Essays on Old Age). Her novels have seen her named a SMH Best Young Novelist and winner of the Kathleen Mitchell Award for the best Australian novelist under 30.

 

Berlin Syndrome was made into a feature film starring Teresa Palmer, which premiered at Sundance Film Festival.

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The essay collection A Long Time Coming, drew on Melanie's experience as a social worker and researcher in the fields of ageing, elder abuse and social policy. It was awarded the prestigious Australasian Journal of Ageing Book of the Year award, and was shortlisted for the Nib Waverley Literary Award, for which it won the People’s Choice prize.

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Wild Orchids will be published by Ultimo Press in 2027. If you wish to purchase any of Melanie's books, please send an inquiry via the contact form on this site.