Donna Ward will be in conversation with Genevieve Jacobs on Donna's first book, She I Dare Not Name, a compelling collection of fiercely intelligent, deeply intimate, lyrical reflections on the single life and the courage to live alone in a world made for couples and families.

Both manifesto and confession, this moving memoir explores the meaning and purpose that Donna Ward has discovered in a life lived entirely without a partner and children. With courage and astounding honesty Donna uncovers the challenge of living with more solitude than anticipated and what it is like to walk the road through midlife and beyond alone. And she reveals how she found home and discovered herself within it.

Donna Ward is the publisher at Inkerman & Blunt. She founded Indigo, the journal of Western Australian creative writing. She has previously worked as a psychotherapist, social worker and in welfare management and social policy development.

"She I Dare Not Name is a rollercoaster ride, like life, that takes us deep into a woman's experience. Donna is frank and generous, analytical in a way that makes her story our story... any human will find themselves in there." - Susan Wyndham, author and former literary editor at The Sydney Morning Herald 

"This is a beautiful book. Donna Ward has weaved her personal story of a life of solitude with Australian pictures, big and small, and made it relevant to all of us." - George Megalogenis.

Genevieve Jacobs has been a journalist for 30 years, working in print and radio. She spent more than a decade with ABC Canberra and is now the Group Editor for Region Media. Genevieve chairs the ACT Arts Minister's Creative Advisory Council and co-chairs the ACT Reconciliation Council. She sits on the boards of the Cultural Facilities Corporation, the National Folk Festival and Canberra International Music Festival,. Genevieve has an enduring interest in building and strengthening community engagement.

The vote of thanks will be given by Sally Pryor, Features Editor of The Canberra Times. 

Please register for the event via this link. 

Pre-event book signings will be available from 6pm and again after the event. This event is in association with Harry Hartog Bookshop and books will be available to purchase.