Category: Writing

Short doco with ‘f2m: the boy within’ authors on Youtube

November 4, 2014 / Ryan

Ryan Kennedy co-wrote his debut novel ‘f2m: the boy within’ (Ford Street Publishing) with well known Australian author Hazel Edwards. The subject of transitioning gender in a Young Adult novel, co-written by an actual ftm (female to male) author was a first.

This Kailash Studios documentary is about reactions to this controversial novel. Psychologist Meredith Fuller interviews the co-authors and director Brian Walsh who is also a psychologist, produced the documentary.

Watch 14 minute version:

For a full version and enquiries on the documentary and to obtain a full version (25 minutes), contact Kailash Studios:
http://www.kailashstudios.com/

f2m: the boy within
http://f2mtheboywithin.com

Published by Ford Street Publishing
http://fordstreetpublishing.com

Hazel Edwards
http://hazeledwards.com

New Zealand launch a great success

August 18, 2010 / Ryan

What a night! A great crowd gathered at Unity Books in Wellington for the New Zealand launch of f2m: the boy within.

Watch the video:

After a brief introduction, Kevin Hague, Green MP and Rainbow spokesperson launched the book. Also speaking were Mani Mitchell, myself and Hazel Edwards, co-author.

A diverse crowd gathered in Unity Books on a wintry evening in July to celebrate the launch of our novel, ‘f2m: the boy within’.

The evening featured an appearance by Hazel Edwards appeared via Skype from Melbourne, which was reminiscent of the collaboration process we used to write the book itself.

Kevin Hague, Green MP launched the book and spoke about his experiences in bookselling and the health sector. He reminded us of the power of books, speaking of the support he found in the gay book section of his public library as a young gay man, and quoted Eleanor Roosevelt on universal human rights.

Mani Mitchell then brought her perspective as counsellor and intersex advisor.

Co-author Hazel Edwards joined us via Skype, in an amazing feat of technological mastery, possibly involving the wind blowing in the right direction.

Thanks to everyone who was involved and the great crew at Unity Books, Ford Street Publishing for all their support, and to everyone who reads ‘f2m: the boy within’.

Crowd at Wellington launch of 'f2m: the boy within'

A crowd gathers

Marion Castree from Unity Books

Kevin Hague MP speaks

Mani Mitchell speaks

Hazel Edwards on Skype from Melbourne, Australia

Ryan Kennedy speaking

An avid reader dives in!

‘f2m’ in the wild, reviewed

April 18, 2010 / Ryan

It’s been a busy couple of months, starting with the (first) launch of f2m: the boy within in Melbourne and now gearing up for the second launch in Wellington, NZ. Subscribe to email alerts and you won’t miss it!

I’ve been tweeting our reviews so far. In case you missed them, here’s a recap:

Recent reviews

Paper Tigers blog – A combined review and guest blog by Hazel Edwards.My favourite quote: “I read the book at one sitting – it’s a fast-paced and compulsive read.” For some reason I love hearing that readers get through the book quickly.

Sue Bursztynski in January Magazine and her own blog, The Great Raven – Sue describes herself as a ‘writer, librarian, book reviewer, educator’ so I’m honoured that she even read our book. I love that she pointed out that “the novel also explores the punk rock sub-culture, which is interesting in its own right.” I’ve been waiting for someone to say that! Exploration and accurate representation of the punk scene was just as important to me as the transgender aspects. An interesting comment conversation ensued on her blog.

ReadPlus – Recommended! by this resource site for teachers and parents. It sounds like this reviewer was immersed in the story: “I wanted to shake Finn’s mother and friend, Marla, for their initial lack of support, and I was surprised when Finn made judgments about others.”

The Reading Stack – Reviewed by Jo Burnell, a Paediatric Speech Pathologist and writer. “f2m provides answers to questions people don’t dare ask.” Being an out transgender person, I have been asked quite a few off-the-wall questions in my time. If you’ve ever wondered about it, someone’s asked it. That’s how I knew which questions to answer.

Aussie Reviews – Sally Murphy takes a break from blogging and writing children’s books to review ‘f2m’. “Teen readers will be drawn into Finn’s story.” I certainly hope so!

Book launched, cake eaten

February 18, 2010 / Ryan / 25 Comments

Hazel Edwards and Ryan Kennedy at the 'f2m' book launch I’m back in Wellington, New Zealand after our very successful book launch for f2m: the boy within. A good-sized crowd of wonderful people attended. I know they were wonderful because every one of them came up to me and had a chat.

Here I am signing copies with Hazel while author Sofie Laguna looks on:

Signing copies of 'f2m: the boy within' at the launch Our publisher from Ford Street Paul Collins said a few words to start, then Hazel took the floor and explained some of the quirks of our writing process, namely being in different countries. At the point this photo below was taken, I am pointing out that the book is the ultimate in recycling, as I drew from my online journal to start the writing process.

f2m launch crowd My favourite photo from the day: myself and author/illustrator Felicity Marshall, gazing into each others’ eyes for effect (we’d met that day).

Ryan Kennedy and Felicity Marshall

And there was cake! It was delicious.

f2m Launch Cake A fabulous day in all. Thanks to everyone who came! I’m very proud to be a part of this collaboration and the opportunities it will bring to readers.

Life Matters interview

Our interview on Life Matters with Richard Aedy was aired on Wednesday morning. Recording in the ‘Tardis’ at Southbank was an experience in itself. I have new respect for anyone working in radio.

Listen to the Life Matters podcast