In this episode of Bad Diaries Podcast, Tracy talks with writer and academic Chris Brickell about ferreting in the Hocken research collections, the joy of collaboration, and editing writers’ diaries for publication.

Tracy’s just back from a 6-week residency at Robert Lord Writers Cottage in Ōtepoti Dunedin, where she met Chris Brickell and Vanessa Manhire who, with Nonnita Rees, edited Robert Lord Diaries (OUP 2013). In this chat recorded for the podcast, Tracy starts by asking Chris whether it feels transgressive to open another person’s diary.

Chris is also editor of James Courage Diaries (OUP 2021), and Tracy and Chris talk about some of the similarities and differences between these two New Zealand writers, and the challenges – and rewards – of editing and publishing their diaries.

Chris Brickell is a Professor in the Sociology, Gender Studies and Criminology Programme at University of Otago. He has written extensively on the history of gay men in Aotearoa New Zealand. His books include: Mates and Lovers: A History of Gay New Zealand (Godwit, 2008); Teenagers: The Rise of Youth Culture in New Zealand (AUP, 2017); Queer Objects (OUP, 2019, co-edited with Judith Collard); James Courage Diaries (OUP, 2021); and Robert Lord Diaries (OUP, 2023, co-edited with Vanessa Manhire and Nonnita Rees).

Find full show notes for this episode on the Bad Diaries Salon website baddiariessalon.com, or get in touch via Instagram or Facebook – we're @baddiariessalon everywhere.

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Bad Diaries Podcast Season 3 is recorded and produced in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, on the iwi lands of Taranaki Whānui, and Ngāti Toa Rangatira. Seasons 1 & 2 were also recorded in Naarm Melbourne, Australia, on the lands of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Mana Whenua, and to Elders past, present and emerging, of these lands.