There is a certain introspective tone in this collection, expressing the subtle thoughts and feelings of everyday life. It is fertile creative ground. Take, for example, Sarah-Jane Norman’s ‘Permafrost’, a haunting evocation of regret and desire. Alison Leemen’s ‘Down the Coast’ explores the reunion with, and the unexpected departure of, a lover, while ‘The Streets of Leichhardt’, by Phoenix van Dyke, is a poignant and hilarious portrait of a Sydney suburb. Or there is Jennifer Roberton’s ‘An Anarchist and a Mother’, with laugh-out-loud lines from an ex-hippie mother. The language in these pieces is fresh and engaging, full of the youthful voice of anxiety, hope and desire. As to be expected with an anthology of this nature, not all of the pieces are of an equally high standard; some of the poetry, in particular, fails to resonate. However, in its entirety, Making Tracks is both moving and inspiring, and in joint venture with ABC Books, is a quality production.

A common objection to Creative Writing programmes is that writing cannot be taught. Such critics should put these prejudices aside when reading Making Tracks, and accept it for what it is: a fine collection by a small number of emerging Australian writers.