From Amber to Opal

A Literary Journey with Ināra Strungs and Andra Putnis

Authors

Ināra Strungs

Ināra Strungs is a writer from Brisbane with qualifications in Arts and Medicine. She has previously published two novels and a non-fiction book about her parents’ traditional Baltic bakery. Ināra’s latest non-fiction title is Love, War and Crocodiles.

Andra Putnis

Andra Putnis is a writer and social researcher based in Canberra, where she lives with her partner and two children. She is also the Artistic Director of the 2025 Canberra Writers Festival. Stories My Grandmothers Didn't Tell Me is Andra’s debut book.

Join us for a special literary afternoon as two remarkable authors - Ināra Strungs and Andra Putnis - share stories that span generations, cultures, and continents.

Hosts

Mary Louise Tucker

Mary Lou is a retired Technical Writer and Editor. She caught Latvian fever during her first trip to meet her husband's paternal Beķeris family and now sings first alto with Dziesmu Laiva. To indulge her half-Italian background, she also sings with the Italian Folk Ensemble.

Astra Kronītis

Astra is a retired secondary teacher with a background in English literature and Languages. She actively participates in the Latvian community in Australia and has undertaken many varied roles over the years, most notably serving as the conductor of both the Adelaide Mixed and Male Choirs. She was co-editor of Footprints: Latvians in South Australia and writes articles and reviews for the Latvian newspaper.