Program
Inspiring readers and writers alike, our packed three-day program celebrates the best of Australia’s literary landscape: joyful, thought-provoking and thrilling opportunities to connect with the written word, and each other. Weekend and day passes, workshops and special events are on sale now.
Program at a Glance:
Tickets:
NONI HAZLEHURST in conversation with Sarah Macdonald
Join Noni Hazlehurst, star of stage and screen, as she discusses her funny, clear-eyed and opinionated memoir, Dropping the Mask, with ABC Radio Sydney’s Sarah Macdonald.
VILLAINY AND VICE Jack Heath and Louise Milligan in conversation with James Valentine
Join bestselling author Jack Heath and award-winning journalist and author Louise Milligan as they discuss what makes crime so damn compelling with ABC Sydney’s James Valentine.
A FINAL RECKONING Jen Craig in conversation with Shaun Prescott
Blue Mountains locals Jen Craig and Shaun Prescott discuss Jen’s 2024 Miles Franklin shortlisted book, Wall, a brilliant novel full of pathos, humour and deep introspection.
JIM MOGINIE in conversation with Richard Glover
Jim Moginie discusses his memoir, The Silver River, with ABC Radio Sydney’s Richard Glover. It’s the Midnight Oil story you haven’t heard – a moving tale of music, family and belonging.
RAPTURE / POLITICA Emily Maguire and Yumna Kassab in conversation with Kate Evans
Tackling war, religion and revolution, two acclaimed authors at the top of their game discuss their epic new novels with ABC Radio National’s Kate Evans.
WHEN COPS ARE CRIMINALS Veronica Gorrie in conversation with Evelyn Araluen
Join multi-award-winning author Veronica Gorrie and editor of Overland, Evelyn Araluen, discussing a new essay collection about the widespread problem of police criminality and corruption.
IN TRANSLATION Yu Shi and Siang Lu in conversation
What is the future of translation in a world of new technologies and AI? Join Siang Lu, whose novel Ghost Cities centres a young translator, in conversation with professional translator, Yu Shi.
POVO Stories from The Lucky Country with Sara M Saleh, Victor Guan Yi Zhou, Natalia Figueroa Barroso, Adrian Mouhajer, Adam Novaldy Anderson and Winnie Dunn
Join Sweatshop Literacy Movement for readings from POVO, an original and eclectic new anthology that reveals the true wealth of the cultural melting pot that is Australia.
ASK A SILLY QUESTION, GET A CLEVER ANSWER Dr Karl, Professor David Lindenmayer and Bianca Nogrady
Don’t miss this incredible chance to ask burning questions about climate change and the environment, with three people who REALLY know what they’re talking about: Dr Karl, Professor David Lindenmayer and Bianca Nogrady, who between them have published 102 books about science!
REFUGE Shankari Chandran and Jordana Silverstein in conversation with Nadine J. Cohen
How do writers choose the creative tools best suited to effect change? Join Shankari Chandran and Jordana Silverstein in this conversation about the experience of refugees in Australia.
HOME TRUTHS Lech Blaine, Daniel Browning and Veronica Gorrie in conversation with Maeve Marsden
What does it take to excavate personal history and turn it into searing, emotive prose? Explore the artistry of writing memoir, and the challenges of working within flawed institutions, with these celebrated writers.
MURDER IN THE MOUNTAINS Hayley Scrivenor and Benjamin Stevenson in conversation
Hayley Scrivenor and Benjamin Stevenson talk clifftops, cablecars and wilderness as they discuss setting their latest crime fiction novels in the beautiful Blue Mountains.
TONY BIRCH in conversation with Kate Evans
A master of character and observation, Tony Birch discusses his latest book, Women & Children, with ABC Radio National’s Kate Evans.
PRAISEWORTHY Alexis Wright (via Zoom) in conversation with Ivor Indyk
Don’t miss this chance to hear from Alexis Wright, the author of the first book to have received both the Stella Prize and the Miles Franklin, described as ‘the most ambitious and accomplished Australian novel of this century’ by the New York Times Book Review.
THE YEAR I MET MY BRAIN Matilda Boseley in conversation with Yumi Stynes
In The Year I Met My Brain, Matilda Boseley digs beyond the diagnosis to explore the impact of ADHD on identity, relationships, careers and self-esteem.
MIGRATION AND MATRIARCHS Peter Polites and Winnie Dunn in conversation
Peter Polites and Winnie Dunn discuss class, migration, identity and familial bonds in their brilliant novels, God Forgets About the Poor and Dirt Poor Islanders.
MARKUS ZUSAK in conversation with Amy Sambrooke
Internationally bestselling author Markus Zusak discusses his new memoir, Three Wild Dogs and the Truth, a tender love letter to animals, and to our need for connection and chaos.
WOVEN: FIRST NATIONS POETIC CONVERSATIONS
Weaving connections across oceans, lands and cultures, some of the world’s leading First Nations poets share their collaboratively conceived work.
NATURE IS HEALING Nadine J. Cohen and Rebecca Huntley in conversation
The ocean, unlikely friendships and the powerful possibilities of MDMA. Two acclaimed authors talk getting back to nature in the face of grief and trauma in this soul-searching conversation.
CULTS, CLUBS AND PYRAMID SCHEMES Lech Blaine, Ernest Price and Karen Viggers in conversation with Hayley Scrivenor
What happens when the need to belong becomes an obsession? Consider family, religion, diet culture, sport and social media with these brilliant books by Lech Blaine, Ernest Price and Karen Viggers.
ADAPT OR PERISH Peter Goldsworthy and Pip Williams in conversation with Sarah Macdonald
Bestselling novelist Pip Williams and award-winning author, poet and playwright Peter Goldsworthy chat rights, process and form in this focused discussion on the art of adaptation, with ABC Radio Sydney’s Sarah MacDonald.
THE STORY OF ROBODEBT Rick Morton in conversation with Amy Sambrooke
What is the place of morality in public policy? In his latest book, Mean Streak, journalist Rick Morton investigates the Robodebt debacle and what it tells us about our society.
WILD IMAGININGS Siang Lu and Kate Mildenhall in conversation
Turning seemingly improbable futures into plausible inevitabilities, bending the boundaries of genre and sparking the reader’s imagination in thrilling ways, Siang Lu and Kate Mildenhall talk adventures and dystopias in this in-depth discussion of their latest books.
MOTHER AND SON Tony Birch, Peter Polites and Ernest Price in conversation
Traversing class, culture, sexuality and history, this considered conversation about three brilliant books explores masculinity and maternal bonds with depth, love and humour.
PIP WILLIAMS in conversation with Kate Evans
Bestselling novelist Pip Williams joins ABC Radio National’s Kate Evans for a wide-ranging conversation about life, books, history and writing.
LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE Michelle Brasier and Peter Goldsworthy in conversation with James Valentine
‘If you found out you had less time to live than the average bear, how might you spend it?’ Beloved comedian Michelle Brasier and acclaimed writer and doctor, Peter Goldsworthy discuss turning to humour and creativity in the face of their own mortality, with ABC Radio Sydney’s James Valentine.
TREES AND GALAXIES Ceridwen Dovey and Dave Witty in conversation with Renee Krosch
Blending scientific inquiry with remarkable creativity, from the great forests to the far reaches of outer space, Ceridwen Dovey and Dave Witty discuss their beautiful new books with ABC Radio Sydney’s Renee Krosch.
WORDS AS WEAPONS Evelyn Araluen, Sara M Saleh and Jordana Silverstein in conversation with Dr Souheir Edelbi
Explore the power of language, both as a tool for advocacy and activism, or as an intentional tool to do harm, in this vital conversation hosted by co-convenor of Western Sydney University’s Palestine Project Dr Souheir Edelbi.
NARDI SIMPSON in conversation with Cheryl Leavy
Festival favourite Nardi Simpson discusses her hotly anticipated new book, The Belburd, a masterfully woven novel about creation, belonging and the precious fragility of a life.
DR KARL A Periodic Tale
With 48 books under his belt, Dr Karl has finally written a memoir! Join him to discover how a shy Polish immigrant kid evolved into the fabulously eccentric Dr Karl.
MICHELLE DE KRETSER in conversation with Felicity Plunkett
Michelle de Kretser, winner of the Miles Franklin Literary Award (twice!), discusses her new book, Theory and Practice, a mesmerising account of desire and jealousy, truth and shame.
ALWAYS WAS, ALWAYS WILL BE Thomas Mayo in conversation with Charmaine Ledden-Lewis
In Always Was, Always Will Be, bestselling author Thomas Mayo investigates ‘what's next?’ for reconciliation and justice in Australia after the failed October 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum. He is joined in conversation by local illustrator and proud Bundjalung woman Charmaine Ledden-Lewis.
POETRY IS NOT A LUXURY Daniel Browning, Kate Fagan and Sara M Saleh in conversation with Jazz Money
Four writers deeply versed in the transformative power of poetry discuss class, community, collaboration and survival in their latest collections, each experimental in form and expansive in vision.
LIANE MORIARTY in conversation with Kate Mildenhall
With over 20 million copies sold worldwide, there’s no stopping Liane Moriarty. She discusses her latest novel, Here One Moment, with Kate Mildenhall.
FAME, MONEY AND MUSIC Dominic Hoey in conversation with Nick Solo
Join New Zealand poet, author and playwright Dominic Hoey as he discusses his impressive back-catalogue and bestsellers with artist, poet and frontman of Hip Hop outfit Horrorshow, Nick Solo.
QUEERSTORIES Michelle Brasier, Daniel Browning, Charlie Villas and Adrian Mouhajer, hosted by Maeve Marsden
Vulnerable and fierce, hilarious and heartbreaking, Queerstories celebrates the culture and creativity of the LGBTQI+ community one true story at a time. An institution around the country, Queerstories has played to crowds big and small, from Mudgee to Murwillumbah, Albury to Adelaide, Brisbane and beyond.
TRUMP’S AUSTRALIA Bruce Wolpe in conversation with John Barron
Join us for this timely conversation about US politics and its impact on Australia, with leading expert Bruce Wolpe, in conversation with host of ABC TV’s Planet America, John Barron.
VARUNA POETRY CIRCLE
Join Varuna’s poetry circle, an annual institution that’s been running for more than 30 years. Share your own poem or simply listen to others in this celebration of community and words.
CHRIS HAMMER in conversation with Renee Krosch
The master of thrills and twists, international bestseller Chris Hammer discusses his latest book, The Valley, with ABC Radio Sydney’s Renee Krosch.
Varuna’s Poetry Circle
Join Varuna’s poetry circle, an annual institution that’s been running for more than 30 years. Share your own poem or simply listen to others in this celebration of community and words.
Robert Dessaix in Conversation with Ailsa Piper
Join one of Australia’s most-loved writers, literary great Robert Dessaix, as he journeys with host Ailsa Piper through a writing life traversing memoir, essays and biography. Robert reflects on his latest work, Abracadabra, a collection of ideas, ruminations and stories previously told to captivated audiences, but never captured in print before.
The Dreaming Path: Paul Callaghan in Conversation with Charmaine Ledden-Lewis
Hear Worimi storyteller Paul Callaghan in conversation with Charmaine Ledden-Lewis as he shares the knowledge that reveals the power of Indigenous spirituality as a source of contentment and wellbeing.
The Relationships Between Page and Screen, with Cole Haddon and Guy Edmonds
Join Cole Haddon, author of Psalms for the End of the World, in conversation with screenwriter and actor Guy Edmonds as they discuss inventing mind-bending worlds and writing compelling characters that leap off the page and fill the screen.
Charlotte Wood in Conversation with Ashley Hay
How do we face the questions of forgiveness and grief, and what might allow us to finally lay old sorrows to rest? Join one of Australia’s most acclaimed and best-loved writers Charlotte Wood (The Weekend and The Natural Way of Things) in conversation with Ashley Hay as they explore the moral tension between retreating from the world or engaging with it, the power of place, and other themes from Charlotte’s latest book, Stone Yard Devotional.
The Kind of Hope We Need
Rational, stubborn hope isn’t just positive thinking. Join James Valentine for a panel discussion with climate advocates Clive Hamilton and Claire O’Rourke and David King
Borderland and Burn: Graham Akhurst and Melanie Saward
Explore the very real issues of First Nations youth identity with Graeme Akhurst and Melanie Saward as they discuss their respective novels Borderland and Burn.
A Line in the Sand: Red Room Poetry Showcase
A Line in the Sand brings together over 80 pieces from our leading poets and public figures in a retrospective that covers twenty years of contemporary Australian poetry.
A Wide and Open Land – Walking the Last of Western Sydney’s Woodlands
Join Peter Ridgeway and Bianca Nogrady as they discuss the intricate connections between land, community and culture.
2023 Miles Franklin Literary Award Winner Shankari Chandran in conversation with Ashley Hay
This year’s winner of the Miles Franklin Literary Award, Shankari Chandran, talks with Ashley Hay about her award-winning novel, Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens. What is the role of storytellers in claiming and retelling historical events?
A Profound and Life-changing Memoir: Bodies, Fatness and Power with Award-winning Author Kris Kneen
Join Kris in conversation with Maeve Marsden as they talk about how Kris learned to look unblinkingly at their recalcitrant body, ultimately finding the courage to carry it to freedom.
The Art of the Novel
Join George Haddad as he talks with Briohny Doyle, Max Easton and Shaun Prescott about the art of the novel and the places where writers find their inspiration.
Craig Foster in Conversation with David Marr
Hear from respected broadcaster, Co-Chair of the Australian Republic Movement and former Socceroo Craig Foster in conversation with political and social commentator David Marr as they reflect on issues facing the global sporting arena, and the intersection of diversity and social justice.
On Belief, with James Valentine
Join James as he interviews award-winning authors Charlotte Wood and Nardi Simpson and asks what they reckon about the gnarly but important questions about belief, luck, values and ethics and much more.
Everything and Nothing: Heather Mitchell in Conversation with David Leser
Join interviewer David Leser as he turns the spotlight on esteemed Australian stage and screen actor, Heather Mitchell
Life, Love and Big Bonkers Families
An exhilarating and rambunctious story of life, relationships, detritus at the bottom of the wardrobe, and the messy love that, in this case, holds it all together. Hosted by Michaela Kalowski.
The Writer Laid Bare: Emotional Honesty in Writing
Lee Kofman and Roanna Gonsalves discuss the complicated business of managing a writing/life balance.
Sport’s Troubled Relationship with Race, Gender and Sexuality: Ellen van Neerven with Melanie Saward
Join Ellen van Neerven as they shine a light upon sport on this continent from a queer First Nations perspective, revealing how some athletes have long challenged mainstream views and used their roles to effect change not only in their own realm, but in society more broadly.
On Grace: Julia Baird in Conversation with Catherine Keenan
Join Julia Baird, the acclaimed and bestselling author of Phosphorescence and Victoria: The Queen as she talks about her new book Bright Shining: How Grace Changes Everything. This beautiful and timely work shines a light on this most mysterious but necessary of human qualities.
Provocateur: Clive Hamilton
Join Clive Hamilton in conversation with Richard Glover to explore why questioning the status quo matters and how powerful arguments can change the country in which we live. Hear Clive share his blueprint for changing public debate in increasingly uncertain times, and why a life of ideas in action actually works.
Crime as the Perfect Device with Dinuka McKenzie
Is crime writing the perfect device for authors to reflect what’s most important to them? Join crime writer Dinuka McKenzie in conversation with outback noir author Kate Lyons.
Freedom and Fiction: Angela O’Keeffe with Amy Sambrooke
Join Angela O’Keeffe, author of the intriguing books The Sitter and Night Blue for a discussion with Amy Sambrooke about the emboldening power of creativity
Admissions: Voices in Mental Health
Join Anna Spargo-Ryan (attending via Zoom), David Stavanger and Kris Kneen as they open up about their creative work and the lived experience of mental illness
On Country: First Nations Poetry
Hear Barrina South, Marissa McDowell and Samantha Faulkner, members of Us Mob Writing, read from Kuracca, their stunning collection of poetry and prose.
Giving Ourselves Permission to Create: Holly Ringland in conversation with Michaela Kalowski
Meet Holly Ringland, the author of the internationally best-selling novels, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart and The Seven Skins of Esther Wilding, in conversation with Michaela Kalowski exploring the themes of joy, grief, courage and transformation.
EU Prize Winner for Literature Jan Carson (Ireland) with Emma Hislop (Aotearoa): Writing Place
Join New Zealand-based author Emma Hislop and Belfast-based author Jan Carson as they talk about the art of writing place and people, its challenges and joys. With Tegan Bennett Daylight.
Reckoning with History: David Marr in conversation with Julia Baird
David Marr’s latest book, Killing for Country, is a deeply personal history of the Frontier Wars. Drawing upon his experience as a journalist, biographer and political analyst, David confronts the past of his predecessors while bringing to light the bloodied dispossession of this country.
Queerstories – One True Story at a Time
In this national storytelling event led by Maeve Marsden, LGBTQI+ storytellers share a tale from their lives, shining small lights into the magnificence of the queer community.
We Could Be Something, with Will Kostakis
Meet Will Kostakis, one of Australia’s leading YA writers, and get to know his new book, We Could Be Something.
Climate Clinic with Claire O’Rourke and Chris Darwin
In need of a fierce hope injection? Smash the doom and gloom and join us for this free session with climate activist and author Claire O’Rourke as she talks with Chris Darwin about actions you can take now and answer your questions about how to make a difference.