Two days ago I did something that terrified me. I joined the open mic at a reading where everyone in the room was starkers. Krissy Kneen, a friend and an author I've long admired, was the feature reader. I was one of the last to get up on the open mic—everyone was being so brave, reading … Continue reading An unforgettable festival moment
writers festivals
Chairing panels and interviewing authors on stage: a few things I’ve learnt
* Please find the 2018 update of this post here. It’s been five years since I first wrote a piece like this, and after seeing the topic come up in an author’s Facebook thread, I figured it was time for an update. I’m sharing what I’ve learnt about chairing and interviewing authors on stage, particularly … Continue reading Chairing panels and interviewing authors on stage: a few things I’ve learnt
Perth Writers Festival 2014
I'm excited to be invited back to one of my favourite festivals, Perth Writers Festival, which runs from 20-23 Feb. I'm appearing in one event, chairing two others, and teaching a workshop on flash fiction. Hope to see some of you there? More details on my sessions: Sat 22 Feb 10 am Grand Allusions (free, … Continue reading Perth Writers Festival 2014
Edinburgh International Book Festival 2013
I'll be brief as I'm on the road and very busy, but hopefully will write soon to tell you about going to the V&A in London to see the Bowie exhibition, and visiting Stratford-upon-Avon—Shakespeare's birthplace and grave! I just wanted to put up the panels/interviews I'm hosting at the Edinburgh International Book Festival this year, … Continue reading Edinburgh International Book Festival 2013
SWF 2013: writing & philosophy
Cross-posted on the Stoffers blog. — At the Sydney Writers’ Festival last week I went along to a session on writing and philosophy, and I thought a summary of the insights (and work of the panellists) might be of interest to some of you. The moderator was Joe Gelonesi from ABC Radio National’s The Philosopher’s Zone and the panellists were … Continue reading SWF 2013: writing & philosophy
Sydney Writers’ Festival 2013
The Sydney Writers' Festival 2013 program has been announced! The line up is rockin': from Norwegian literary superstar Karl Ove Knausgaard, to actor/author Molly Ringwald, critic James Wood, Tash Aw, Cheryl Strayed, Claire Messud, Diego Marani (to mention a few internationals) and of course a HUGE amount of amazing Aussie authors/poets/journos/critics! Jemma Birrell and her … Continue reading Sydney Writers’ Festival 2013
Explaining myself and my many hats
I was recently asked to write a blog post for Collaboration, the blog of the Book Industry Collaborative Council (BICC), explaining what I do and how I came to be involved in so many different facets of the book industry. It took me a while, as it felt strange to 'explain myself'! If you are curious … Continue reading Explaining myself and my many hats
Fragments from the Sydney Writers’ Festival 2012
‘As a writer, what you leave out says as much as what you put in.’—Jeanette Winterson — Lying in the hotel room—white walls, painted beams and sheets—feeling sick with nerves, scribbling questions in the margins of questions. Jeanette Winterson, so far away from me in the Opera House that I cannot make out her face. … Continue reading Fragments from the Sydney Writers’ Festival 2012
Emerging Writers’ Festival 2012 program out now
From 24 May to 3 June the Emerging Writers' Festival is on in Melbourne. The full program has just been released. It consists of workshops, panels, performances, networking events and the always stimulating Town Hall writers' conference over the weekend of 26 and 27 May. Please come along to the Late Night Book Club session … Continue reading Emerging Writers’ Festival 2012 program out now
Bellingen Readers and Writers Fest 2012 special: The Lake Woman by Alan Gould + The Rip by Robert Drewe
In the lead-up to the Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival, I’ll be putting up a series of (short) reviews of books I’m reading in preparation. The Lake Woman, Alan Gould, Arcadia, 9781921509346 Alec Dearborn is an Australian in British service in WWII. In his first moments of war he parachutes from an attacked plane (over … Continue reading Bellingen Readers and Writers Fest 2012 special: The Lake Woman by Alan Gould + The Rip by Robert Drewe
