The 2017 Bendigo Writers Festival is almost here, from August 11 – 13 a myriad of talented writers and performers will descend on the city. The weekend has a lot to offer. Whether you are a budding writer, professional or freelance, or just someone who loves to put pen to paper, the Bendigo Writers Festival is sure to strike some form of interest for you. Here are some of Forté’s top picks.
Where We’re At
Friday nights main event, Where We’re At, has high expectations. Hosted by David Astle and featuring Maxine Beneba Clarke, Rebecca Huntley, Leigh Hobbs and David Marr. It promises to live up to those expectations with 90 minutes of light-hearted talk, covering serious issues including ideas of race, politics, and modern culture.
Seeing Stars
Dava Sobel explores the hidden history of the Harvard College Observatory and the women who acted as “human computers”. Hosted by Robyn Glass, the conversation centers around Sobel’s novel, The Glass Universe.
4Words with Miles
What better way to spend your Saturday night then with some of Australia’s best slam poets, stage actors and comics. Hosted by Miles Merrill, this event promises an hour of pure entertainment with inspiring writers and performers.
#LOVEOZYA Super Session
This super-session is three back to back sessions all about Australian YA literature. The three sessions, Transported by the Story, Amazing, and Winners and Losers, include some of Australia’s best YA authors and topics – and are a shining example of why you should “read local”.
I Became A Writer Because…
Fiona Parker talks to novelists Libby Angel, Steven Amsterdam and Jenny Valentish about how and why they became authors. The range of experiences and stories is a promising Sunday afternoon activity for anyone with an interest in writing, no matter current level of experience.
Creepy
John Richards discusses modern horror writing with Naja Later, Michael Pryor and Jay Kristoff. This event will cover if the art of subtle horror writing is dead, how horror literature can compete with big budget special effect films, and daily horrors of the ‘real world’.
Other highlights include speakers such as Van Badham, Merlinda Bobis, Bryan Dawe, Robert Dessaix and Evripides Evripidou. Workshops covering topics such as how to set up conflict, thickening the plot of your work and researching for writers.
The events take places all over Bendigo, showing some of the cities best. This includes Capital and Ulumbarra Theatres, the Engine Room at Old Fire Station and the Old Court House Dunolly. Each location gives a unique experience and often a look at the history of Bendigo. For those coming from out of town, the festival also provides a key guide to Bendigo. This includes the best places to stay, eat and visit – if you have time outside all the incredible events on offer.
When & Where: Bendigo Writers Festival, various locations in Bendigo – August 11 – 13.
Tickets can be purchased via bendigowritersfestival.com.au.
Written by Perri Digby
