The third St Albans Writers’ Festival running from 8-10 September offers author talks for all tastes in the beautiful setting of St Albans village so escape over the Hawkesbury and explore a world of writing.
Is sport your passion? David Hill talks about his new book on Australian sport with sports journalist Tracey Holmes. Are you a crime aficionado? Hear Baz Radburn and Melina Marchetta talking about their criminal minds to crime writer Nigel Bartlett, or ABC journalists Tony Jones and Michael Brissenden telling John M Green why they’ve turned to writing thrillers. If you love fiction, there is a wealth of sessions – from emerging writers to the latest books from Australian legend Tom Keneally, and established novelist Kathryn Heyman and Hugh Mackay. Intimate terrorism looks at three novels where violence takes place close to home. We mix fact and fiction – our Speculating on climate change and Ageing sessions use novels and non-fiction to lead into discussion of those topics.
The time-poor might prefer shorter fiction. Fiona McFarlane takes part in a panel about her award winning short stories with Isabelle Li and Roanna Gonsalves and they all three read stories around the campfire on Saturday night.
If you prefer fact you have plenty of choice with several history sessions have plenty of choice. Caroline Baum talks about being an only child and Nikki Gemmell reflects on her mother’s life and death as well as talking with Mark Tedeschi and Leah Kaminsky about the end of life. Memoirists Cassie Lane and Nick Gleeson talk about their lives. If you prefer listen to reading find out how the audio book became cool. Bernadette Brennan reflects on the life and work of fact and fiction genre-crossing writer Helen Garner.
For art lovers, George Gittoes and Hellen Rose present a performance in St Albans Church and Sebastian Smee tells us about the friendships and rivalries of four famous sets of artists.
Have a night at the movies with Oscar-winning director George Miller’s latest film Mad Max Fury Road with George himself introducing the film and answering your questions at the end. Eat delicious food all weekend at the Simmone Logue cafe. Simmone also cooks for us on Friday when Tony Jones gives the opening festival address and prepares a very special dinner with the writers on Saturday night. Or try pub food with a difference at the Settlers Arms Inn on Saturday night at the 1836 banquet which recreates what visitors may have eaten there in 1836.
There is something for everyone this year – even readings for children – so come for the day or stay for the weekend. We look forward to seeing you. Check out www. stalbanswritersfestival.com for more details and tickets.
