The 2020 Kids & YA Festival will take place on Saturday 27 June! Directed by best-selling, internationally published children’s author Belinda Murrell, this year’s Festival showcases some of Australia’s best-known and dearly loved authors, illustrators, publishers, media personnel and industry professionals.

“A further joy is Donoghue’s impressive breadth of knowledge, combining ancient gods and philosophy with truths about the horrors of Nazi occupation and those of a tough suburban drug culture.” – Jan Allerton reviews Akin by Emma Donoghue.

‘[I wanted] to show the complexity of our relationship with pools as much more than places where we learn to swim and cool off in summer… the pool has inspired imaginations, built courage, fulfilled dreams, provided a refuge and, for some, has been a type of church.’

‘Just write. Even if no one ends up reading it, every piece of writing you produce goes towards honing your craft!’

‘[Collaborative writing] can work wonderfully. Having someone you trust give an opinion about your latest idea helps a lot.’