This is always a significant month on the literary calendar, with the return of the annual Sydney Writers’ Festival. But the rest of the month isn’t exactly quiet – check out the array of other writing events in May that we’ve rounded up for you!
4 May – ABR States of Poetry Launch
The Australian Book Review’s States of Poetry is a major new anthology containing works by six talented New South Wales poets. You are invited to celebrate the launch of this project and celebrate the quality and diversity of contemporary Australian poetry. Event includes readings by selected poets including the renowned David Malouf. Arrive from 6pm for a 6:30pm start. Attendance is free and all are welcome, but RSVPs are requested.
7 May – Kinokuniya Free Comic Book Day
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Kinokuniya Free Comic Book Day – a massive day of free comics, discounts on all graphic novels and manga, and lots of exciting happenings in store. Come by the Artists’ Alley to meet some of Australia’s very best comic creators, show off your costuming skills in the Cosplay Competition, and document it all on Instagram for your chance to win convention tickets. At Kinokuniya Books, from 10am-7pm.
9 May – Story Club Showcase
Calling all friends, family, flat mates and people who want to do something on a Monday night – join the first batch of Story Club Workshop participants for an intimate evening of new tales. Entry from 7pm, tickets $15 each.
10 May – Poetry Night
On the second Tuesday of May, the poetry night at Sappho Books Cafe & Wine Bar will feature guest poets Christopher (Kit) Kelen, Alison Whittaker, Aidan Coleman, and Caitlin Maling, plus the usual open section. Drinks and tapas at the bar! From 7-10pm, more information here.
11 May – Society of Women Writers Literary Luncheon
Join the monthly meeting of the Society of Women Writers, this time with keynote speaker Sophie Masson who will be talking about the experience of setting up and running a boutique publishing agency. Tickets are $40/$30, book online or buy at the door. From 12pm-2pm. A workshop will precede the luncheon, at additional cost. More information available on their website.
16-22 May – Sydney Writers’ Festival
Sydney Writers’ Festival is Australia’s largest celebration of literature, stories and ideas, with more than 300 events over the course of the week. In 2016 there is an exhilarating array of authors bringing their wisdom, knowledge and imaginative whimsy to Sydney. These writers enhance our community with their stories, humour, creativity and vision. See the website for full program information – there’s something for everyone!
17 May – The Sydney Moth StorySLAM
Jokers: Prepare a five-minute story about comic exploits. Class clowns and practical jokers. The humorless and silly. Punch lines and laugh tracks, bombing on stage or slaying them at the water cooler. How many storytellers does it take to screw in a light bulb…? Doors open 7pm for a 7:30pm start, at Giant Dwarf Redfern. Tickets available one week prior to show.
20 May – Forest for the Trees
Forest for the Trees is the NSW Writers’ Centre’s one-day seminar looking at the current state of publishing for Australian writers. It brings together writers, publishers, and industry representatives to discuss what is happening in 2016. The conversation will cover mainstream, digital and independent publishing ending with a panel of industry experts to shine some light on the year ahead. Forest for the Trees gives an industry perspective on where the writing world is in 2016. From 10am-4:30pm, tickets $80/$55.
25 May – Late Night Library: KX Closing Night Variety Hour
As winter approaches, cosy up to your companions for Kings Cross Library’s Closing Night Variety Hour, featuring the best of the season (with a few surprises thrown in for good measure). Acts include Brendan Maclean, Sepora, Maeve Marsden, Libby Wood and more to be announced!
Expect a little local flavour and a lot of laughs in an evening jam-packed with stories and songs, words and music. From 8-9pm, and entry is free.
26 May – Author Talk: Damon Young
We are not born readers, we learn to turn words into worlds. But why is fine writing lauded while excellent reading is ignored? In The Art of Reading, philosopher Damon Young reveals the pleasures of this intimate pursuit through a rich sample of literature: from Virginia Woolf’s diaries to Batman comics. He writes with honesty and humour about the blunders and revelations of his own bookish life. Tickets $12/$9. At gleebooks, arrive from 6pm for a 6:30 start.