October is brimming with literary activity. It’s not too late to hear some great stories or conversation this month!
October 8: OutStanding LGBTIQ Short Story Competition Awards Ceremony
The OutStanding Short Story Competition is Australia’s premier literary competition for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ) community. The entries are in and the winners are about to be announced. The 2017 awards ceremony will take place on Sunday October 8 at 4pm at The Newagency, 74-76 Pyrmont Bridge Road, Annandale. Come along to this free event to hear all the winning stories on the theme ‘It’s Complicated’.
October 10: Dr Teresa Petersen at Jane Austen Book Club
Centre member, author and Macquarie University English lecturer Dr Teresa Petersen is the special guest of the October meeting of the Better Read Than Dead Jane Austen Book Club. The book club’s September, October and November reads are by Daphne du Maurier, on whom Dr Petersen is an expert and has recently published a book about entitled Daphne du Maurier: Looking Inward. The free event begins at 6:15pm at Better Read Than Dead, Newtown. All welcome.
October 12, 20: Sarah Goldman In Conversation
An early Australian feminist, Caroline Chisholm has slowly fallen out of the history books which document the times in which she lived. Caroline Chisholm: An Irresistible Force re-remembers the contribution Chisholm made and why her legacy is more relevant today than ever before. Join author Sarah Goldman in conversation with Babette Smith on the 12th at Gleebooks, Glebe, 6pm; and/or for a lunchtime author talk on the 20th at Stanton Library in North Sydney.
October 13-15: Story-Fest 2017
Story Fest is a three-day literary festival featuring stories, spoken-word, poetry, lyrics and monologues. The festival culminates in a not-to-be-missed event—the Australian Poetry Slam National Final—at the Sydney Opera House and is sure to be a thought-provoking and scintillating weekend. Events will take place around Sydney Harbour, various times. Head here for more information.
October 17: The 2017 Association for the Study of Australian Literature 2017 Patron’s Lecture featuring Omar Musa
The Patron’s Lecture is presented by the ASAL, featuring Omar Musa, a Malaysian-Australian author, rapper and poet from Queanbeyan. Musa will combine readings from his own work with his thoughts about his writing process, such key themes as migration, belonging and dreams, and reflections on Australian literature and culture at large. Registrations essential for this free event. Sydney Law School, University of Sydney.
21 October: Tim Minchin Book Signing
Inspired by the hit song from Matilda the Musical , Tim Minchin’s new book When I Grow Up (illustrated by Steve Antony) is a delight for young and old readers alike. Minchin will be exclusively signing copies at Harry Hartog Bondi Junction at 10am.
October 24: Peter Greste at Berkelouw Mona Vale
An international correspondent with more than 20 years experience, Australian journalist Peter Greste was implausibly arrested in December 2013 on charges of terrorism in Cairo where he had flown on assignment with colleagues. The saga, which involved a trial, a retrial and appeals by world leaders, was a globally significant event. Join Greste as he introduces his thought-provoking new book The First Casualty, which is partially a memoir of his time in the Egyptian judicial system, and partially an appraisal of the key moments in the War on Terror. 6:30pm, Berkelouw Mona Vale. Bookings essential.
October 28: Boundless, a festival of diverse writers
Surely by now you’ve heard of our brand new festival focused on Indigenous and culturally diverse writers, Boundless. If you haven’t already, you can check out the program now, featuring Michael Mohammed Ahmad, Sarah Ayoub, Julie Koh, Benjamin Law, Luka Lesson, Hoa Pham, Ellen van Neerven, and Markus Zusak. Join us for a free day of performances, readings, panel discussions, audiovisual experiences, and workshops for children and adults. Register your interest to stay up to date with festival news!