For our monthly Writing On Our Calendar feature, we bring you a round-up of literary events happening in Sydney and around NSW. Check out some of the wonderful writing events taking place this May!
1 May: Susan Johnson in-conversation with Claudine Tinellis
Join Susan Johnson to celebrate the release of Aphrodite’s Breath at Better Read Than Dead. Susan will be in conversation with Claudine Tinellis.
2 May – 9 May: IPED editors conference
The 11th IPEd Editors Conference will be held online from 2 to 9 May 2023. The theme is “Futureproofing the profession”. The conferences have promoted contact among editors, increased research and development in the profession, and strengthened the branches by developing their management skills and attracting members.
2 May – 9 May: Events…Children’s Writer in Residence
Between March and May 2023, Deakin University is delighted to host Cristy Burne as our Children’s Writer in Residence. As part of the residency, Cristy will be running some events on writing for young people and getting published.
3 May: BM Carroll Book Launch
Join BM Carroll and Anna Downes at Harry Hartog Warringah Mall as they launch The Other Side of Her, her gripping new novel.
3 May: Obsession Launch featuring Nicole Madigan in-conversation
Join Nicole Madigan to celebrate the release of Obsession at Better Read Than Dead. Nicole will be in conversation with Suzanne Leal.
4 May: Dinuka McKenzie presents Taken
Join award-winning local author Dinuka McKenzie at Sutherland Library as she discusses her latest mystery novel, Taken.
4 May: Marele Day Book Launch
Marele Day’s new crime adventure book Reckless will be launched by Mirandi Riwoe at The Book Room, Byron Bay.
4 May: Maggie MacKellar at Nights at the Library series
Maggie MacKellar discusses her newly released memoir, Graft, with Bernadette Brennan – a gorgeously written reflection, set in Tasmania, on motherhood, farming, nature and home.
4 May – 7 May: Bendigo Writers Festival
Such is Life and Such is this year’s 2023 Bendigo Writers Festival and it promises to be the very best yet. Choose from a packed program of 125 presenters and more than 80 events, over 4 days in the heart of Bendigo. Authors include Claire Keegan, Nick Hornby, Tom Keneally, Gideon Haigh, Don Watson, Alice Zaslavsky, Tom Ballard, Jess Ho, and many more!
9 May: Karina May – Books in Bars
An exciting night at Henley’s Bar & Kitchen with Karina May, Sydney-based author of Duck à l’Orange for Breakfast, in conversation with Josh Hortinela discussing her new book.
9 May: Sue Williams – That Bligh Girl
Sue Williams appears at State Library NSW to illuminate untold stories of the women of colonial Sydney, coinciding with the release of her new book, That Bligh Girl.
12 May: Lit Up! Celebrating Children’s Literature
We have an exceptional line up of speakers and a range of enriching activities to inspire and immerse you in the world of children’s books. Jeannie Baker will share her latest book Desert Jungle, you’ll get up close to collection items, and immerse yourself in our beautiful exhibition Imagine … the Wonder of Picture Books. All this and much more in an action-packed day in May.
16 May: Dark Mode In Conversation with Ashley Kalagian Blunt
Brought to you from an up-and-coming arts district, The Listening Station shakes up the standard book club formula through robust discussion and by unearthing never-before-heard insights in the lively author conversations. They are joined by psychological thriller author Ashley Kalagian Blunt.
17 May: Storytime online with Sandhya Parappukkaran
Join in with actions as Sandhya Parappukkaran reads her 2022 CBCA award winning picture book, The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name, and afterwards create a collaged artwork featuring your own name. Suitable for children aged 3 to 6.
18 May: Eda Gunaydin in conversation with Sheila Ngoc Pham
Explore diversity through a different lens and embrace difference in Australian society in this talk between Eda Gunaydin and Sheila Ngoc Pham at Waverley Library.
18 May: Writers & Readers – The Fall Between with Darcy Tindale
Multi-talented actor, author, theatresports’ player, and director Darcy Tindale discusses her debut crime book, The Fall Between, with Catherine du Peloux Menage at Woollahra Library.
19 – 21 May: Write Here Festival, Lake Macquarie
Write Here is a place for writers and readers to be inspired. Across three days of workshops, discussions and presentations, you’ll hear tips, tricks and tales from local and visiting authors including Candice Fox, Matthew Spencer, Sue Williams, Tea Cooper and Judy Johnson.
24 May: James McKenzie Watson at Penrith City Library
Join the 2021 Penguin Literary Prize winner, James McKenzie Watson, as he discusses his award-winning gothic thriller Denizen, which traverses the Australian outback alongside the fraught reality of mental health struggles in rural communities.
24 May: Lawrence Mooney – Embracing Your Limitations
Join reformed self-help addict Lawrence as he dispenses hard-earned wisdom from years of reading all the books on dreaming, believing and achieving so that you don’t have to. Appearing at Blacktown City Max Webber Library as part of Sydney Writers’ Festival.
25 May: Geraldine Brooks at Erina Library
Join in the excitement of the Sydney Writers Festival from the Central Coast. Geraldine Brooks discusses her novel Horse.
26 May: Rosheen Kaul – Chinese-ish
As part of Sydney Writers’ Festival, join chef, cookbook author, zine-maker and food columnist Rosheen Kaul for this in-conversation at Georges River Library.
27 May: How to illustrate a picture book with Sara Acton
Join award-winning children’s author and illustrator Sara Acton and discover the process behind making and illustrating a picture book.
22 – 28 May: Sydney Writers’ Festival
The Festival plays a vital role in Australia’s literary landscape. It provides a highly visible platform for the work of local authors, encourages broad public engagement in books, and increases audiences for both Australian and international literature. Our current Artistic Director is Ann Mossop. The 2023 Festival will run from 22–28 May.
More from Writing NSW
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