It’s the perfect time of year for curling up with a good book, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still plenty of reason to get out of the house and appreciate the classic combo of a good literary event and a glass of wine. Check out what’s going on around Sydney and further afield this April!

April 4: Krissy Kneen In-Conversation with Linda Jaivin

Krissy Kneen is the award winning author of the memoir Affection, the novels Steeplechase, Triptych, The Adventures of Holly White and the Incredible Sex Machine, and her latest novel An Uncertain Grace. Join Krissy for an author talk in-conversation with Linda Jaivin. Better Read, Newtown, 6:30pm. Bookings are essential.

April 5: Talking Writing: India

What does it mean to write about a country, particularly when your sense of belonging may be complicated or compromised? This is what Manisha Jolie Amin (Dancing to the Flute), Roanna Gonsalves (The Permanent Resident), and Bem Le Hunte (There, Where the Pepper Grows) will discuss, as they share their personal experiences of India as a literary influence. Chaired and programmed by editor and writer Zoya Patel. 6:30-8pm, NSWWC. $10/Free to members. Bookings are essential.

April 6: Crossroads of Canopy & Lotus Blue Joint Book Launch

Join award-winning authors Thoraiya Dyer and Cat Sparks for the launch of their newest titles! Crossroads of Canopy is the highly-anticipated fantasy debut from Aurealis and Ditmar Award-winning author Thoraiya Dyer, set in a giant mythical rainforest controlled by living gods. Powerful war machines of the far-future collide across a barren desert world in the post-apocalyptic debut novel, Lotus Blue, from award-winning Australian author Cat Sparks. Kinokuniya, 6-8pm, free. Bookings are essential.

April 7 – 9: Newcastle Writers Festival

The inaugural Newcastle Writers Festival is a three-day event where writers will have the chance to attend a number of panels, both free and ticketed sessions. Festival director Rosemarie Milson outlined her inspiration for this year’s program as ‘the power of story’: “It strikes me that when we shut off from each other and fail to listen to each other’s stories, we risk losing our empathy. In creating this year’s program I wanted to celebrate the power that storytelling has to unify us.” Civic Precinct. All bookings are essential.

April 10: Dymocks Luncheon with Patricia and Don Edgar

Over the last century medical science has given us an extra twenty-five years of life. Join Don and Patricia Edgar as they speak openly about their latest release, and challenge governments and the community to recognise and embrace the changes brought about by increased longevity. Combining statistics, personal stories and research, Peak : Reinventing Middle Age is an insightful look at relationships, education, lifestyles, health and aged care. The InterContinental, 12:30pm, $85/$100. All bookings are essential. Includes a two course meal and all beverages.

April 11: Young Adult Book Club with Michelle Morgan

To celebrate the upcoming release of her new historical YA novel, Flying Through Clouds on April 2, NSWWC member Michelle Morgan will be participating in the Better Read Than Dead’s YA Book Club to discuss her newest release. Michelle will be sharing exciting artefacts from the book, and answering all your questions about her inspiration behind it. If you can’t make it to the event, she’ll be following in the footsteps of her main character and visiting several places mentioned in the book throughout the month of April—so make sure to catch her at a stop closest to you! Better Read, Newtown, 4:30pm. Bookings are essential.

April 20: Kinokuniya YA Book Club

In this sweeping and breathtaking new novel by National Book Award finalist Laini Taylor, author of the New York Times bestselling Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy, the shadow of the past is as real as the ghosts who haunt the citadel of murdered gods. Read the book, then come and discuss it with other YA fiction lovers! Kinokuniya, 6-8pm, free. RSVP here. Drinks and nibbles provided.

April 26: Ignite Your Creative Fire With Jan Cornall

Pulling out all the tricks from her creative toolbox, tutor Jan Cornall will introduce you to meditative and visualisation techniques, sense immersion, mind mapping, scrapbooking, word play, mind photography, image collecting and more. Each week we will use our newfound methods to troubleshoot our own writing challenges, relating them to the essential areas of writing craft: voice, setting, character, story and structure. Learn too, how to introduce the habit of creativity into your daily writing practice, so you can continue to give voice to the stories waiting to be told.  All genres welcome. NSWWC, 6x Wednesday evenings beginning April 26, $420/$360. Book here.

April 27: James Bradley in conversation with Garth Nix

Join award-winning novelist James Bradley as he chats with Garth Nix about his new novel! The Silent Invasion is the first title in a riveting trilogy that confronts the reality of our relationship with the environment with a thrilling and thought-provoking fervour. Kinokuniya, 6-8pm, free. RSVP here.

April 29: How to Succeed as a Freelance Writer

This workshop will teach you everything you need to know about building a successful business as a freelance writer. It will cover the essentials of setting up a freelance business and finding your niche, as well as pitching stories, delivering the goods, how to get repeat work and commissions, and the all-important question of pay rates. NSWWC, 10-4pm, $125/$110. Book here.