There are some key events taking place this March that you won’t want to miss out on, including our very own Creative Non-Fiction Festival coming up in a three weeks. We also still have some wonderful course spots available for all of you interested in self-publishing, YA fiction, and improving your grammar – so be sure to secure your place before they’re all gone!
March 2: Rachel Landers in conversation with Suzanne Leal
On 13 February 1978 a bomb exploded outside the Hilton Hotel in George Street, killing two garbage collectors and a police officer. Often called the first act of terrorist murder on Australian soil, the crime is still unsolved. Join Award-winning filmmaker and historian Rachel Landers in conversation with author/literary interviewer, Suzanne Leal, as she wrestles with the evidence to unravel this complex cold case in forensic detail, exposing corruption, conspiracy theories, and political intrigue – as well as a prime suspect. Bondi Pavilion Theatre, 6:30-7:30pm, $10/$8 concession. Bookings are essential.
March 2: The Things We Promise Book Launch
The Things We Promise is set in the 1990s and explores a time in our history where the escalating AIDS pandemic provoked paranoia and fear largely based on ignorance and uncertainty. Gemma’s brother comes home from New York suffering from HIV/AIDS. Suddenly, her family’s whole world changes and their futures become uncertain. J.C. will be in conversation with Kirsty Eagar, bestselling author of Summer Skin. Kinokuniya, Sydney. 6-8pm, free entry. RSVP here.
March 2: An Evening with Sebastian Barry
Sebastian Barry is a playwright, novelist, and poet and is considered one of Ireland’s finest writers. He has twice been shortlisted for the MAN Booker prize and was named number one in The Guardian‘s list of top ten writers to see live. Join him in conversation with Chris Hanley to discuss his powerful new novel Days Without End, set in mid-nineteenth century America and described by Kazuo Ishiguro as a “lyrical western offering a sweeping vision of America in the making”. Byron Theatre, 6-7:15pm, $35/$30 member. Book here.
March 3: Author signing with Garth Nix
Join Australian author Garth Nix in store as he signs copies of his newest standalone novel, Frogkisser! The international bestselling author most known for his fantasy novels and the Old Kingdom series has written something fresh and unexpected in this sharp, witty, rollicking adventure story. Frogkisser! is Terry Pratchett meets The Princess Bride, so get ready for talking dogs, mischievous wizards, an evil stepfather and an abundance of amphibians! Dymocks Sydney CBD, 5:30pm. Entry is free.
March 4: YA Bookmeet with Wai Chim
Come along to the 21st Dymocks YABookmeet to hear special guest Wai Chim speak about her inspiring debut novel! Freedom Swimmer takes place during the Cultural Revolution in China, and follows the teenage boy Ming as he plans to escape the country by swimming from China to Hong Kong. The extraordinary premise of Wai’s novel is inspired by her father’s own ‘freedom swim’. Readers of all ages who are fans of historical novels such as Morris Gleitzman’s Now series or The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas are encouraged to attend! Sydney CBD, 2:30pm. Entry is free, however you must RSVP.
March 8: The Importance of Editing and How To DIY Workshop
You might have finished writing your story, but you haven’t reached the end of the road yet! Don’t you want to know how to refine your work so it’s ready for publication? Never underestimate the importance of editing your own work, even if you’ll be working with an editor at a later stage. Run by publisher and editor, Helen Scheuerer, this workshop explores the different types of editing (structural editing, copyediting and proofreading). The workshop will also delve into how to approach these types of edits yourself, and how to utilise beta readers, as well as the common mistakes writers make in their first drafts, how your chosen genre should affect your edit, and the things you can cut from your writing to sharpen your manuscript. Dixson room, State Library of NSW, 10-11:50am. $30/$35. Bookings are required by 10am on the Monday before meeting. For more details, contact swwlunchbooking@gmail.com
March 8: Literary Luncheon with Bronwyn Carlson
Join keynote speaker Dr Bronwyn Carlson, an Associate Professor of Indigenous Studies at the University of Wollongong, as she delivers a conversation of Indigenous life, and guest speaker Beverley George as he speaks about Surprising Synergies: tanka at home and abroad. Dixson room, State Library of NSW, 12-2:30pm, $42/$47. Bookings are required by 10am on the Monday before meeting. For more details, contact swwlunchbooking@gmail.com
March 9: Audiocraft Presents: All The Best
All The Best is a nationally broadcast radio show and podcast that brings you the best new storytelling and documentary from around Australia. Set in the midnight garden theatre in Redfern, there’s new theme music, new artwork, a new full-time host and new stories to share! Come down for a drink and listen to a mixture of live and recorded stories from Sydney and Melbourne. 7pm start, $12 booking fee.
March 11: Book Publicity for Self-Published Authors
This course will introduce DIY publicists to the basics of running your own book publicity campaign. It will also help traditionally published writers to better understand the activities of their in-house publicist. 10-4pm, NSWWC. Tickets range from $110 – $180. Book online.
March 15: The Only White Landscape Book Launch
Join Western Riverina poet Derek Motion as he celebrates the recent release of his second full-length collection of poetry, The Only White Landscape. This collection is published by Australian poetry imprint Cordite Books, and presents a series of poems that use the landscapes of regional New South Wales as a lens to investigate personal change. Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, 2pm. Entry is free.
March 17: The Rose Scott Women Writers’ Festival
Join 2017 Stella Prize longlisted author, Emily Maguire, as she speaks about the importance of valuing women’s writing, as well as featured 2016 RSWWF speaker, Australian crime writer Sulari Gentill, as she unveils the superb line-up of speakers and launches the 2017 Rose Scott Women Writers’ Festival. 11:45-2pm, The Women’s Club, $55/$60.
March 19: Creative Non-Fiction Festival 2017
The NSWWC’s Creative Non-Fiction Festival is coming up again, with award-winning author and journalist Mark Dapin directing. Take part in discussions of the topics that dominate the working lives of creative non-fiction writers: the joy and pain of research, the glamour and exhaustion of travel, and the endless search for new ways to wrench a living out of words. Plus pointers from some of Australia’s leading editors, publishers and book reviewers. 10-6pm. Tickets range from $50 – $90. Book online.
March 30: An Evening with A. C. Grayling
Join A. C. Grayling as he explains how, fuelled by original and unorthodox thinking, war and technological invention, the seventeenth century became the crucible of modernity. A.C. Grayling is the Master of the New College of the Humanities, London, and its Professor of Philosophy, and the author of over thirty books of philosophy, biography, history of ideas, and essays. His new book, The Age of Genius, was published by Bloomsbury in April 2016. Byron Theatre, 6-7:15pm, $35/$30 members. Book here.
March 30: Remind Me How This Ends Book Launch
You’re invited to celebrate the release of Gabrielle Tozer‘s new novel, Remind Me How This Ends, which will be launched by Will Kostakis, author of The Sidekicks and The First Third. A boy-meets-girl-again story from the award-winning author of The Intern and Faking It. Kinokuniya, Sydney. 6-8pm, free entry. RSVP here.