There are plenty of exciting literary events on the horizon, so grab your calendars and prepare for a month of book launches, live storytelling, and science writing.
2 November – So you want to be an author: Lisa Hanrahan
Join Lisa Hanrahan and learn from her valuable experience on how to get your book published, and promote it successfully to a local and international audience. In this interactive workshop, Lisa shares with you the best-kept secrets of the publishing industry today. Light refreshments provided. Waverley Library, RSVP online.
7 November – Story Club at The Giant Dwarf
A theme. An armchair. A few well know names. And of course, stories! This month Story Club is host to the likes of David Marr, Susie Youssef and plenty more as they read their stories from an oversized tome full of truths and tribulations. 8pm start, at Giant Dwarf Redfern. Tickets $25.
8 November – Little Fictions: Comedy Knox
Comedy Knox is a night of funny, wry and satirical stories read by talented actors at Chippendale’s groovy Knox Street Bar. Don’t miss this one! Our very own Program Officer Ashley Kalagian Blunt is the evening’s guest author and she’ll be detailing a hilarious story of medical conditions and man’s best friend. Be sure to book early, this is likely to sell fast. Knox Street Bar, Chippendale.
9 November – Society of Women Writers NSW Literary Luncheon
Open to members and guests, The Society of Women Writers NSW is hosting a luncheon, complete with workshops and a keynote speech by beloved Australian author Di Morrissey. The morning workshop will be run by Meg Matthews and will focus on how music can be woven into fiction and non-fiction. The Luncheon will be held in the Dixson Room at The State Library of NSW. For more information check out their website. Bookings are essential.
10 November – Jodi Picoult Luncheon
Dymocks is hosting a luncheon with bestselling author Jodi Picoult. Jodi has written 22 novels with eight reaching the top spot on the New York Times Bestseller list. Arrive at 12pm for a 12:30 start. Sofitel Wentworth, Sydney. Bookings are essential. For more information head to Dymocks event page.
11 November – City of Sydney Peace Prize Lecture with Naomi Klein
Journalist, activist and Award-winning author of This Changes Everything, Naomi Klein is the 2016 Sydney Peace Prize recipient. The Sydney Peace Prize Lecture is a chance for the recipient to discuss key issues. This event will feature an opening song by Missy Higgins and the awarding of the Prize by Professor Gillian Triggs, President of the Australian Human Rights Commission. Sydney Town Hall, 6-8pm, tickets $35/$25.
12 November – Quantum Words Festival
From alien planetary systems to the intricacies of DNA, science offers writers unparalleled scope to explore the universe and what it is to be human. The NSW Writers’ Centre’s inaugural Quantum Words Festival will discuss the secrets and challenges of writing about science across any genre – be that journalism, children’s books, poetry or literary fiction. This is a unique opportunity for writers to enrich their writing with science, and for scientists to explore the intricacies of language. 10am-6pm, tickets and more information available on our website.
17 November – Meet Matthew Reilly at Dymocks
Matthew Reilly is the international bestselling author of the Scarecrow and Jack West series, as well as many stand-alone novels. His latest book, The Four Legendary Kingdoms, features the long-awaited return of Jack West Jr. Dymocks Sydney, 7pm, For more information and to RSVP, see their website.
22 November – Sue Joseph: Behind the Text
Behind the Text is a celebration of the often forgotten genre of creative nonfiction. Paired with Joseph’s rich descriptions of person and place, this collection of candid interviews brings together some of the best Australian authors, covering everything from traumatic wartime journalism and burning national issues to Middle Eastern spices. Join Sue Joseph in a discussion of her work at Gleebooks, from 6pm. Tickets $12/$9 or free for Gleeclub members.
24 November – Talking Writing: Callan Park Stories
Pocketed away at the edge of the city, Callan Park’s leafy sanctuary belies a complex, sometimes disturbing history. Now home to both The NSW Writers Centre and Sydney College of the Arts, the former psychiatric hospital has long been a muse to writers and artists. Join us as we delve into some of these stories on the site that inspired them. Witness the buildings as they are today through the eyes of photographer Brett Patman (Lost Collective). Be surrounded by the choral arrangements of Andrew Howes while exploring the Kirkbride dungeons. Finally, sit back and experience the park as imagined by Dorothy Porter with a reading from What a Piece of Work by poet and friend of the author Judith Beveridge. From 6.30-8.00pm, meet at the entrance of Sydney College of the Arts. Bookings essential.
28 November – Walter Mason: H.V. Morton, Pioneering Travel Writer
One of the most popular writers of the 1920s and 1930s, travel writer H. V. Morton could boast of a book in almost every home, and millions of copies of his works were in circulation. But by the 21st century, he is largely forgotten. Join Walter Mason, author and Centre tutor, as he resuscitates the reputation of this great writer, and points towards some of the elegance and intrigue in Morton’s published journeys. Free but bookings essential.