No matter where November takes you, there’s bound to be an event nearby! Warm up those fingers and have a scroll of our round up below.
1, 28 November: Vanessa Berry on Mirror Sydney
Artist, writer, Centre tutor and place expert Vanessa Berry has just released her new book Mirror Sydney, a guide to an alternative and lesser known Sydney. Join Vanessa at the Sydney Mechanic School of Arts Library in Mitchell Theatre from 12:30 – 1:30pm on Nov 1 for a talk revealing some of Sydney’s hidden gems or on Nov 28 at Cronulla Library from 6:30pm. Both events free.
1-25 November: Merciless Gods presented by Griffin Independent & Little Ones Theatre
Adapted by Dan Giovannoni from Christos Tsiolkas’ short story collection of the same name, Merciless Gods is a vicious and tender portrait of contemporary Australian society, capturing the haunting aspects of the human psyche that retains the urgency and confrontation which so often punctuate Tsiolkas’ works. Various times, Griffin Theatre. More information/tickets available here.
1-30 November: NaNoWriMo!
It’s that time of year again! NaNoWriMo kicks off on November 1 and lasts until the 30th, during which time participants aim to write a 50,000 word novel. Find out more at www.nanowrimo.org.
4 November: Poetic Sounds at Yaralla Grounds
Although this event is by invitation only, the Sydney Local Health District is inviting local poets to submit applications of interest to read their works. The afternoon will feature award winning poet Tim Hunter MCing. Email yarallaestatecommittee@health.nsw.gov.au. 4:30pm, Yaralla Estate, Concord West.
7, 21 November: Talks at Better Read Than Dead Newtown
Better Read Than Dead’s Speak Your Mind, held in conjunction with the City of Sydney, is an interactive series of topical panels featuring a number of unique Australian voices, including fiction authors, academics, activists and experts. Designed to ignite new ways of thinking by engaging readers and writers alike with diverse perspectives, the final two free panels on technology and race , respectively, are sure to be challenging and thought-provoking in equal measure. Come with an open mind or with questions to ask the panel and join in on the interactive forum at the end of each talk.
9 November: Children’s Book Council of Australia x HarperCollins
Aspiring children’s book author? Join the Children’s Book Council of Australia at HarperCollins for an insightful evening into what publishers are looking for in a manuscript. 6pm, HarperCollins Children’s Books Australia, Level 13, 201 Elizabeth Street, Sydney. Register here.
9 November: Beth Yahp with Eat First, Talk Later
Join Beth Yahp as she talks about her new memoir Eat First, Talk Later. The title of the book, taken from a family mantra recognising the curative properties of a good meal, is a hint of the themes the memoir tackles – from belonging and home, how stories about ourselves and our families are told, and of course, the joys of food. This free event at Waverley Library will be followed by light refreshments and a Q&A session with the author. 6:30pm, registrations here.
10-12 November: Scone Writers Festival
A young literary festival, Scone Writers Festival wants writers to ‘maintain the page’. We have a feeling they just might succeed – featuring a diverse assortment of writers and speakers, from Walkley Award winners to writers telling rural and regional stories, the program is a great mix of workshops and panels in a range of genres. Various times, more information available here.
14 November: Jelena Dokic In Coversation with Jessica Halloran
Australian women’s tennis player Jelena Dokic will be in conversation with Jessica Halloran at Berkelouw Mona Vale on Tuesday, 14 November about her new memoir Unbreakable. Tracking the journey from her youth as a refugee to her ascent in world of tennis and the aftermath, this is a rare chance to hear the former tennis star speak candidly about her story. Registrations online.
15 November: Antonio Luciano at The Forum
Join the Italian Family History Group for their last event of the year with director and producer Antonio Luciano. Having worked in radio and television for over 50 years with networks like SBS and Channel 10, this is a unique chance to hear about the shaping of an important Australian cultural identity. 6:45pm, The Cultural Centre, Italian Forum Leichhardt. No bookings required ($5 entry on arrival), but for more information call 02 9564 0744.
18 November: Afternoon Tea with Luke Slattery
Australian journalist Luke Slattery’s first work of fiction Mrs M is an imagined portrait of Elizabeth Macquarie, widower of NSW Governor Lachlan Macquarie. Join him for a discussion of his new book over Better Read Than Dead’s final high tea session of the year. 3pm, Upstairs, Better Read Than Dead Newtown. Bookings available here.
19 November: Wine Press 2017 with Southern Tableland Arts
Books and wine go together like vegemite and butter and Southern Tableland Arts is making our wildest literary dreams come true. MC Cris Kennedy will be in conversation with authors Dr LJM Owen, Karen Viggers and Scott Baker about writing, science, ficton and their own processes during an intimate afternoon at the beautiful Eden Road Wines estate in Murrumbateman. 1pm, Eden Road Wines. Free but registrations essential for catering purposes.
21 November: Frank Moorhouse (launched by David Marr)
Sit down with this truly iconic Australian writer as he examines the legacy of Henry Lawson’s The Drover’s Wife and its role in Australiana in his new book, also titled The Drover’s Wife. 6pm, Gleebooks, Glebe. Bookings can be made here.
24-26 November: Wollongong Writers Festival
End November with a bang at Wollongong Writers’ Festival. With programs for both kids and adults, the weekend promises to have something for everyone. Head to the festival’s website where you can find the full program (and big names like Tracey Spier, Clementine Ford, Omar Musa and Ellen van Neervan).