Whitsundays welcomes writers to re-establish important cultural event
After a seven-year hiatus, the much-anticipated Whitsundays Writers Festival is making a triumphant return this week, 6th to the 8th of September 2024 in Airlie Beach, Queensland. This long-awaited event promises to be a celebration of words, writers, and readers, rekindling the literary flame in the heart of Queensland.
Headlining this year’s festival is SHANKARI CHANDRAN, winner of the prestigious 2023 Miles Franklin Literary Award for Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens.
Joining Shankari are several other highly regarded, award-winning Australian authors:
- GARRY DISHER acclaimed, international award-winning Australian crime writer of over50 novels.
- CHRISTOS TSIOLKAS award-winning author of The Slap, playwright, essayist and screen writer.
- SALLY HEPWORTH New York Times bestselling author of nine novels including Darling Girls and The Soulmate.
- KIRSTY MANNING bestselling author of historical fiction including The Hidden Book and The Paris Mystery.
- GRAEME SIMSION author of the acclaimed The Rosie Project which has sold over five million copies and is set for a Hollywood adaptation.
- ANNE BUIST psychiatrist and author of the Natalie King crime fiction series, and recent co-written mental health novel with Graeme Simsion The Glass House.
- CHRIS SARRA CEO of the Queensland Office of First Nations Engagement and Innovation.
- NICK EARLS beloved Queensland author of 28 adults, teenagers, and children.
- JACK RONEY former Queensland police officer and detective turned authentic crime novellist and podcaster.
- JOY DAMOUSI distinguished historian and ACU’s Dean, National School of Arts and Humanities.
- KARINA KILMORE journalist, author, reviewer, and Chair of the Australian Crime Writers Association.
- LINDSAY SIMPSON Whitsundays author of eleven books and investigative journalist.
- MELISSA ASHLEY award-winning Queensland author of historical fiction novels and celebrated academic.
Also featuring are 14 local Whitsundays authors who have the opportunity to share their creativity, their journeys, and introduce readers to their new and important Australian stories.
Program highlights
The Friday 6 September program features the following sessions, or chapters:
- The Art and Joy of Storytelling
- Cops and Robbers: Writing and reading crime and thrillers.
- Responsible Writing? Stories about people, relationships, the world and possible ramifications.
- Spotlight On: Writing craft, from first draft to final manuscript.
- For Quill to Code: Is artificial intelligence revolutionising or ruining the future of creative writing?
Closing off the day will be Poetry Karaoke, were over drinks and a Whitsundays sunset, attendees can set up to the mic and share their verse in an intimate and supportive atmosphere. This event will also include readings of the shortlisted Whitsundays Literary Heart Award Poetry Prize submissions.
On Saturday 7 September, a number of stand-out occasions:
- From the Heart: The inaugural Festival Address by Shankari Chandran.
- Whitsundays Literary Heart Award announcements for the Gloria Burley Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript, Best Short Story (adult and under 18 divisions), Poetry Prize, and Best Published Book Cover Design.
- Adaptation: From page to stage and screen.
- Spotlight On: Research and bringing authenticity to fiction.
- Hour of Power: Meet your favourite author and have your book signed by our guest speakers and Featured Local Authors.
- The Big Book Club High Tea featuring Sally Hepworth and Kristy Manning, hosted by Karina Kilmore.
Rounding out the Festival is a number of concurrent sessions on Sunday 8 September including a new release showcase, discovery sessions on having the courage to share your story, writing for personal and professional development, publishing pathways, and memoir.
The Festival’s closing event – the Local Author Long Lunch – will be a fitting end to proceedings, including a showcase of the writing journey of some of the Festival’s Featured Local Authors.
Session-only tickets available from $21 each.
What: Whitsundays Writers Festival
When: Friday 6-8 September 2024
Where: Main venue Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach
Tickets: Session only tickets start from $21