Finally, the news I’ve been itching to share: I’m thrilled to be part of the Perth Writers Festival program for 2014, launched this week. The festival runs from 20–23 February, with most of the events held at the very beautiful campus of University of Western Australia, where I studied and worked, many years ago.
The lineup of writers includes Eleanor Catton, Martin Amis, Margaret Drabble, Anne Summers, Kim Scott, Richard Flanagan, Carrie Tiffany, Lionel Shriver, David Marr — browse by author here. As well as international visitors, there are a host of Australian and local West Australian writers I’m particularly looking forward to meeting and listening to.
The festival kicks off with a full day publishing seminar on 20 February, the first session of which, MEET THE PRESS, features the excellent team from Fremantle Press (who published my novel) discussing the publishing process from signing on to publication.
Here are my sessions. They’re all listed under my bio on the PWF website.
LEAP OF FAITH | Friday 21 February, 10am—1pm, Arts Lecture Room 6 | Workshop — bookings essential
NOT ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS | Saturday 22 February, 1—2pm, Juliet Tent | Free event
D.W. Wilson, Jordi Punti and I talk about our debut novels, and the road to publication. Chaired by Bruce Russell.
TILL DEATH WE MAKE ART | Sunday 23 February, 5.30—6.30pm, Woolnough Lecture Theatre | Free event
Inga Simpson and I discuss our debut novels, and the artistic lives of the characters we’ve created. Chaired by Liz Byrski.
You can download the full program from the PWF website. I already have my magical session-circling pencils out, to start planning my festival schedule. The only bummer I can see so far is that my Saturday session clashes with Anne Summers discussing THE MISOGYNY FACTOR with Carmen Lawrence (I’m in awe of both women; fingers crossed that their session will be recorded).