Our Book Club
Literary Events
Make sure you visit this page regularly as events are updated daily. We list a range of literary based events including book launches, author events, workshops and festivals. If you would like to be kept up to date with all our latest news, you can subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter or if you have any suggestions or books that you would like us to review, please feel free to Contact Us. Still searching for some inspirational reading, look through our complete Book Index.
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Hong Kong International Literary Festival
The Hong Kong International Literary Festival is one of Asia's premier literature festivals and celebrates everything the written word has to offer. In 2011 the event attracted such names at Amitav Ghosh, Craig Silvey, Emma Donoghue, Jeffrey Archer and Monica Ali.
When: 5-14 October 2012
Where: Check the website for venue details
Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival allows you to be part of something local, national and international and is a banquet of literary tastes and treats. The program for 2012 is being finalised and will be released in August 2012, so keep up to date by subscribing to their newsletter.
When: 3-7 October 2012
Where: Check the website for venue details
Brisbane Writers Festival
Brisbane Writers Festival has been celebrating reading, writing and ideas with the people of Queensland for fifty years. Renowned for its energy and casual intellect, BWF brings together readers, writers, innovators, and provocateurs within the cultural precinct on the Brisbane River in the heart of the city. . Check out the full program details on the Brisbane Writers Festival website.
When: 7-11 September 2012
Where: Brisbane, Queensland. Check out the website for full venue and book information
Melbourne Writers Festival
Melbourne Writers Festival is an internationally-acclaimed festival situated in the heart of Melbourne at Federation Square. The program features over 300 writers from around the world taking part in interviews, literary banquets, debates, readings, performances and workshops. Check out the full program details on the Melbourne Writers Festival website. The full schedule will also be available in The Age newspaper on 20 July 2012 with the Melbourne Writers Festival's Schools' Program being online on Friday 25 May 2012.
When: 3-5 August 2012
Where: Federation Square, Melbourne, Victoria. Check out the website for full venue and book information
International Edinburgh Book Festival
International Edinburgh Book Festival is one of the largest public celebrations of the written word in the world and includes debates, discussions, creative workshops and author appearances. Every August it brings writers and thinkers from across the planet together to rub shoulders with the audience. Browse events, buy tickets (from June 2012), listen to event recordings, keep up to date and read new work by leading writers on their website.
When: 11 August 2012
Where: Charlotte Square Gardens, Edinburgh, Scotland
Byron Bay Writers' Festival
The Byron Bay Writers' Festival started in 1997 and how now grown with a guest list of over 100 of Australia's most significant and respected contemporary authors and 45,000 visitors. The attendees participate through lectures, lunches, panels, conversations, launches and readings. The focus on this festival is firmly on Australian writing, with recognition of our physical place in the world through the inclusion of Indonesian and Asian authors. Check out full program details on the Byron Bay Writers Festival website.
When: 3-5 August 2012
Where: Held in the Byron Bay, NSW area. Check the website for full venue and booking information
Writing and Walking Journey in Tuscany with Joanne Fedler
A walking and writing journey with author Joanne Fedler in Tuscany for 11 days. Limited to 12 women only. No writing experience necessary. No matter how good or bad you think you are at writing, you will surprise yourself as each day, in the exquisite setting of Tuscany and Cinque Terre, we use our bodies, our senses and our imaginations to converse with the landscape, the people, the tastes and the inspirations of our surroundings. During this trip, author Joanne Fedler will be your facilitator as we explore the landscape of Tuscany through the writer’s eye. You will learn how to use writing as a tool for reflection, processing, contemplation and ‘emotional footage’. Full information regarding this event can be found here.
When: 3-15 June 2012
2012 Voices on the Coast
Voices on the Coast is a youth literature festival presented by Immanuel Lutheran College and the University of the Sunshine Coast, aimed at school students from year 5 to year 12. The festival attracts up to 4500 school students from across the Sunshine Coast and hinterland, a 200 km radius. Since 1996 Voices on the Coast has been bringing leading Australian and International authors, illustrators, poets and performers to the Sunshine Coast to talk and workshop with students and adults. In conjunction to the student program is the adult community events, Voices Plus, with the literary breakfast, festival launch, workshops aimed at adults and a program of authors visiting local libraries for free. Keep up to date with the Voices on the Coast Youth Literature Festival here.
When: 2-6 June 2012
Where: Various locations at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Sunshine Coast, Queensland
The Telegraph Hay Festival
The Hay Festival how grown from humble beginnings in Hay, Wales, to being held in a host of other countries. Bill Clinton describes this festival as "Woodstock of the mind". This year is no different and is 10 days of music, comedy, argument and literature. If you are a member you can also get into some earlybody events (this year including Tim Minchin's opening night concert or Hilary Mantel discussion about her upcoming book Bring Up The Bones which is the sequal to her Booker-wining Wolf Hall. Keep up to date with the Hay Festival through their website.
When: 31 May - 10 June
Where: Hay, Wales
Sydney Writers' Festival 2012
The Sydney Writers' Festival (SWF) is an annual celebration of the written word. It is recognised as one of the world’s finest literary events and is the third largest festival of its kind in the world. Features a diverse mix of events, over 60% of which are free, including panel discussions, one-on-one interviews, talks, workshops, readings, performances, literary lunches, film screenings, events for younger readers and exhibitions. Welcomes anyone with an interest in writing, reading and literature. In 2011, the Festival played host to nearly 300 local and international writers in some 300 events. A 100,000 plus crowd attends. Keep up to date with the Sydney Writers' Festival here.
When: 14-20 May 2012 (School Days, 21-25 May, 2012)
Where: SWF takes place at various venues across Walsh Bay and Sydney’s CBD, Sydney’s western suburbs and regional NSW
London Book Fair
London Book Fair which is now in its 41st year, continues to be the global marketplace for rights negotiation and the sales and distribution of content across print, audio, TV, film and digital channels. With over 250 seminars and events, 2000 international exhibitiing companies and 24500 publishing professionals, the London Book Fair encompasses the broad spectrum of the publishing industry. The 2012 London Book fair is focusing and celebrating the Chinese publishing industry.
When: 16-18 April 2012
Where: Earls Court, London, England
World Book Night
World Book Night is a hugely successful venture in England with millions of books being given away as well as readings, events and literary functions. The idea has now been sold across the Atlantic to the Americas, so hopefully Australia may get on board one of these days. The night aims to promote the value of reading, of printed books and of bookstores and libraries to everyone year-round. This day is also UNESCO's World Book Day chosen due to the anniversary of Cervantes’ death, as well as Shakespeare’s birth and death. Some of the amazing and award winning books being given away this year include I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (Maya Angelou), Little Bee (Chris Cleave), The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins), The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (Junot Diaz), The History of Love (Nicole Krauss), The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver), The Namesake (Jhumpa Lahiri), Ann Patchett (Bel Canto), The Lovely bones (Alice Sebold), The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (Rebecca Skloot) and Just Kids (Patti Smith).
When: 23 April 2012
Where: Check the website for venue information
Storylines All Saints College Literature Festival 2012
The 2012 Storylines Literature Festival has put together an exciting line-up of nationally celebrated presenters drawn from many genres, art forms and walks of life. The presenters will work across two separate programs tailored to primary and secondary audiences. In particular, cross-curricular links have been prioritised in the secondary program.
When: 21 -23 March 2012
Where: All Saints' College, Ewing Avenue, Bull Creek, WA 6149
Evernight series by Claudia Gray
Vampire fiction aficionados just love the work of Claudia Gray, and the hottest vampire to grace her pages now has his own book! In the electrifying continuation of the Evernight series, the vampire Balthazar emerges from seclusion to come to the aid of another student from the Evernight Academy... Don’t miss out bring your friends to enjoy an afternoon with Claudia, as she speaks about her fantastic series, and of course you can get your Evernight books signed!
When: 16:00, 18 March 2012
Where: Dymocks 234 Collins Street , Melbourne, Vic
Cost: Free
Contact: 03 9663 0900 or email melbourne@dymocks.com.au
2012 Somerset Celebration of Literature
The Somerset College Celebration of Literature is the premier school based literary festival held in Australia. The festival has a primary focus on Literature – Reading and Writing – but in addition has displayed an inclusiveness when it comes to promoting the Arts in general, these being literature, music, theatre, film and the visual arts. The festival is offered to the Queensland and Australian cultural community by Somerset College as its contribution to the literary and cultural landscape of the nation . Keep up to date with the 2012 Somerset Celebration of Literature here.
When: 14-16 March 2012
Where: Somerset College, Somerset Drive, Mudgeeraba in Queensland
Contact: Somerset College Community Relations Office on (07) 5530 4624 or via email at bookings@somerset.qld.edu.au
Aye Write! Glasgow's Book Festival
This festival has a wide focus and as well as the usual top author events, includes a schools programme, weekend family events, Scottish poetry slam and a wide range of reading and creative writing workshops. This year will see some exciting literary dignitaries from Phillip Coggan, Alistair Darling, George Mackay Brown, francine Stock, Robin McKie, Melissa Benn, Owen Jones, Marina Warner et etc. Check out the Aye Write! website.
When: 9-17 March 2012
Where: Check the website for venue details
Maggie's Verjuice Cookbook by Maggie Beer
Listen to Maggie, whilst enhjoying a wonderful dinner from her Verjuice cookbook. Followed by Q&A, book sales and book signing.
When: 6:30pm, 8 March 2012
Where: Parmelia Hilton, Perth, WA
Cost: $150 Per Person which includes welcome drink, 3 course dinner and Forest Hill wines with menu selected by Maggie from her Vejuice Cookbook
Contact: For bookings phone Dymocks Garden City of 9364 7687 or 9364 7387. Email gcorders@dymocks.com.au
When: 12:00, 5 March 2012
Where: ANZ Pavilion at the Arts Centre 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC
Cost: $85 General Admission, $75 Dymocks Booklovers and Subscribers to The Age* *One discounted seat per number provided.
Contact: 03 9660 8500 or levents@dymocks.com.au
Adelaide Festival Writers Week 2012
The 2012 Writers' Week will present a re-invigorated program which will connect with its audience in new and innovative ways. This includes educational programs on a Schools Day Friday March 2, issues-focussed lunchtime and evening sessions, family friendly sessions and a kid's activity area. There is a huge line-up including Meagan Abbott, Kate De Goldi, Javier Cercas, Ursula Dubosarsky, Martin Edmond, Kate Grenville, Sonya Hartnett,Alan Hollinghurs , Gail Jones, David Marr, Frank Moorhouse, Jo Nesbø, Garth Nix, Juan Gabriel Vásquez, Brenda Walker + more. In addition, there is a kid's programme including Kids' Programme? Storytelling, crafts, drawing, singing and one rather crooked stilt-walking man come together for a day of full on fun, rampant creativity and imagination gone wild when Writers’ Week hosts the first annual Kids’ Program. Join award-winning children’s writers and illustrators for a day created especially for our youngest readers. Keep up to date with the Adelaide Festival Writers Week here.
When: 2-18 March 2012
Where: Pioneer Women's Memorial Gardens, Adelaide, South Australia
Manu's French Kitchen by Manu Feildel
Meet Celebrity Chef Manu Feildel of Sydney's L'etoile Restaurant. Manu is well known for TV shows including, "Ready, Steady, Cook" and "My Kitchen Rules". Manu's first cookbook 'Manu's French Kitchen' will be for sale on the night signed by Manu.
When: 12:00, 2 March 2012
Where: Dymocks Collins Place, Melbourne, Vic
Cost: Free
Contact: 03 9650 9755 or email collins.place@dymocks.com.au
Perth Writers' Festival 2012
The Perth Writers Festival is a celebration of the written word in all its forms. With something for everyone, the long weekend includes a fabulous opening party, readings, talks, workshops and a popular Family Day. Guest writers in 2012 include: Barbara Trapido, Germaine Greer, Jo Nesbø, Chetan Bhagat, David Levithan, Janette Turner-Hospital, Justice Michael Kirby, Marieke Hardy, Tom Keneally, Frank Moorhouse, Peter FitzSimons, Ray Martin, Stuart Littlemore, and Michael Robothan.
When: 23-26 February 2012
Where: Perth Writers Festival Precinct, University of Western Australia Campus, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley WA 6009, Australia
Contact: (08) 6488 5555
Shanghai International Literary Festival
Shanghai International Literary Festival, China is an initiative of M's Literary Salon (monthly in the Glamour Bar Reading Room), festival guests will include the likes of Alan Hollinghurst, Shan Sa, Amy Tan and Janette Turner Hospital.
When: 29 February - 18 March 2012
Where: Check the website for venue information
Tiger Men by Judy Nunn
Judy Nunn's career has been long, illustrious and multifaceted. After combining her internationally successful acting career with scriptwriting for television and radio, Judy decided in the 80s to turn her hand to prose. The result was two adventure novels for children, EYE IN THE STORM and EYE IN THE CITY, which remain extremely popular, not only in Australia but in Europe. Embarking on adult fiction in the early 90s, Judy's three novels, The Glitter Game, Centre Stage and Araluen, set respectively in the worlds of television, theatre and film, became instant bestsellers. Her subsequent bestsellers, Kal, Beneath The Southern Cross, Territory, Pacific, Heritage, Floodtide and Maralinga confirm her position as one of Australia’s leading popular novelists.
When: 6.30pm - 8pm, 29-Feb-2012
Where: 30-36 Belmont Street Sutherland NSW
contact: For tickets contact Maike Smith via email: maike@berkelouw.com.au
Maggie's Verjuice Cookbook by Maggie Beer
Listen to Maggie, whilst enhjoying a wonderful dinner from her Verjuice cookbook. Followed by Q&A, book sales and book signing.
When: 12:30, 27 February 2012
Where: Four Seasons Hotel, 199 George Street, Sydney, NSW
Cost: $70 members SMH Dymocks Events, $85 non-members. Lunch includes a two course meal, from Maggies latest book and all beverages
Contact: 02 9449 4366
Karachi Literature Festival
Karachi Literature Festival, Pakistan, is a first for Pakistan, this festival, launched in 2010 by the British council and Oxford University Press, brings together Pakistani and international writers in English, Urdu, Sindhi, German and French. About 10,000 attended last year. William Dalrymple will be the keynote speaker.
When: 11-12 February 2012
Where: Check the website for venue information
No Excuses Cookbook by Michelle Bridges
Master trainer of hit show 'The Biggest Loser', Michelle Bridges, is coming to answer all of your diet and weightloss questions and sign copies of her latest book; The No Excuses Cookbook.
When: 12:30, 4 February 2012
Where: Westfield Penrith Centre Court, lower level near the fountain, Penrith, NSW
Cost: Free
Contact: 02 47315986 or penrith@dymocks.com.au
Cumulus Inc. by Andrew McConnell
Join a literary lunch at Universal Restaurant. In a few short years, Cumulus Inc. has won a place in many hearts. With its open kitchen, industrial architectural elements and light streaming in through the bank of windows, it is somewhere to gather, talk and eat at any time of day. And the food fits like a glove, starting with the perfect breakfast and ending with a late-night charcuterie plate. Based around the ebb and flow of a day at Cumulus, Andrew McConnell's first book gathers his recipes for the signature dishes that keep people coming back for more. This is food for the way we eat now.
When: 12:00pm, 26 January 2012
Where: Universal Restaurant, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010.
Cost: $120 including lunch
Contact: (02) 9331 0709
The Girl and the Ghost-Grey Mare by Rachael Treasure
Join Rachael Treasure for an free Author Talk during the Tamworth Music Festival. A diary farmer's daughter searches for love in a city pub, a grieving widow heals her heart and her community, a cheated wife finds the ultimate revenge. From Australia's favourite rural storyteller comes this highly anticipated collection of short fiction. It features stories full of warmth and heart and humour, and with characters as diverse and colourful as the Australian countryside itself. Laugh and smile your way through this collection, which includes the favourites 'The Girl and the Ghost-Gare Mare' and 'The Evolution of Sadie Smith', as well as some new stories never published in book form. So sit back and enjoy the special 'Treasure' take on the world.
When: 6:00pm, 27 January 2012
Where: Collins Booksellers Tamworth, tamworth, NSW, 2340
Contact: 02 6766 4454
The Art of Pasta by Lucio Galletto
Join Lucio Galletto for a cooking demonstration at the Sydney Seafood School. 'Ci facciamo un piatto di pasta!' (Let's make a plate of pasta!) To help you make your own plates of pasta, here are detailed instructions for making and cutting pasta (including pasta flavoured with herbs, porcini, saffron and squid ink), and for making simple filled pastas and perfect gnocchi. To accompany your pasta, choose from an array of mouth-watering pestos –from the definitive Ligurian version made with basil and pine nuts to a vibrant-green pistachio pesto and a versatile orange and almond pesto that's equally good stirred through freshly cooked linguine, served with couscous or used as the basis of a salad dressing. Simple dishes mark the passage of the seasons, such as tagliatelle served with raw mushrooms in autumn, or with the first thin spears of asparagus in spring. In the cooler days of winter, authentic recipes for slow-cooked ragus (including a classic Bolognese sauce that has stood the test of time) really come into their own, filling the house with wonderful aromas. For the more adventurous cook, Lucio's executive chef Logan Campbell has contributed some contemporary interpretations of classic pasta dishes, including rabbit cannelloni with Jerusalem artichoke sauce and beetroot gnocchi with pancetta and goat's cheese.
When: 6:30Pm - 9:30pm, 30 January 2012
Where: Sydney Seafood School, Pyrmont, NSW, 2009
Cost: $120
Contact: 02 9004 1111