Clunes Booktown Festival

Join us for Book Clubs Friday – the first national symposium to explore how book clubs connect us with ideas, books and each other. On May 1 we will celebrate the power of book clubs; share stories and experiences; discuss the best ways to run different types of clubs; and look at how clubs interact with authors, libraries, the publishing industry and local communities. Book Clubs Friday tickets include morning and afternoon tea, lunch, parking and Booktown Festival Weekend entrance

Access both days of the weekend for all book-browsing, exhibitions, music performances, kids activities and free talks. Under 16 and locals are free!

Is short always better? Australian authors Leah Swann and Sean O’Beirne are joined by Canada’s Lis de Nikolits discussing the short form, its brevity and breadth. Chaired by Liz McCarthy RRR

Join two of Australia’s leading crime writers, Robert Gott & Garry Disher, talking about their books, their criminals and the good guys that catch them. Chaired by Jane Sullivan

The ancient art of fermenting is finding new popularity again as modern science and trends discover the importance of gut health for overall wellbeing. Join us for a presentation with Sharon Flynn, the founder of the award winning, fermented food and drinks company, The Fermentary. Chaired by Jeo Rubbo Presented by Readings

Power of the People: Book Clubs on Authors, Authors on Book Clubs, and Book Clubs about Themselves. What’s the value of the thousands of Australian book clubs? Is their word of mouth more important than professional reviews? What can authors and book clubs learn from each other? Also, key takeaways from Book Clubs Friday — the first national symposium on book clubs held on May 1 in Clunes. Audience and panel discussion led by Leslie Falkiner-Rose

Now in his late-eighties, and listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living Treasure’, Geoffrey Blainey reflects on his humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher, one of five children, and a carefree childhood spent in rural Victoria, from Terang to Leongatha, Geelong to Ballarat. Join us for an unforgettable discussion on History, Writing and Books. We present Geoffrey Blainey in conversation with Prof. Keir Reeves

Professor Christina Twomey joins Chris Flynn to talk about the practicalities and pitfalls of book reviewing. Chaired by Peter Rose Presented by ABR

Don Watson's books, articles and essays have been widely acclaimed. His bestselling titles include Recollections of a Bleeding Heart: Paul Keating Prime Minister, which won the Age Book of the Year and Non-Fiction Prizes, the Brisbane Courier Mail Book of the Year, the National Biography Award and the Australian Literary Studies Association's Book of the Year. Join Don in conversation with critic Sean O'Brirne.

Eminent economist and climate change expert Ross Garnaut discusses emission reduction, low carbon opportunities with environmental scientist Paul Hardisty. Chaired by Mark Ogge

Coming out, coming-of-age, connections and stories of family, friends, lovers and strangers with Michael Earp, Nina Kenwood and Alison Evans Chaired by Hilary Harper (ABC Life Matters)

Sally Rugg is an LGBTIQ rights activist, writer and public speaker. She is Executive Director at political activist group change.org, and was previously Campaign Director at GetUp where she lead the campaign for marriage equality for five years. Join Sally in conversation with Chloe Hooper

A warm, moving and revealing collection of stories and memories about Bob Hawke from across the nation, edited by his eldest daughter Sue Pieters-Hawke. Chaired by Catherine King MP

Historical Fiction Judy Nunn in conversation with Bruce Venables Chaired by Kerrie O’Brien

Celebrating Women’s Crime Writing Since 1991, join Sisters in Crime Leah Swann & Anna George for a talk about how the passions surrounding motherhood can range from deep love, self-sacrifice and intense protectiveness to murderous rage – and why it has been such a fertile (and deadly) theme for crime fiction. Chaired by Anne Buist Presented by White Ribbon Ballarat

Creating Characters with Leigh Hobbs. Leigh Hobbs is an artist and author best known for his children’s book characters Old Tom, Horrible Harriet, Mr Chicken and Mr Badger. This is a free event but space is limited so booking is advised to avoid disappointment

On the day that became known as Black Saturday, one man deliberately lit two fires near the small town of Churchill, Gippsland, then sat on the roof of his house and watched the flames. The Arsonist, by the acclaimed author of The Tall Man, is the story of that man, the fire he lit, and the people who were killed. Join author Chloe Hooper in conversation with Caleb Cluff Presented by the Ballarat Courier

Sunburnt Country – Regenerative Farming. 200 years of clearing and mechanisation has had a serious impact on Australia's agricultural land. Regenerative agriculture practitioners seek to repair that through agricultural practices. Join us for a topical panel discussion with Charles Massy and David Pollock. Chaired by Chris Pollock

Garry Disher has published fifty titles across multiple genres. His last standalone novel, Bitter Wash Road, won the 2016 German Crime Prize, a prize he has previously won twice. In 2018 he received the Ned Kelly Lifetime Achievement Award. Join Garry Disher in conversation with Andrew Masterson.

Drawing Stories with Leigh Hobbs. Leigh Hobbs is an artist and author best known for his children’s book characters Old Tom, Horrible Harriet, Mr Chicken and Mr Badger. This is a free event but space is limited so booking is advised to avoid disappointment

All the Ways to Write the Truth with Sean O’Beirne (A Couple of Things Before the End: Stories) Chris Flynn (Mammoth) and Bruce Venables (Eureka Run) Chaired by Jane Sullivan

In pursuit of an already self-isolating career is the rural writer further disadvantaged? Panel Discussion with Kirsten Alexander (Riptides), Maya Linnell (Wildflower Ridge), J P Pomare (In the Clearing) Chaired by Robert Gott

Join award winning children's and YA author, Nova Weetman for a fun and informative workshop on Kids Writing Workshop. (9-14 year olds)

Andy Griffiths Climbs A Tree - Andy Griffiths is one of Australia’s most popular children’s authors. He and illustrator Terry Denton have collaborated on more than 30 bestselling books since their first title, Just Tricking, was published in 1997. Their much-loved Treehouse Series has been embraced by children around the world and is now published in more than 35 countries. This is a free event but space is limited so booking is advised to avoid disappointment

Growing It - Sprinter and Sprummer. Spring starts on the first day of September, right? Not if Dr Tim Entwisle, director of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne and the author of 'Sprinter and Sprummer', has anything to do with it. Here he argues we should scrap the European approach and adopt a five season model. Join Tim Entwisle in conversation with Angus Stewart.

When it comes to fashion, we didn’t always have a fetish for newness. Join historian Robyn Annear and mending advocate and author of Modern Mending, Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald for an afternoon of fickle fashion! Chaired by Chris Gordon Presented by Readings

Jane Sullivan is a Melbourne-based writer specialising in literary journalism. She has worked for The Age as a reporter, feature writer and editor. Jane won the inaugural Australian Human Rights Award for journalism. Join Jane in conversation with Tess Brady.

Writing for Children (A Panel for Grown-ups) with Leigh Hobbs, Andy Griffiths, Ann James. Chaired by Dan Nixon Presented by Melbourne Young Writers’ Studio

Benefits of your lifetime membership are - funding to support our Literacy in Schools program & Booktown on Sunday - 10% discount on all ticketed Booktown events - 10% discount on all books purchased at Booktown on Sunday - invitations to the annual Booktown welcoming event & post Booktown Party - acknowledgement by name in the annual Booktown program

Fighting for Peace: Aftermath, Commemoration and Regional Remembrance Conference

Chris Weaver is a leading New Zealand ceramicist internationally renowned for his contemporary tableware and design innovation. Chris is visiting Australia as a guest judge at the 2019 Clunes Ceramic Award. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise. This workshop is a rare opportunity to observe Chris making and discussing his unique and outstanding work. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided. Please advise of any dietary requirements on booking.

George Megalogenis has dedicated his literary life to examining what makes Australia tick, economically, politically and socially. He has a remarkable ability to make the complex comprehensible. A football ‘tragic’ and devoted Tigers fan, his most recent book, 'The Football Solution', reveals how Richmond found a new way to win – and how Australia might do the same. George will be in conversation with Peter Rose.

Why we Value Books in our Lives What do you get when you gather together authors, book collectors, reviewers and a bookseller who are at the top of their game? A wondrously bookish Panel. Michael McGirr (Books that Saved My Life), Stuart Kells (The Library), and Robbie Egan (Australian Bookseller Assoc.) share their lifelong passion for books with Professor Andrew Reeves.

Join poets Nathan Curnow and Alicia Sometimes in one of Clunes’ oldest cottages to hear them read and discuss a selection of their poems. Nick Lanyon will host this special event.

Building the Fictional World for Gripping Crime How important is ‘location’ for the crime novelist? Is as much attention paid to setting as to character? Three women crime/thriller writers who have readers waiting for their next novels, Sarah Bailey (Into the Night), Anne Buist (This I Would Kill For) and Sarah Epstein (Small Spaces) will be in conversation with Leslie Falkiner-Rose.

Short Stories linger longer! Tony Birch (Common People) and Paddy O’Reilly (Peripheral Vision) are masters of the Short Story and have created consummate short story collections. In conversation with Mark Rubbo, Tony and Paddy share how they pack so much punch into a small package, and when and why they are drawn to the short story form over the novel. Presented by Readings

with Writer/Illustrator Gabrielle Wang for 8-12 year olds

Georgina Reid and The Planthunter: Truth, Beauty, Chaos and Plants The Planthunter is a sumptuous publication for a new generations of gardeners. Georgina Reid has brought together an uplifting collection of stories about gardeners who are committed to the cultivation of the earth and the human spirit. A qualified horticulturalist and landscape designer, Georgina celebrates the exceptional and ordinary ways people engage with plants. She will be in conversation with Angela Crocombe.

Some novelists create places and landscapes that are irresistibly compelling and speak to us like characters. Moreno Giovannoni (The Fireflies of Autumn) and Robbie Arnott (Flames) do just this, and more. Moreno and Robbie write with unique voices that transport readers. They will be in conversation with Michael McGirr.

What is Defining us as a Nation in 2019? When a factionalised society harbours deeply divided views on refugees, migration, national growth and climate, what will ultimately define Australia as a Nation in 2019 and the immediate future? Professor Marilyn Lake will chair an impressive Panel with authors George Megalogenis, Kon Karapanagiotidis and Melanie Cheng.

Have you thought about trying your hand at book reviewing? Join the experts in the field, Peter Rose and John Arnold, who will be in conversation with Philip Mead to hear what book reviewing is really all about, the skills to hone, and the impact reviewing has on our literary culture. Presented by Australian Book Review

Women writing about Women More and more Australian women authors are winning the hearts and minds of readers. Alice Pung (Close to Home), Andrea Goldsmith (Invented Lives) and Jane Caro (Accidental Feminists) join Dr Jenna Mead to consider the development of women writers in contemporary Australian literature and the perspectives they bring, particularly to their female characters.

Writing for the Millennial Mind Are the millennials demanding new forms of fiction? Three authors who write for a new generation of readers – Danielle Binks, Sarah Epstein and Jack Henseleit - come together to consider the impact of the ‘millennial mind’ on the crafting of their stories. Presented by VATE

Andrea Goldsmith and Invented Lives 'Invented Lives' is rich, haunting and compassionate. It is a story of love but foremost it tells a story of exile: exile from country, exile at home, and exile from one’s true self. Andrea, one of Australia’s most esteemed authors, will be in conversation with Tess Brady.

Jane Caro is a champion for women of 50 and over. Her new book, 'Accidental Feminist', is about the generation of Australian women who changed life for those that followed. On the page Jane’s message is pithy, forthright and fresh. In person Jane is energetic, witty and wise. Almost a year after winning the Walkley Women in Media Leadership Award, Jane will be in conversation at Clunes with Melissa Cranenburgh. Presented by Triple R

Join poets Peter Rose and Nathan Curnow in one of Clunes’ oldest cottages to hear them read and discuss a selection of their poems. Nick Lanyon will host this special event.

Gabrielle Wang is a much-loved author for young readers. An exquisite theatrical interpretation of her novel, A Ghost in My Suitcase, featured at the 2019 Sydney Festival. Ting, Ting, the Ghost Hunter is the much-anticipated sequel to this novel. Join a very special Panel event where Gabrielle will be in conversation with Melissa Dunley and some of Gabrielle’s young readers.

Jock Serong is a master storyteller. 'Preservation' is his most recent novel, a gripping and impressive tale based on the true story of the wreck of the Sydney Cove. It is a novel that readers find they cannot put down. Jock will be in conversation with Tim Nolan

The State of Writing with Tony Birch, Kirstyn McDermott, Alicia Sometimes and Josh Pomare. To mark Writers Victoria’s 30 Year Anniversary, Clunes Booktown Festival has partnered with them to bring together a panel of authors who represent the diversity of writing in our State. You will be inspired by hearing the work of the established, the new, and the emerging writer. Michelle Scott Tucker will chair this session. Presented by Writers Victoria

Kon Karapanagiotidis’s message is clear; we can change the world when we value community and respect others. As the Founding Director of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Kon has transformed the lives of thousands of refugees. His own story of overcoming racism and loneliness is equally powerful and moving. Kon will be in conversation with Louise Permezel.

New Voices and Smart New Writing Robbie Arnott (Flames), Sarah Epstein (Small Spaces) and Josh Pomare (Call Me Evie) are three authors who are quickly making their mark on the Australian literary scene. Their writing is fresh and arresting. In the company of literary reviewer Michael McGirr, Robbie, Sarah and Josh reflect on the journey of the debut author and what lies ahead. Presented by Australian Book Review

Today we have so many ways to connect with the authors we love and the books we love. Danielle Binks and Jack Henseleit will be in conversation with Amy Dainton. Together they have a wealth of insights to share about new forms of publishing, blogging, engaging with young readers and how you can join BookTubers.

The Power of Story: What does it mean to be a storyteller in Australia today? Two of our most treasured authors, Tony Birch (Common People) and Alice Pung (Close to Home), will be in conversation with Paddy O'Reilly, to discuss the thrills, dangers and possibilities of storytelling. They'll discuss how stories transport and transform us. Does form matter? And what's the special significance of stories from, and about, home? Presented by the Wheeler Centre

Are we Reading to Escape, or Face, Reality? Never has there been a greater range of books written for adolescent readers. There are books that invite them into worlds that teem with the extraordinary, the fantastical, or pulse with gritty realism. How do authors make decisions about the worlds that will best tell their story? Authors, Gabrielle Wang, Danielle Binks, Nicole Hayes and Jack Henseleit share their strategies to engage younger readers with Amanda McGraw-Pleban. Presented by VATE

Passionate gardeners and inspirational permaculturalists, Kirsten Bradley & Nick Ritar of Milkwood join Georgina Reid, author of The Planthunter, to share their knowledge, stories and a wealth of tips to inspire both the novice and experienced gardener. The productive home garden, on any scale, has never been more important. 'Milkwood' & 'The Planthunter' are gorgeous publications in their own right, so what a treat it will be to meet the authors. Presented by Smith Journal

Writing about Men and Violence in the Contemporary Thriller Charismatic male characters committing violence against women is a staple element in one of the most popular forms of recreational reading, the Thriller. How does this stack-up today in the #MeToo era? Sarah Bailey (Into the Night), Josh Pomare (Call Me Evie) and Jock Serong (On the Java Ridge) will be in conversation with Ashleigh McMillan. Presented by The Courier and White Ribbon Ballarat

Access both days of the weekend for all book-browsing, exhibitions, music performances, kids activities and free talks