Clunes Booktown Presents Turn The Page

Murder, Mystery and Criminally Good Stories! Join Robert Gott, Garry Disher and Karina Kilmore as they reveal their crime writing secrets to Jane Sullivan.

Is short always better? Sean O’Beirne, Scot Gardner and Leah Swann share their insights into the unique craft of short story writing with Elizabeth McCarthy from Triple RRR

Debut author Madeine Ryan talks to Andrew Fuller about the searingly honest moments of her brilliant new novel.

The poetry of Margaret Hickey and prose of Rosalie Ham and JP Pomare resonate deeply within their settings. Join this insightful discussion with Robert Gott.

Ramona Koval discusses the journey of her beautifully wrought latest release in conversation with Elizabeth McCarthy.

Adrian Tame and Derryn Hinch reminisce with Leslie Falkiner-Rose about the good, bad, and often hilarious days of gripping gossip, the Truth newspaper, tabloid TV and their resonance in news today.

Katherine Kovacic, Sandi Wallace, and Lyn Yeowart talk about why rural and remote communities are ideal scenes of the crime with Maggie Baron. Presented by Sisters In Crime.

Gardening expert Stephen Ryan (3CR), Director of Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens, Tim Entwisle and the Hungry Gardener Fabian Caponolla explore our response to the unique Australian climates and seasons and discuss what to plant and grow.

Renowned thinkers and writers Ross Garnaut and Bill Bowtell explore the politics and economics of the COVID-19 pandemic. Who got it right and where to from here?

Writer, columnist and social commentator, Monica Dux shares her frank attempt to exorcise her religious upbringing in conversation with Sue Lawson.

Best-selling authors, Maya Linnell, Alli Sinclair and Fiona Lowe talk to Ramona Koval about their contemporary tales of love and loss that have struck a chord with readers of all ages.

Culture is Life. Renowned Aboriginal photographer Wayne Quilliam discusses his stunning new book in conversation with Sue Lawson.

Writer and historian Robyn Annear and author and ‘Modern Mender’ Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald will discuss the fickle nature of fashion and whether what goes around does or should come around again?

Current trends in our book industry. With Mark Rubbo, Readings. Chair: Leslie Falkiner-Rose

The realities of preparing your work for publishers with Jen Hutchison.

How to do your own PR with Jules Brooke.

Book Design and Layout with freelance cookbook designer Vaughan Mossop. Chaired by Maryanne Vagg.

How Editors and Authors work best together. Those with experience discussing do’s and don’ts, with Lindy Cameron (editor and publisher), Emeritus Professor Richard Freadman and author Jenny Scouller.

Alison Goodman and Anne Gracie discuss effective ways to pitch with Jen Hutchison.

Print on demand workshop with Debbie Lee from Ingram Spark.

Writing Crime with Lindy Cameron

The Meteoric Rise of Podcasts and Audiobooks. Where do they fit in the life cycles of books? With Vikki Petraitis, Emily Webb and Bolinda/Borrow Box

Writing Romance workshop with Anne Gracie

Getting It Out There – Printing, Distribution and Sales with Debbie Lee (Ingram Spark) and Mark Rubbo ( Readings).

Writing Fantasy with Alison Goodman

Learning from the experiences of those who have tried and taken different paths. Lora Starling, Self-published author of several non-fiction books, Vaughan Mossop, Somekind Press and Jennifer Scouller, bestselling author of Australian rural fiction discuss different publishing and promotion paths, and worked for them and why. Chaired by Leslie Falkiner-Rose.

Join David Stokes - Audiobooks continue to outstrip sales growth for both paperbacks and eBooks, and have done so for the past few years. With the concurrent phenomenal growth in podcasting and audio social media (like Clubhouse), you gotta believe that there is a reason for it! As this engaging workshop will illustrate, we talk listen to learn and entertain. Verbal communication goes way back prior the invention of written language and the printing press. Let's get that inner voice out of you!

With millions downloading their podcasts, Emily Webb from Australian True Crime and Vikki Petraitis from Casefile Presents The Vanishing of Vivienne Cameron are the veritable experts in making podcasts that top the charts around the world. If you are interested in how podcasts are made or want to develop and make your own, come along to their workshop. It will cover: craft, podcast communities, content creation, formatting, scripting, equipment, and podcast platforms.

Writing Memoir with Emeritus Professor Richard Freadman

Part 1: Building Your Book Marketing Strategy – Identifying what you are offering, your audiences, ways to reach those audiences. We’ll give you the principles then work through examples. Part two: Implementing Your Book Marketing Strategy tools. Choosing , using and measuring the impact of the most suitable platforms and tools. – choosing what’s best and making sure it’s actually working. Diane Shelton, Carmel Shute and Maryanne Vagg with Leslie Falkiner-Rose

Writing for Young Adults with Ellie Marney

Writing History workshop. Join Professor Keir Reeves, who has written, edited and contributed chapters to numerous books, loves public history and heritage that bring our past alive, as he explains how to approach writing history. Keir holds a chair in Australian History at Federation University is on the boards of Goldfields Tourism and the Museum of Chinese-Australian History.

Learning from those who have successfully created, formed partnerships and marketed books that have boosted businesses. Join Alva, Rita Erlich and Vaughan Mossop in conversation with Leslie Falkiner-Rose

Benefits of your annual membership are - funding to support our Literacy in Schools program & Booktown on Sunday - 10% discount on all ticketed 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

Join us for the first national symposium to explore how book clubs connect us with ideas, books, and each other. On May 29 & 30 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. Full program on website. Tickets include morning and afternoon tea and a Saturday evening reception with drinks and nibbles.

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

FREE EVENT. Mature and Marvellous? Older and Awesome? Join us & celebrate literary forces behind mature writers with Natalie Conyer who, at age 70+, won prestigious Best Debut Crime Novel in the 2020 Ned Kelly Award, Jennifer Hutchison, an author and independent publisher who champions mature writers & Emeritus Professor Richard Freadman, an international expert on biography and autobiography, who now works with older people to help them tell their stories

Join polymath Dr Karl Kruszelnicki as he takes us on a Surfing Safari through Science, in conversation with Paul Fleckney, Clunes author. A former roadie, taxi driver, TV weatherman, car mechanic, film maker, labourer and doctor at a children's hospital, Karl has qualifications in science, maths, engineering, medicine and surgery. He is the author of over 40 books, including his latest book for everybody, ‘Surfing Safari through Science’ released in October 2020.

Join Tony Birch, 2020 NSW Premier's Literary Awards – Indigenous Writers' Prize Winner, in conversation with Clunes Booktown on Sunday. In The White Girl, Miles-Franklin-shortlisted author Tony Birch shines a spotlight on the 1960s and the devastating government policy of taking Indigenous children from their families.

In this Clunes Booktown online Sunday event, Chris Hammer, a leading Australian crime fiction novelist and author of international bestsellers Scrublands and Silver joins Book Clubs Hub chair, Leslie Falkiner-Rose, to chat about his new book, Trust. Set in a Sydney riven with corruption and nepotism, privilege and power, Trust is the third riveting novel from the award-winning and internationally acclaimed writer.

Clunes Booktown celebrates Australia’s literary forces behind young adult fiction in Knowing Me & Meeting You, a special online conversation with authors Michael Earp, Nina Kenwood and Nova Weetman. In this Clunes Booktown on Sunday event, three leading young adult fiction writers discuss coming out, coming-of-age, connections and stories of family, friends, lovers and strangers.

Join Keith Banks, one of Queensland's most decorated police officers, in conversation with Leslie Falkiner-Rose. Keith Banks was in the Queensland Police Force for twenty years (1975-95), going undercover during the premiership of Joh Bjelke-Petersen and Terry Lewis' time as police commissioner, the most notoriously corrupt period in Queensland history.

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

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.

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.

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)

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.