Clunes Booktown Festival

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

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 magazine

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.