International Women’s Day Event

The City of Perth Library invites you to join acclaimed Western Australian author Julia Lawrinson in conversation with Megan McCracken, Chair of the Stella Prize, to discuss the importance of women’s literature and the value of women’s stories.

The discussion will cover the history of gender equity in literature, the reasons why prizes such as Stella, The Women’s Prize, and The Carol Shields remain so important today, as well as personal stories and experiences from the publishing and writing industry.

Come and play a part in amplifying women’s and non-binary writing with the discussion followed by an audience Q&A, relaxed mingling, and refreshments.
 

Date: Friday, 7 March 2025

Time: 6.30pm - 7.30pm

Venue: City of Perth Library, 573 Hay Street, Perth 

Cost: $15.00 per person, bookings are required.

All ticket sales are final, no refunds will be provided. Substitutions are accepted.

About Megan McCracken

Megan is an avid reader and advocates for reading via her involvement in the world of books. She has interviewed global thought leaders and authors for conferences and fiction and non-fiction authors for writers festivals and bookstores. 

Megan is Chair of the Stella Prize whose vision is to create an Australian society that recognises and values the cultural contribution and diversity the stories of women and nonbinary people. Megan has twice been Judge for the WA Premier’s Book Awards and is the co-host of social media channel Festival Mavens which reviews books and book festivals.

A long-time advocate for gender balance Megan was previously the Chair of The National Association of Women in Operations, mentors women through three formal programs, is the co-founder of the Extraordinary Women network and in 2021 won the Industry Advocate category of the National Women in Industry Awards.

About Julia Lawrinson

Julia Lawrinson is a writer, presenter, and passionate reader of all things, especially Australian women’s writing.

After writing more than 15 books for children and young people, she published a memoir called How To Avoid A Happy Life with Fremantle Press, which has received highly enthusiastic reviews. Gillian O’Shaughnessy said it was ‘beautifully written, moving, open, funny and deeply courageous.’ One Goodreads reviewer said, ‘Britney Spears should have hired this woman to write her biography.’

Despite being politely asked to leave school at 15, Julia now has a Bachelor of Laws with distinction and a PhD in writing, among other expensive pieces of paper. She was Western Australia’s first female Usher of the Black Rod.

Julia is an enthusiastic adult learner of Indonesian, yoga and the cello. She writes a regular blog entitled ‘What Were You Thinking?’