AFTER a seven-year hiatus, the much-anticipated Whitsundays Writers Festival is making a return to the region, from September 6 to 8, 2024.
This long-awaited event promises to be a celebration of words, writers and readers, rekindling the literary flame in the heart of Queensland.
The full program has now been announced for the 2024 festival and organisers are getting excited.
“The time is here! We are excited to release the full festival program. Some events are strictly limited, so book your tickets early!” Festival President Karen Jacobsen said.
The full festival program features Shankari Chandran, Garry Disher, Sally Hepworth, Kirsty Manning, Christos Tsiolkas, Anne Buist, Graeme Simsion, Karina Kilmore, Melissa Ashley, Jack Roney, Joy Damousi, Nick Earls, and Linsday Simpson and 14 featured local authors.
Friday, September 6, will be held at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach, featuring the following sessions, or program chapters:
- The Art and Joy of Storytelling
- Cops and Robbers: Writing and reading crime and thrillers
- Responsible Writing? Stories about people, relationships, the world and possible ramifications
- Spotlight On: Writing craft, from first draft to final manuscript
- For Quill to Code: Is artificial intelligence revolutionising or ruining the future of creative writing?
- Poetry Karaoke: Over drinks and a Whitsundays sunset, attendees can set up to the mic and share their verse in an intimate and supportive atmosphere. This event will also include readings of the shortlisted Whitsundays Literary Heart Award Poetry Prize submissions.
On Saturday, September 7, a number of stand-out occasions:
- From the Heart: The inaugural festival address by Shankari Chandran
- Whitsundays Literary Heart Award announcements for the Gloria Burley Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript, Best Short Story (adult and under 18 divisions), Poetry Prize, and Best Published Book Cover Design
- Adaptation: From page to stage and screen
- Spotlight On: Research and bringing authenticity to fiction
- Hour of Power: Meet your favourite author and have your book signed by our guest speakers and featured local authors
- The Big Book Club High Tea featuring Sally Hepworth and Kristy Manning, hosted by Karina Kilmore.
Rounding out the festival are a number of concurrent sessions, on Sunday, September 8.
These include a new release showcase, discovery sessions on having the courage to share your story, writing for personal and professional development, publishing pathways, and memoir.
The festival’s closing event – the Local Author Long Lunch – will be a fitting end to proceedings, including a showcase of the writing journey of some of the festival’s featured local authors.
“The transformation of books and the love of reading is so important for the young and old alike,” Ms Jacobsen said.
“We look forward to bringing readers and writers together at this fantastic event.”
Tickets for all sessions are now available and are strictly limited – visit www.whitsundayswriters.com.
