Brisbane Writers Festival is just a few days away, and with a huge range of events both online and at the BWF hub at the State Library of Queensland, we’ve decided to do a bit of the hard work for you!
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of eight unmissable events – though be sure to peruse the full program over at the Brisbane Writers Festival website, just in case!
And if you’re seeing a lot of things happening at 5pm this coming Friday, don’t despair! All online events can be watched on demand from the 5th of May right the way through till the 4th of June!
Phosphorescence
Right off the back of a monster win at the ABIAs, author Dr. Julia Baird (picutred) will talk online audiences through Phosphorescence: On Awe, Wonder & Things that Sustain You when the World Goes Dark. Joined by journalist Juliet Rieden, the 60 minute conversation asks: how do we hold onto happiness in our darkest days?
Online event, available on demand from Friday 7th May at 5pm – more info HERE
Growing Up Disabled in Australia
Ahead of the release of Black Inc.‘s latest anthology, join Growing Up Disabled in Australia contributors Carly Findlay (pictured, and who also edited the compilation), Emma di Bernardo, Anna Whateley, and Todd Winther as they discuss their discuss their experiences of disability, ableism and invisibility.
Online event, available on demand from Friday 7th May at 5pm – more info HERE
When Women Tell The Truth
Amie Kaufman, Jane Gilmore, Virginia Trioli, and Stephanie Wood (pictured) front a timely panel, exploring what happens when women speak up in the face of gendered violence, harassment, and workplace inequality.
Online event, available on demand from Friday 7th May at 5pm – more info HERE
Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray
Join Dr. Anita Heiss (pictured) and Avid Reader’s Fiona Stager, as they discuss Heiss’ latest novel, the soaring historical epic Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray: River of Dreams.
Saturday 8th May, 11am at kuril dhagun, State Library of Queensland – more info HERE
Magic and Myth
Krissy Kneen, Tabitha Bird, Kathleen Jennings (pictured), and Melissa Ashley explore how myth, magic, and a good old-fashioned fairytale can help us navigate the real world.
We’ve read, loved and reviewed books by both Jennings and Bird, so we can’t wait for this one!
Saturday 8th May, 4pm in Auditorium 2, State Library of Queensland – more info HERE
The World’s Biggest Survival Story
First Nations people have been on this continent for tens of thousands of years. How might the knowledge of First Nations people, who have survived here for so long, help Australia, as it navigates current ecological, medical, and economic crises? Bruce Pascoe (pictured), Melissa Lucashenko, Lisa Fuller, and Thomas Mayor discuss.
Sunday 9th May, 1pm in The Edge Auditorium, State Library of Queensland – more info HERE
Song of the Crocodile
Join Nardi Simpson (pictured), winner of the 2018 black&write Fellowship, in conversation with Grace Lucas-Pennington, as she discusses her stunning novel Song of the Crocodile.
Simpson’s beautiful debut was a huge hit with us here at the AU, even making it to our top reads of 2020!
Sunday 2nd May, 2pm at kuril dhagun, State Library of Queensland – more info HERE
Mammoth
And finally, there’s Chris Flynn. Accompanied by journalist Tegan Taylor, he’ll be talking about the phenomenal Mammoth – another five star favourite and top 2020 book for the AU team!
Sunday 9th May, 2.30pm in Auditorium 2, State Library of Queensland – more info HERE
Brisbane Writers Festival takes place this coming weekend, with events scheduled from Friday 7th May through to Sunday 9th. To find out more and to check out the full program, visit the BWF website HERE.
The Word Play program, aimed at primary and secondary school age readers, will return on May 17th. Event speakers include Jessica Townsend, Garth Nix, and Matt Okine. Full program details can be found HERE.
