30 MARCH 2023
Karina May's fiction was born when a career change meant she needed a new outlet for her creativity, and decided to mix glamorous travel with tantalising romance.
Her novels offer a witty and hopeful look into the possibilities of love, and what to do when we find ourselves at a crossroads (and potentially an airport).
Join us for a discussion on how we can change direction and what fiction can teach us about real life.
EVENT TIME: 6:30 PM
VENUE: Gordon Library
799 Pacific Hwy Gordon NSW 2072
31 MARCH 2023
Ten years ago, at the inaugural festival, actor and activist Miriam Margolyes spoke about 'why words matter' in her opening night speech. We are thrilled that 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame, an advocate, survivor and now, author, will revisit this theme. Grace will discuss her memoir The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner and the power of sharing stories in your own words, on your own terms. Hosted by Maddison Connaughton.
Please note that Grace will pre-sign copies of her book and there won't be a signing on the night.
$5 from every ticket will be donated directly to the not-for-profit Grace Tame Foundation, which campaigns for and helps fund initiatives that aim to prevent sexual abuse of children and others.
EVENT TIME: 7:30 PM
VENUE: Newcastle Town Hall
290 King St Newcastle NSW 2300
1 APRIL 2023
In this new series of conversations, we invite established writers to shine the spotlight on an emerging writer whose work they admire.
Fiona Kelly McGregor introduces George Haddad whose critically acclaimed debut novel Losing Face was published in 2022.
EVENT TIME: 11:30 AM
VENUE: University of Newcastle
X207 Level 2 Cnr Hunter & Auckland St Newcastle NSW 2300
1 APRIL 2023
Join Karina May in discussion with Women's Agenda Founding Editor Angela Priestley at Harry Hartog, Warringah Mall. Karina and Angela will be chatting about 'Duck a l'Orange for Breakfast', the writing process, and the novel's important themes of self-worth and following your dreams. Free to attend, but registration is a must.
EVENT TIME: 5:30 PM
VENUE: Harry Hartog
Shop 1246 Westfield Warringah Mall Condamine Street BROOKVALE NSW 2100
1 APRIL 2023
Making her first appearance at Newcastle Writers Festival, award-winning author Jane Harper will speak about her journey from winning an unpublished manuscript prize for The Dry to concluding detective Aaron Falk's story in her fifth book, Exiles.
Hosted by Ashley Hay.
EVENT TIME: 6:00 PM
VENUE: Conservatorium of Music Concert Hall
Corner Auckland and Laman St Newcastle NSW 2000