Looking at the list of events I’ll be covering for Melbourne Writers Festival, I can’t help but notice that most of them fall under the stream The Agenda. There is the smell of urgency and officialese kneaded into merely glancing at a pair of words like The Agenda. Tell me if you don’t see a […]
One of the great joys in life is a good book, with quiet time to sit and read. I find that with limited time I get most of my reading done on the train; from fiction to gay writings and anything in between. During my shows on JOY 94.9 I have reviewed many books and […]
Why yes, I do call myself a feminist. Even though I took my husband’s surname when I married and sometimes shave my armpits, I own the title. And look here darlings: you don’t have to march at Slutwalk to be a feminist; it’s about believing women should be treated with equal respect to men. With that terribly […]
What can I say? Spoilt for choice. I’d love a Festival 50 pack – but if has to be five, and only five, then here, after much agonising, are the five I’d select… Voice: Language in Literature I was pleased to present Melbourne writer and slam poet Maxine Beneba Clark with the 2013 Victorian Premier’s […]
They say writing’s a solitary pursuit, but as a writer I find little more valuable than sharing and collaboration. That’s why I’m so excited that this year’s Melbourne Writers Festival is all about getting involved, and I reckon I’ve picked a bunch of events that’ll have you bursting with inspiration from the beginning of the […]
What an amazing festival. It’s an embarrassment of riches. My top five? Here we go: Handwriting with Philip Hensher There is something so compelling, personal and intimate in handwriting. I’ve seen some amazing handwritten documents at the State Library. Most recently Les Misérables in Victor Hugo’s own hand and the quills that he used to […]
These days, Young Adult titles are not always just for teenagers (In fact, 55% of YA titles are bought by adults). Here are some of the MWF team’s favourite books they read as teenagers that they still love today. On Fortune’s Wheel by Cynthia Voigt As a teen I loved On Fortune’s Wheel by Cynthia […]
Ever since I was a little girl and started poking and prodding the world with my infernal curiosity for historical detail, my mum has had one answer to almost all of my questions. Me: How old were you when you bought your first bra, Mum? What did you wear to your Prom? Did your date […]
Win a 5 Pack of tickets to Melbourne Writers Festival AND a 5 Pack to Melbourne Fringe Festival. That’s 10 tickets in total! (plus a bonus event on a Friday for free at #MWF14). Want to win this festival overload? In 25 words or less, simply answer the question: Why do you love festivals in Melbourne? […]
When presented with a “choose your own adventure” book I panic, and then cheat. I cannot help myself. I peek at the consequence. I am now required to select just a few events out of the hundreds on offer this year. After going through the guide and circling nearly every event I did, eventually, decided […]
Admittedly, when I saw this year’s spread of art, music, food, and travel, I was a little overwhelmed too. Unsure of which events to book in for? Here are some of our team’s must-see events: A Little History: Photographing Nick Cave I’m not ashamed to admit I’m a Nick Cave tragic and will proudly take […]
Talking Points brings you six intriguing events guaranteed to spark debate, curiosity and new opinions on current affairs topics making headlines today. A highlight of The Agenda. Here’s the six thought-provoking topics Melbourne Writers Festival has ready for you to start wrapping your head around. Putin’s Russia Leading Russian journalist and author Masha Gessen considers […]
