The literary scene in Western Australia continues to grow each year, with emerging talent, local publishers and a wealth of literary events to attend. Here’s our lowdown on some of the best literature events coming up in the next few months. You can also check out our Literature page for a comprehensive guide on the 50+ events coming up.
Events on This Weekend
Writers Week 2018
Now – Feb 25, Various venues across Perth
Critically acclaimed authors from around the globe are hosting talks and previews of their novels across the streets of Perth this week as part of Perth Festival. Bars, galleries and libraries are alive with stories and discussions. There is even a chance to sit down with your favourite writer and discuss the ideas behind their new book. It's the last weekend, so get involved before it's too late!
The Sound of Picture Books
Feb 25, Octagon Theatre, 11am – 11.45pm, 12.15 – 12.45pm
Author Danny Parker and illustrator/composer Matt Ottley join West Australian Symphony Orchestra’s string quintet and Yamaha’s Alf Demasi as part of Writers Week 2018. This charming family performance features narration, music, imagery, drama and demonstrations of composition and illustration. Parker and Ottley will co-present while the musicians perform the Tree Music synched to the illustrations from the book on a large screen. Presented in association with The Literature Centre.
Events on Next Week
An Evening with Dr Michelle Johnston
Mar 1, Boya Community Centre, 6pm – 7pm
Dr Michelle Johnston is an Emergency Physician whose days consist of working at an inner-city hospital and dealing with trauma. Not really the romantic lifestyle one would expect from a writer. Still she managed to fit in time for her passion for writing and published Dustfall, set in the real life ghost town of Wittenoom. The novel tells the story of suffering caused by asbestos mining in the area and the consequences of medical error. Sound intriguing? On Thursday March 1 you can hear more in ‘An Evening with Dr Michelle Johnston’ where she will be discussing her novel and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions.
Rosalind Appleby on 'Women of Note: The Rise of Australian Women Composers'
Mar 8, City of Perth Library, 6.30pm – 7.30pm
Are you a budding classical musician or composer? Would you love to hear about the role of women in the classical music industry? Come down to the City of Perth Library and listen to author Rosalind Appleby and musician Cathie Travers, as they discuss the trials and tribulations of women in the classical music industry and the victories they overcame. The talk will be based on Appleby’s own book Women of Note: The Rise of Australian Women Composers, which features the real life stories of aspiring female composers. Free to attend but booking essential: women-of-note.eventbrite.com.au
Coming Up This Year
Scribblers Festival 2018
May 9 – 13, The Goods Shed
The Town of Claremont and FORM present Scribblers: a five-day festival designed to cultivate and transform young minds through the power of art and literature. Guests such as former UK Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell will be there, along with Jesse Andrews, author of the famous book and screenplay Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, and comics artist/children’s author Nicki Greenberg, who recently wrote The Cursed First Term of Zelda Stitch. Bad Teacher. Worse Witch. The full program will be released on the March 1.
Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival 2018
1 – 3 Jun, Margaret River
Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival is the biggest regional literary event in Western Australia. Head down south to see an array of writers including novelists, journalists, academics and established and emerging storytellers from WA, interstate and overseas. The 2018 Festival Program will focus on “the stories that shape our lives” and will celebrate “the importance of literature and storytelling in changing perspectives and creating change.”
City of Fremantle T.A.G. Hungerford Award
Now – Mar 16
Submissions are open until Mar 16, with the winner to be announced in November of this year. The prize of $12,000 and a publishing contract with Fremantle Press will be awarded to an unpublished Western Australian author for an unpublished manuscript of adult fiction, young adult fiction, or narrative non-fiction. This biennial competition could mean the chance of a lifetime for an aspiring writer. The 2016 winner, Vodka and Apple Juice by Jay Martin will be published this year. Previous winners include Bad to Worse by Robert Edeson and What is Left Over, After by Natasha Lester. Entry forms and Ts & Cs available at: fremantle.wa.gov.au/library or https://fremantlepress.submittable.com/submit
Image: Writers Week, Perth Festival
Want more? Head to our Literature page for a comprehensive guide on the 50+ literary events going on in WA.