Last night was the launch of the Perth Writers Festival program. For three days next month, 21–23 February, Perth audiences will have the opportunity to see more than a hundred local writers, as well as a wonderful lineup of visitors including Eleanor Catton, Lionel Shriver, Margaret Drabble, Martin Amis, Richard Flanagan, Hannah Kent, Debra Adelaide, Min Anchee, Andrea Goldsmith, Chris Womersley, Thomas Kenneally, Carrie Tiffany, Jeet Thayil, Angela Meyer and David Vann—and that’s just scratching the surface.
The festival is always one of the highlights of my calendar, and I’m very happy to be participating this year. Here are my sessions:
Friday, 21 February, 1–2pm, Romeo Tent: THE INNER LIFE OF OTHERS, chairing this panel comprising Chris Womersley, Debra Adelaide and Andrea Goldsmith. Free event
Saturday, 22 February, 1–2pm, Tropical Grove: LYREBIRDS, panel with Jo Baker and Catherine Jinks. Chair: Rose Michael. Free event
Saturday, 22 February, 5.30–6.30pm, Tropical Grove: TILLING THE SOIL, with Yvette Walker. Chair: Nicole Sinclair. Free event
Sunday, 23 February, 10am–1pm, Arts Lecture Room 4: Workshop: WRITING THE PAST. Bookings essential
looking up/looking down 
Oh, if only they would move this festival to the Jun-July school holidays when it’s cooler, I would book my flight now!
I know what you mean! Last year the weather was pretty nice for the festival, but in years gone by… (well, you know my thoughts on summer).
It was a great evening. Everyone enjoyed themselves. That baby duck stole the show afterwards; people wanted to take him home.
It’s going to be an interesting festival for all involved.
You’re so right, Jon—I LOVED that duckling 🙂 Here’s to a great festival, and thanks for reading 🙂
I am bereft! As you know, I’m away, actually leave on the 20th, which is the start of the festival. It was always going to be hard choosing between the fabulous festival and the opportunity to finish writing my book! Have a wonderful festival, Amanda and I hope you’ll blog about it, so I can get a sense of what it was like. x
I’m sorry you’ll miss it, Rashida, but it’s so much more important that take advantage of that brilliant opportunity and finish your novel! No doubt there will be blogging somewhere along the way 🙂 x
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