Sydney Writers' Festival 2008 - Online Program
In Conversationprint Print This Page

• Monday, May 19 2008 •
10 : 00
9: Torn Awake: Forrest Gander in Conversation
Celebrated American poet Forrest Gander discusses his body of work. 		Carrington Hotel, Katoomba
10:00 to 11:00		Ticketed Event
Poetry In Conversation  More Info
11 : 30
10: The Authority to Tell a Story
Trevor Shearston discusses 'Dead Birds', set in pre-colonial Papua. 		Carrington Hotel, Katoomba
11:30 to 12:30		Ticketed Event
Fiction, History In Conversation  More Info
13 : 00
12: The Ernies Book
Meredith Burgmann and Yvette Andrews talk about 'The Ernies Book' with Anne Summers. 		The Mint
13:00 to 14:00		Free Event
Nonfiction, Current Affairs, Culture & Heritage In Conversation  More Info
15 : 00
14: A Fraction of the Whole: Steve Toltz in Conversation
Steve Toltz talks to Malcolm Knox about his blisteringly funny novel 'A Fraction of the Whole'. 		Carrington Hotel, Katoomba
15:00 to 16:00		Ticketed Event
Fiction In Conversation  More Info
• Tuesday, May 20 2008 •
10 : 00
24: A Lie About My Father: John Burnside in Conversation
Scottish poet and novelist John Burnside discusses his work with Edmund Campion. 		Carrington Hotel, Katoomba
10:00 to 11:00		Ticketed Event
Nonfiction, Poetry, Fiction, In Conversation  More Info
11 : 30
26: Family Fictions and Family Truths
Charlotte Wood and Tegan Bennett Daylight discuss the nature of intimate writing. 		Carrington Hotel, Katoomba
11:30 to 12:30		Ticketed Event
Fiction In Conversation  More Info
13 : 30
29: An Exacting Heart: The Hephzibah Menuhin Story
Jacqueline Kent discusses her biography of Hephzibah Menuhin. 		Carrington Hotel, Katoomba
13:30 to 14:30		Ticketed Event
Life Writing, Nonfiction In Conversation  More Info
• Wednesday, May 21 2008 •
18 : 00
45: Readings from the New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards
Geraldine Doogue in conversation with nine of the winners of this year's awards. 		The Mint
18:00 to 19:30		Free Event
Fiction In Conversation  More Info
18 : 30
49: An Evening with Debra Adelaide
Debra Adelaide discusses her much anticipated new book, A Household Guide to Dying. 		Wollongong City Gallery, Blue Scope Steel Gallery
18:30 to 19:30		Ticketed Event
Fiction In Conversation  More Info
• Thursday, May 22 2008 •
10 : 00
58: Chris Masters: Jonestown & the Nieman Conference
Chris Masters speaks about his 2007 Walkley winning expose on Alan Jones. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 2/3
10:00 to 11:00		Free Event
Current Affairs In Conversation  More Info

60: Holding Up the Sky  * SOLD OUT *
Sandy Blackburn-Wright tells the very personal story of her 15 years spent in South Africa. 		Sydney Theatre, Richard Wherrett Studio
10:00 to 11:00		Ticketed Event
Life Writing In Conversation  More Info

350: Jeanette Winterson on ABC Radio National’s Book Show
Ramona Koval speaks to acclaimed UK writer Jeanette Winterson. 		Pier 2/3, Downstairs
10:00 to 11:00		Ticketed Event
Fiction In Conversation  More Info
11 : 30
66: Jan Wong in Conversation
Jan Wong discusses her new book, 'Beijing Confidential'. 		Pier 2/3, Upstairs Writers’ Salon
11:30 to 12:30		Ticketed Event
Nonfiction, Culture & Heritage, Life Writing In Conversation  More Info

69: Peter Ho Davies in Conversation
Peter Ho Davies’ 'The Welsh Girl' tackles identity, nationalism, lies and redemption with a quiet punch. 		Sydney Theatre, Richard Wherrett Studio
11:30 to 12:30		Ticketed Event
Fiction In Conversation  More Info
12 : 00
73: Diggers of Fromelles
Patrick Lindsay discusses one of the great unsolved mysteries of the First World War. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 4
12:00 to 13:00		Free Event
Culture & Heritage, History In Conversation  More Info
13 : 00
81: My Friend the Fanatic
Sadanand Dhume discusses his portrait of Indonesia painted through the travels of a pair of unlikely protagonists. 		Sydney Theatre, Richard Wherrett Studio
13:00 to 14:00		Ticketed Event
Current Affairs, Nonfiction, Travel, In Conversation  More Info

77: Sins of the Father
Blake Morrison and John Burnside discuss their memoirs of father-son relationships. 		Pier 2/3, Upstairs Writers’ Salon
13:00 to 14:00		Ticketed Event
Life Writing, Nonfiction In Conversation  More Info
14 : 30
90: The Life of Peter Sculthorpe
Graeme Skinner has written a biography of composer Peter Sculthorpe. Biographer and subject discuss. 		Pier 2/3, Downstairs
14:30 to 15:30		Ticketed Event
Culture & Heritage, Nonfiction, Life Writing In Conversation  More Info

93: James Reston Jr in Conversation
James Reston Jr provides a fly-on-the-wall account of his involvement with the Frost/Nixon interviews. 		Sydney Theatre at Walsh Bay
14:30 to 15:30		Ticketed Event
History, Current Affairs In Conversation  More Info
15 : 00
96: Matthew Condon in Conversation with Mary Kostakidis
Matthew Condon discusses his stunning epic 'The Trout Opera' which was 10 years in the writing. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 4
15:00 to 16:00		Free Event
Fiction In Conversation  More Info
15 : 30
98: Australia’s Birthstain
Babette Smith explores the involvement of politicians and clergy in creating a 'stain' that reached beyond convict crimes. 		Hyde Park Barracks Museum
15:30 to 16:30		Ticketed Event
Culture & Heritage, History, Nonfiction In Conversation  More Info
16 : 00
100: David Davidar in Conversation
David Davidar speaks about one of the bloodiest and most shameful incidents in India’s long history. 		Pier 2/3, Downstairs
16:00 to 17:00		Ticketed Event
Current Affairs, Fiction, History In Conversation  More Info

104: Dead Philosophers  * SOLD OUT *
Simon Critchley argues that philosophers can teach us appropriate attitudes towards death and dying. 		Sydney Theatre, Richard Wherrett Studio
16:00 to 17:00		Ticketed Event
Nonfiction, History In Conversation  More Info

101: Sarah Hall in Conversation
One of the UK’s hottest young literary talents discusses her dystopian fable 'The Carhullan Army'. 		Pier 2/3, Upstairs Writers’ Salon
16:00 to 17:00		Ticketed Event
Fiction In Conversation  More Info
16 : 30
105: Princesses and Pornstars
Emily Maguire discusses women’s rights in the era of mainstream porn, botox and the celebrity diet. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 1
16:30 to 17:30		Free Event
Current Affairs, Nonfiction In Conversation  More Info
18 : 00
110: Screenplays that Sell
Michael Hauge discusses how emerging writers can market their scripts and get them read by people in power. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 4
18:00 to 19:00		Free Event
Scriptwriting, Industry In Conversation  More Info
18 : 45
121: Simon Sebag Montefiore in Conversation with Bob Carr
Simon Sebag Montefiore’s books are a triumph of research told with a superb novelistic flair. He speaks to Bob Carr. 		City Recital Hall
18:45 to 19:45		Ticketed Event
History In Conversation  More Info
20 : 15
125: An Evening with Anne Enright
Anne Enright speaks about her Man Booker Prize-winning novel, 'The Gathering'. 		City Recital Hall
20:15 to 21:15		Ticketed Event
Fiction In Conversation  More Info
• Friday, May 23 2008 •
10 : 00
130: Blubberland
Elizabeth Farrelly asks why we find it so hard to abandon habits we know to be destructive. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 2/3
10:00 to 11:00		Free Event
Current Affairs, Science & Environment In Conversation  More Info

128: David Rieff on ABC Radio National’s Book Show
David Rief discusses 'Swimming in a Sea of Death', a memoir of his mother Susan Sontag’s final illness. 		Pier 2/3, Downstairs
10:00 to 11:00		Ticketed Event
Life Writing, Current Affairs In Conversation  More Info

131: Gregory Day in Conversation
Gregory Day speaks about 'Ron McCoy's Sea of Diamonds', his follow-up to 'The Patron Saint of Eels'. 		Sydney Philharmonia Choir Studio
10:00 to 11:00		Free Event
Fiction, Science & Environment In Conversation  More Info

132: Hermione Lee in Conversation
Hermione Lee talks about her biographies of modernist women writers. 		Sydney Theatre at Walsh Bay
10:00 to 11:00		Ticketed Event
Life Writing In Conversation  More Info
10 : 30
136: Reviving Rhetoric: Neil James and James O’Loghlin in Conversation
Neil James and James O’Loghlin talk about the need to revive the classical crafts of communication. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 4
10:30 to 11:30		Free Event
Nonfiction In Conversation  More Info
11 : 30
143: Lynne Segal in Conversation with Drusilla Modjeska
Lynne Segal considers the factors that shaped a generation of activists into the women’s liberation movement. 		Sydney Theatre at Walsh Bay
11:30 to 12:30		Ticketed Event
Life Writing, Current Affairs In Conversation  More Info

144: Why Manners Matter  * SOLD OUT *
Lucinda Holdforth explains why manners are essential to civilisation. 		Sydney Theatre, Richard Wherrett Studio
11:30 to 12:30		Ticketed Event
Nonfiction In Conversation  More Info

138: The Secret Life of Backpackers
30 days, 30 nights, 30 hangovers. Barry Divola discusses his insights into backpacker culture. 		Bangarra Theatre
11:30 to 12:30		Free Event
Travel, Life Writing In Conversation  More Info
13 : 00
150: Blake Morrison in Conversation
Novelist, poet, journalist and critic Blake Morrison talks to Sunil Badami. 		Pier 2/3, Downstairs
13:00 to 14:00		Ticketed Event
Life Writing In Conversation  More Info
14 : 00
161: Museum
Robyn Stacey and Ashley Hay reveal the creatures and stories found inside the Macleay Museum. 		University of Sydney, Macleay Museum
14:00 to 15:00		Free Event
Culture & Heritage, History, Science & Environment In Conversation  More Info

340: Stories from the Dustbin
Peter Cochrane discusses the idea of history behind his latest book, 'Colonial Ambition' with Julianne Schultz. 		Bangarra Mezzanine
14:00 to 15:00		Free Event
Nonfiction, Culture & Heritage, History In Conversation  More Info
14 : 30
168: Ask Jeanette Winterson ANYTHING!
She’s up for it – are you? 		Sydney Theatre at Walsh Bay
14:30 to 15:30		Ticketed Event
Fiction In Conversation  More Info

164: Ryan Knighton in Conversation
Ryan Knighton discusses 'Cockeyed', his irreverent account of his slow descent into blindness. 		Pier 2/3, Downstairs
14:30 to 15:30		Ticketed Event
Life Writing In Conversation  More Info
16 : 00
174: Joan London in Conversation with Drusilla Modjeska
Joan London talks to Drusilla Modjeska about her new novel, 'The Good Parents'. 		Pier 2/3, Downstairs
16:00 to 17:00		Ticketed Event
Fiction In Conversation  More Info

177: David Brooks in Conversation
David Brooks discusses his kaleidoscopic journey through several generations of three families. 		Sydney Philharmonia Choir Studio
16:00 to 17:00		Free Event
Poetry, Fiction In Conversation  More Info
19 : 00
190: An Evening with Judith Lucy
One of Australia's best-loved comediennes shares tales from memoir, 'The Lucy Family Alphabet'. 		Paddington Town Hall
19:00 to 20:00		Ticketed Event
Life Writing In Conversation  More Info
• Saturday, May 24 2008 •
09 : 30
 
198: John Gray in Conversation  * SOLD OUT *
John Gray speaks about his new book, 'Black Mass', a powerful argument about apocalyptic religion and global conflict. 		Pier 2/3, Downstairs
09:30 to 10:30		Ticketed Event
Current Affairs In Conversation  More Info


 
203: The Whale Warriors: Peter Heller in Conversation
Award winning travel writer Peter Heller discusses 'The Whale Warriors'. 		Sydney Theatre at Walsh Bay
09:30 to 10:30		Ticketed Event
Current Affairs, Travel In Conversation  More Info


 
204: Vincent Lam in Conversation  * SOLD OUT *
Vincent Lam talks about writing life and death with Steven Gale. 		Sydney Theatre, Richard Wherrett Studio
09:30 to 10:30		Ticketed Event
Fiction In Conversation  More Info


 
199: Wibke Bruhns in Conversation
Wibke Bruhns discusses the search for her father, executed for treason in WWII. 		Pier 2/3, Upstairs Writers’ Salon
09:30 to 10:30		Ticketed Event
Life Writing, History, Nonfiction In Conversation  More Info
10 : 00
 
208: Mo Hayder in Conversation
British crime writer Mo Hayder discusses her latest outstanding, if disturbing, novel 'Ritual'. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 4
10:00 to 11:00		Free Event
Crime, Fiction In Conversation  More Info
11 : 00
 
214: Bob Carr in Conversation with Maxine McKew
Bob Carr talks about the books that have captured his attention with Maxine McKew. 		Sydney Theatre at Walsh Bay
11:00 to 12:00		Ticketed Event
Culture & Heritage, Fiction, Life Writing In Conversation  More Info


 
215: Debra Adelaide in Conversation
Debra Adelaide discusses her new darkly comic novel, 'A Household Guide to Dying'. 		Sydney Theatre, Richard Wherrett Studio
11:00 to 12:00		Ticketed Event
Fiction In Conversation  More Info


 
213: Heather O’Neill in Conversation
Heather O'Neill’s discusses her debut novel, 'Lullabies for Little Criminals' – one of Wendy’s favourite discoveries of 2007. 		Pier 2/3, Upstairs Writers’ Salon
11:00 to 12:00		Ticketed Event
Fiction In Conversation  More Info


 
212: Michael Pollan in Conversation with Caroline Baum
Michael Pollan speaks about his latest book, 'In Defence of Food: An Eater's Manifesto'. 		Pier 2/3, Downstairs
11:00 to 12:00		Ticketed Event
Food & Drink, Science & Environment In Conversation  More Info
11 : 30
 
218: Loretta Napoleoni in Conversation
Loretta Napoleoni talks about her new book, 'Rogue Economics', with Lloyd Cox. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 4
11:30 to 12:30		Free Event
Nonfiction, Current Affairs In Conversation  More Info


 
219: Cutting Edge: Matt Costello in Conversation
Matt Costello talks about story, creativity and interactivity with Christy Dena. 		Sydney Philharmonia Choir Studio
11:30 to 12:30		Free Event
New Media, Scriptwriting In Conversation  More Info
12 : 30
 
224: Junot Díaz in Conversation with Ramona Koval
Junot Díaz discusses his highly acclaimed debut novel, 'The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao.' 		Sydney Theatre at Walsh Bay
12:30 to 13:30		Ticketed Event
Fiction In Conversation  More Info


 
223: Luke Davies in Conversation
Luke Davies speaks about 'The God of Speed', his riveting portrait of Howard Hughes. 		Pier 2/3, Upstairs Writers’ Salon
12:30 to 13:30		Ticketed Event
Culture & Heritage, Fiction, History In Conversation  More Info


 
220: The Poet Who Forgot
Catherine Cole talks to Charlotte Wood about her mentor/apprentice relationship with A.D. Hope. 		Bangarra Mezzanine
12:30 to 13:30		Free Event
Life Writing, Poetry, History In Conversation  More Info
14 : 00
 
239: Naldo Rei in Conversation
Naldo Rei speaks with Claire Scobie about his own extraordinary journey fighting for East Timor's freedom. 		Sydney Theatre, Richard Wherrett Studio
14:00 to 15:00		Ticketed Event
History, Life Writing, Nonfiction In Conversation  More Info


 
289: Steve Toltz in Conversation
Steve Toltz discusses his blisteringly funny epic, 'A Fraction of the Whole'. 		Pier 2/3, Upstairs Writers’ Salon
14:00 to 15:00		Ticketed Event
Fiction In Conversation  More Info
15 : 30
 
249: Helen Garner in Conversation with Caroline Baum
Helen Garner discusses 'The Spare Room', her first novel in 15 years. 		Sydney Theatre at Walsh Bay
15:30 to 16:30		Ticketed Event
Fiction In Conversation  More Info


 
247: Michelle de Kretser in Conversation with Gail Jones
Michelle de Kretser speaks about her luminous new novel 'The Lost Dog'. 		Pier 2/3, Downstairs
15:30 to 16:30		Ticketed Event
Fiction In Conversation  More Info
17 : 00
 
258: John Burnside in Conversation  * SOLD OUT *
John Burnside, one of Scotland's best-loved living writers, talks about his new novel 'Glister'. 		Sydney Theatre, Richard Wherrett Studio
17:00 to 18:00		Ticketed Event
Fiction, Poetry, Life Writing In Conversation  More Info
17 : 30
 
334: Robert Manne in Conversation
Robert Manne, one of Australia's foremost public intellectuals, has made extensive contribution to public debate in Australia. He speaks with Martin Krygier. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 1
17:30 to 18:30		Free Event
Nonfiction, Current Affairs In Conversation  More Info
• Sunday, May 25 2008 •
10 : 00
270: Tea in the Library
Annette Freeman speaks about fulfilling her dream to open a bookshop cafe in Sydney. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 1
10:00 to 11:00		Free Event
Life Writing In Conversation  More Info

271: Paul Ham in Conversation
Paul Ham discusses his new book 'Vietnam: the Australian War'. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 4
10:00 to 11:00		Free Event
History, Culture & Heritage, Current Affairs, In Conversation  More Info
11 : 00
277: Peter van Onselen in Conversation
What does it take to paint a picture of Australia’s head of government? Peter van Onselen shares his experiences with George Negus. 		Pier 2/3, Downstairs
11:00 to 12:00		Ticketed Event
Nonfiction, Life Writing, Current Affairs In Conversation  More Info

278: Stefan Merrill Block in Conversation
Stefan Merrill Block talks to Will Atkinson about 'The Story of Forgetting'. 		Pier 2/3, Upstairs Writers’ Salon
11:00 to 12:00		Ticketed Event
Fiction