Sydney Writers' Festival 2008 - Online Program
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• Thursday, May 15 2008 •
18 : 00
1: Launch: Westside 08
A showcase of young writers, artists and photographers of Western Sydney. 		Bankstown Town Hall
18:00 to 20:00		Free Event
Fiction Launch  More Info
• Saturday, May 17 2008 •
09 : 30
5: Workshop: Creativity, Memory and Place with Catherine Cole  * SOLD OUT *
Explore creativity, ideas, memory and place, and learn new ways of thinking about how you write. 		Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, Woolley Room
09:30 to 12:30		Ticketed Event
Life Writing, Industry, Fiction Workshops  More Info
13 : 30
335: Workshop: Creativity, Memory and Place with Catherine Cole  * SOLD OUT *
Explore creativity, ideas, memory and place, and learn new ways of thinking about how you write. 		Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, Woolley Room
13:30 to 16:30		Ticketed Event
Life Writing, Industry, Fiction Workshops  More Info

338: Workshop: Crime Writing with Michael Robotham  * SOLD OUT *
A workshop for budding crime writers who are not quite able to get started or finished. 		Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, Carmichael Room
13:30 to 16:30		Ticketed Event
Industry, Crime, Fiction Workshops  More Info
• Sunday, May 18 2008 •
13 : 30
7: Workshop: Crime Writing with Michael Robotham  * SOLD OUT *
A workshop for budding crime writers who are not quite able to get started or finished. 		Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, Carmichael Room
13:30 to 16:30		Ticketed Event
Crime, Industry, Fiction Workshops  More Info
• Monday, May 19 2008 •
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
11: Workshop: Introduction to Creative Writing with Roland Fishman  * SOLD OUT *
Unlock your creative potential and dramatically improve the quality of your writing. 		Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, Woolley Room
13:00 to 17:00		Ticketed Event
Fiction, Industry Workshops  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
18 : 00
16: Linda Jaivin at Kings Cross Library
Linda Jaivin discusses her work, the writing process, and the question of inspiration. 		Kings Cross Library
18:00 to 19:00		Free Event
Fiction Author Talk  More Info
18 : 30
18: NSW Premier’s Literary Awards Dinner
Prizes presented by the Minister for the Arts and the Premier of NSW. 		Art Gallery of New South Wales
18:30 to 23:00		Ticketed Event
Fiction, Nonfiction Special Event  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
15 : 00
30: Writing Obsessions: New Australian Fiction
Vicki Hastrich, Toni Jordon and Camilla Noli discuss obsession in their novels. 		Carrington Hotel, Katoomba
15:00 to 16:00		Ticketed Event
Fiction Panel  More Info
18 : 30
31: Right Down to the Plumbing: Speculative Fiction and World-building
D.M. Cornish, David Kowalski and Stuart Mayne discuss speculative and fantasy fiction writing. 		Blacktown City Max Webber Library
18:30 to 19:30		Free Event
Fiction, Children & Young Adults Panel  More Info

32: Opening Address: Jeanette Winterson
Jeanette Winterson opens SWF 2008 with her address, 'GET A BOOK GET A LIFE! how words create meaning'. 		Sydney Opera House, Concert Hall
18:30 to 20:00		Ticketed Event
Fiction Lecture  More Info
19 : 00
33: Exploring Multilingual Spaces – Auburn
Readings by members of Auburn Poets and Writers Group. 		Auburn Council Town Hall
19:00 to 22:00		Free Event
Culture & Heritage, Fiction, Poetry Reading  More Info
• Wednesday, May 21 2008 •
09 : 30
37: Workshop: Writing Children's Picture Books with Libby Gleeson  * SOLD OUT *
Learn about the process of writing a picture book for children. 		Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, Carmichael Room
09:30 to 12:30		Ticketed Event
Fiction, Industry Workshops  More Info
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

46: Writers as Readers
Matthew Condon, Gail Jones and Samuel Wagan Watson discuss their literary education with Mary Kostakidis. 		Riverside Theatres, Lennox Theatre
18:30 to 19:30		Free Event
Culture & Heritage, Fiction, Nonfiction Panel  More Info
• Thursday, May 22 2008 •
09 : 30
337: Workshop: Playing Between the Frames - Creating Graphic Novels with Nicki Greenberg
Explore the process of telling stories in which pictures play a major narrative role. 		Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, Woolley Room
09:30 to 12:30		Ticketed Event
Fiction, Industry Workshops  More Info
10 : 00
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
10 : 30
61: The University of Notre Dame New Writers
Readings and performances from students of the University of Notre Dame, Sydney. 		Bangarra Theatre
10:30 to 11:30		Free Event
Fiction, Poetry Reading  More Info
11 : 30
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

65: The Final Journey
Debra Adelaide, Virginia Lloyd and Susan Wyndham discuss writing about dying in fiction, memoir and nonfiction. 		Pier 2/3, Downstairs
11:30 to 12:30		Ticketed Event
Fiction, Nonfiction, Life Writing Panel  More Info
13 : 00
79: Secrets and Lies
Malcolm Knox, David Brooks and Virginia Duigan discuss their novels filled with secrets that demand to be addressed. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 2/3
13:00 to 14:00		Free Event
Fiction Panel  More Info
13 : 30
84: Tales of Obsession
David Davidar, Vicki Hastrich and Toni Jordan consider the thrall of obsession in their novels. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 4
13:30 to 14:30		Free Event
Fiction Panel  More Info

346: Workshop: Writing Historical Fiction with Antoni Jach
Explore the process of writing a novel that uses history for the purposes of creating fiction. 		Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, Carmichael Room
13:30 to 16:30		Ticketed Event
Fiction, Industry Workshops  More Info
14 : 00
86: Gayle Kennedy at Liverpool Library
Gayle Kennedy shares stories from 'Me, Antman & Fleabag'. 		Liverpool Central Library
14:00 to 15:00		Free Event
Indigenous, Fiction Author Talk  More Info
14 : 30
94: Love and War
Peter Ho Davies and Sara Knox talk about their love stories set in World War II. 		Sydney Theatre, Richard Wherrett Studio
14:30 to 15:30		Ticketed Event
Fiction, History Panel  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
97: Identity
Tom Gilling and Kevin Rabalais discuss the theme of identity in their novels. 		Bangarra Mezzanine
15:30 to 16:30		Free Event
Fiction Panel  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

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

102: Grit
Philippe Claudel, Cherie Dimaline, Merlinda Bobis and Rhyll McMaster discuss writing a sordid reality. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 2/3
16:00 to 17:00		Free Event
Fiction Panel  More Info
18 : 00
108: Writers as Readers
Helen Garner, Luke Davies, Christos Tsiolkas and Samuel Wagan Watson discuss their literary education with Mary Kostakidis. 		Pier 2/3, Downstairs
18:00 to 19:30		Free Event
Culture & Heritage, Fiction, Nonfiction Panel  More Info
18 : 30
118: Sara Knox at Newtown Library
Sara Knox discusses her debut novel, 'The Orphan Gunner'. 		Newtown Library
18:30 to 19:30		Free Event
Fiction, History Author Talk  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
129: Australian Classics
Jane Gleeson-White, Christos Tsiolkas, Sophie Cunningham and Georgia Blain discuss classic works of Australian literature. 		Pier 2/3, Upstairs Writers’ Salon
10:00 to 11:00		Ticketed Event
Culture & Heritage, Fiction Panel  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
10 : 30
135: Unlikely Love Stories
Toni Jordan, Laurence Fearnley and Fiona Capp discuss finding love in unexpected places. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 1
10:30 to 11:30		Free Event
Fiction Panel  More Info
11 : 30
139: Family Matters
Charlotte Wood, Joan London and Michelle de Kretser discuss the intimate and complex ties of family relationships. 		Pier 2/3, Downstairs
11:30 to 12:30		Ticketed Event
Fiction Panel  More Info
12 : 30
148: Anne Enright Literary Lunch
Man Booker Prize winner Anne Enright speaks about 'The Gathering' over lunch. 		The Sebel Pier One Sydney, Harbour Watch Room
12:30 to 14:30		Ticketed Event
Fiction Literary Lunch/Dinner  More Info

147: The Earth That Sustains Us
Gregory Day and Forrest Gander discuss the natural and cultural textures that sustain us in life. 		Bangarra Mezzanine
12:30 to 13:30		Free Event
Science & Environment, Culture & Heritage, Poetry, Panel  More Info
13 : 00
156: When Words and Science Meet  * SOLD OUT *
Stefan Merrill Block and Vincent Lam talk about their science-infused novels. 		Sydney Theatre, Richard Wherrett Studio
13:00 to 14:00		Ticketed Event
Science & Environment, Fiction Panel  More Info

154: Paydirt
Kathleen Mary Fallon performs excerpts from her deeply affecting novel, 'Paydirt'. 		Sydney Philharmonia Choir Studio
13:00 to 14:00		Free Event
Indigenous, Fiction, Culture & Heritage Performance  More Info

153: Workshop: Introduction to Creative Writing with Roland Fishman  * SOLD OUT *
Unlock your creative potential and dramatically improve the quality of your writing. 		Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, Woolley Room
13:00 to 17:00		Ticketed Event
Fiction, Industry Workshops  More Info

151: The Voyeurism of Biography
Virginia Duigan and Jacqueline Kent speak about the invasive tendencies of biography. 		Pier 2/3, Upstairs Writers’ Salon
13:00 to 14:00		Ticketed Event
Fiction, Life Writing, Nonfiction Panel  More Info
13 : 30
159: Small Stories, Big Politics
Jan Wong, Merlinda Bobis and Naldo Rei discuss writing personal stories within big political narratives. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 4
13:30 to 14:30		Free Event
Nonfiction, Fiction, Life Writing Panel  More Info
14 : 30
165: Booklust
Jane Gleeson-White and Ramona Koval speak about their shared passion for books and writing. 		Pier 2/3, Upstairs Writers’ Salon
14:30 to 15:30		Ticketed Event
Fiction Panel  More Info

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

167: For Young and Old
Matthew Condon and Laurence Fearnley discuss youth and experience in the context of their latest novels. 		Sydney Philharmonia Choir Studio
14:30 to 15:30		Free Event
Fiction Panel  More Info
15 : 00
170: The Overland Debate: The Future of Australian Fiction
Kalinda Ashton chairs a debate between Peter Craven and Ken Gelder about the future of Australian fiction. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 1
15:00 to 16:00		Free Event
Fiction Panel  More Info

171: Thrilling Tales
Fasten your seatbelt as Michael Robotham and Michael White discuss their mystery thrillers. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 4
15:00 to 16:00		Free Event
Fiction, Crime Panel  More Info
16 : 00
175: Bound to the Track
Charlotte Wood, Mireille Juchau and Malcolm Knox discuss how past experience resurfaces in the lives of their characters. 		Pier 2/3, Upstairs Writers’ Salon
16:00 to 17:00		Ticketed Event
Fiction Panel  More Info

178: Imagining History
From Russia to pre-colonial Papua and outback Australia, Simon Sebag Montefiore, Trevor Shearston and Kevin Rabalais discuss their novels inspired by historical events. 		Sydney Theatre at Walsh Bay
16:00 to 17:00		Ticketed Event
Fiction, History Panel  More Info

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

173: Launch: UTS Writers' Anthology
UTS launches 'We All Need a Witness' with readings from anthology contributors. 		Bangarra Theatre
16:00 to 17:30		Free Event
Fiction Launch  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
16 : 30
179: Families Through Generations
Three writers discuss how family history can provide useful background for writing. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 1
16:30 to 17:30		Free Event
Life Writing, Fiction Panel  More Info
18 : 00
184: Launch: The Household Guide to Dying
Picador launches Debra Adelaide’s 'The Household Guide to Dying'. 		Sydney Theatre, Richard Wherrett Studio
18:00 to 20:00		Free Event
Fiction Launch  More Info
18 : 30
187: Bob Carr’s Reading Life
Bibliophile Bob Carr speaks about his profound love of reading books. 		Penrith City Library
18:30 to 20:00		Ticketed Event
Culture & Heritage, Fiction, Life Writing Lecture  More Info
19 : 00
193: The Big Reading
Readings from Junot Díaz, Anne Enright, Heather O’Neill, Vincent Lam and Stefan Merrill Block. 		Sydney Theatre at Walsh Bay
19:00 to 20:30		Ticketed Event
Fiction Reading  More Info
• Saturday, May 24 2008 •
09 : 30
 
196: Exploring Multilingual Spaces – Walsh Bay
Readings by members of Auburn Poets and Writers Group. 		Bangarra Theatre
09:30 to 10:30		Free Event
Poetry, Culture & Heritage, Fiction Reading  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
10 : 00
 
310: Heroes and Criminals
Steve Toltz, Chris Womersley and Michael Robotham discuss good people who do bad things. 		Sydney Dance Company, Studio 2/3
10:00 to 11:00		Free Event
Fiction Panel  More Info


 
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