Writers Festival at Varuna

For starters, on Saturday, May 27, visit the House itself, a historic and literary centre offering the opportunity to enjoy the venue together with verse brought to life by local poets.

Vanessa Kirkpatrick will head a workshop for those inclined to exercise their own poetic craft. A chance to share your work or favourite verse around the fire-pit in the garden ends the day.

Saturday’s program also features events at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, where you can hear inspirational insights about the highs and lows of becoming published from authors Lisa Chaplin, Catherine Cole, Craig Cormick and Malcolm Knox.

This year’s guests at the Carrington on May 29-30 include the much-loved and prolific author Di Morrissey, who will introduce her latest book, A Distant Journey. Witi Ihimaera from New Zealand, a winner of national and international awards, will reflect on his many achievements by showing clips from his stage shows and movies including Whale Rider and Moana.

Authors of young adult fiction, James Bradley and Mardi McConnochie, will discuss the challenges of writing across genres.

The program also includes the chance to hear Natalie Haynes explore contemporary murder and its narrative connections with ancient Greek tragedy through her book, The Amber Fury.

In honour of the legacy of the Dark family, festival participants will have the opportunity to hear the Dr Dark Memorial Lecture, presented by Professor Wendy Rogers. She will reflect on compelling questions, both as an academic and passionate activist, related to medical ethics and her current work into the trade in human organs.

In addition, the first annual address called “The Legacy of Eleanor Dark” will be delivered by Varuna alumna Delia Falconer.

To view the full program and for bookings, visit www.varuna.com.au/swf or buy tickets from Gleebooks in Sydney and Blackheath, phone 4787 6340.