Listen up Brisbane readers, writers and thinkers, the Brisbane Writers Festival, now in it’s 56th year, has always explored the big ideas and this year is no exception. With over 200 internationally renowned writers, thinkers and opinion makers appearing at the State Library of Queensland from 6 – 9 September 2018.
This year the Brisbane Writers Festival (BWF) asks the question of our writers and audiences “what does the world need now?”
In 2018 BWF brings the future into focus, showcasing some of the world’s most influential thinkers, each bringing their own unique vision for tomorrow to Brisbane. Ideas as far ranging as raising teens to ending epidemics, politics and the environment, culture and identity and all things writing will be open for discussion over 3 days of readings, debate, special events and free public sessions.
“We all have an idea about what the world needs now. It’s something we’re all talking about be it at home over the dinner table, at work or online. The 2018 program gives audiences the chance to think about the future they would like to create for themselves and come away with real, actionable ideas for positive transformation,” said Acting CEO Ann McLean.
The Festival kicks off with human rights barrister, activist and author Geoffrey Robertson Q.C. talking about his new book Rather His Own Man at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Thursday 6 September. Veronica Roth, bestselling author of the Divergent series will also be a highlight for many – fans should get in early to book for a one-off cosplay themed event in the Festival Hub featuring live music and great food.
Author of the iconic The Devil Wears Prada, Lauren Weisberger will talk at an intimate pre-Festival event at Gerard’s Bistro on Wednesday 5 September about her new book When Life Gives you Lululemons. Incendiary Scottish author and playwright Irvine Welsh takes readers back into the Trainspotting world with his latest book Dead Men’s Trousers – special events will be held at the Tivoli and The Emporium Hotel, South Bank.
Dr Jonathan D. Quick (The End of Epidemics) talks about how we can end deadly infectious disease outbreaks and Philip Hoare takes us on journey into the secret life of whales with
RISINGSEAFALLINGSTAR. Canadian activist and poet Katherena Vermette joins Kate Grenville (Secret River) and Lauren Weisberger for an in-depth analysis of the role of women in public life.
For a complete change of pace A.J. Finn, author of international bestseller The Woman at The
Window, multi award winning Denise Mina (The Long Drop), Dervla McTiernan (The Ruin) and Janet Lee (The Killing of Louisa) talk all things crime.
For those who want to make the leap from reading to writing, there is plenty on offer. Bri Lee
(Eggshell Skull) and editor Kate Goldsworthy explore the finer points of collaboration. Other
immersive workshop sessions include writing for young people, journaling for better writing and
crafting contemporary fiction with Miles Franklin Award winner Sophie Laguna (The Choke).
Other Festival highlights include Osher Gunsberg, Joe Williams and Sam Maguire who will tackle men’s mental health issues with a focus on healing, Cultural awareness for children with award winning author Mem Fox (I’m Australian Too), Australian author Heather Morris talks about her bestselling work, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, a moving true tale of survival and Children’s literature with Children’s Laureates Alison Lester and Morris Gleitzman to name a few.
The BWF closing address with science guru Dr Karl Kruszelnicki brings the ideas explored throughout the festival full circle.
BWF is the must attend event of the year for word lovers be it readers, writers or thinkers, in fact BWF is for anyone who believes in a better future for us all.
Brisbane Writer’s Festival
When – 6 to 9 September, 2018
Where – State Library of Queensland – some special events held at external venues
Cost – Day pass from $70, Two-day pass from $140, Single sessions from $15
Special events are not included in day passes or bundles and must be purchased separately.
Telephone – 07 3255 0254
Website – bwf.org.au