A picturesque islet at the eastern end of the beach causes a perfect break. Time and again surfboard riders catch the curl of turquoise water into the shallows. The holiday ambience of Byron Bay sets the mood for its Writers Festival on 9-11 August.
Festival Director, Jessica Alice, has gathered over 150 International and Australian writers to discuss their stories and promote their books. It’s a delight for readers whether their interest is politics, poetry, the environment or just life’s traumas.
Four massive marquees span the Bangalow Showground for the second year here. The A&I Hall is also used for presenters and another building has become The Book Room. Coffee caravans attract queues and an array of food stalls offer delicious treats for lunch.
Sculptures are dotted throughout the site to enhance the creativity of this event. ‘Rotten to the Core’ is a giant marble apple with a section apparently chewed out of it, sitting on the lawn, sculpted by Nicola Harris.
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‘Rotten to the Core’
One highlight of the Friday sessions is author, Suzie Miller in conversation with Steph Harmon discussing her powerful novel Prima Facie. Based on Miller’s play of the same name it tells the story of a woman defence lawyer who is raped herself. This play has affected the law both here and in the UK. Judges and police watch a video of the play as part of their training.
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Suzie Miller
Saturday morning starts with a session featuring Charlotte Wood on her novel, Stone Yard Devotional. This involves a woman choosing to isolate herself by joining a group of nuns in the Monaro region.
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Charlotte Wood
In the next session Trent Dalton is in conversation with Julia Baird. He comes up on stage in the overcrowded marquee waving to readers like a rock star. This novel, Lola in the Mirror goes back to the difficulties in life around Brisbane and is enhanced by the artwork of Paul Heppell. Baird’s latest book, Bright Shining, is shortlisted for Non-Fiction Book of the Year. Both writers have taken on adversity with their creativity. Their talk is so warm and emotional they receive thunderous applause and a standing ovation.
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Trent Dalton
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Julia Baird
Ailsa Piper is in a session named Writing Pain, chaired by Ashley Hay. Piper talks about her recent memoir, For Life, written following the sudden death of her husband after 28 years together. She had won me over as a reader with Sinning Across Spain so her latest book is a must purchase. Her vibrant presentation is delightful.
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Ailsa Piper
For sheer entertainment value Bryan Brown, actor turned writer, is another session not to be missed. Under scrutiny is his first crime novel, The Drowning, in the capable hands of Jennifer Byrne. While Brown has been into storytelling most of his life as an actor and producer, it’s the writing process that’s new to him and he enjoys it. He loves delving into who the character is and what motivates them to enter the dark side.
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Bryan Brown
Sunday morning begins with a political session. Nick Bryant, a former BBC Washington correspondent discusses his new book, The Forever War: America’s Unending Conflict with Itself, with Chris Hanley. With a UK and Australian background, Bryant is amazingly articulate analysing America’s problems. While he’s excited by events since Biden stepped down, he maintains anything could happen. The US’s broken economy has middle America suffering and angry which means they turn to populists like Trump.
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Nick Bryant
The Power of Creativity session features Caitlin Marshall, Lizzie Rose and Kate Ceberano with chair Mandy Nolan. Marshal and Rose have co-founded Makeshift, providing trauma-informed creativity and mental health programs, leading to their book, Creative First Aid. Ceberano’s book, Unsung, is an illustrated memoir of her song lyrics, stories, paintings, quilts and other artworks. While comedian, Nolan keeps the focus on creativity, at one point Ceberano sings the song ‘I Will Survive’. A packed marquee audience goes berserk and joins in.
For intellectual stimulation, emotional intelligence and entertainment Byron Bay Writers Festival has to be the best in Australia. I can’t wait to see the list of writers for 2025.