Clunes Booktown Festival

Some of our most innovative and exciting contemporary fiction is influenced by the impending climate crisis. Three highly imaginative writers, Rose Michael, Paul J Hardisty and Rhett Davis, explore a future facing climate catastrophe through their writing and come up with some surprising conclusions. Chaired by Mel Fulton from RRR.

Poetry sustains us during difficult times, it touches our heart and souls with immediacy and resonance. Come hear three of our most exciting poets evoke words of power and hope to guide us through these challenging times. Featuring Maxine Beneba Clarke, Jeanine Leane and Thuy On, chaired by Chris Gordon.

Be inspired by ex-Greens leader and lifelong environmentalist, Bob Brown, in conversation with ABC broadcaster Hilary Harper, as he discusses some of the pivotal campaigns of his career and examples of active resistance. This will be an empowering session for young and old who want to stand up for the planet.

Sofie Laguna’s latest novel, The Underworld, is a coming of age story about a misfit teenage girl sent to boarding school, studying Latin and entranced by Roman mythology and the concept of the underworld. In this conversation, Jane Sullivan will explore the mythic and being on the cusp of adulthood with the author.

  Since ancient times, theatrical performances have been spaces to ask difficult questions, make people feel heard and even generate social change. Three esteemed playwrights, Mary Anne Butler, Samah Sabawi and Nathan Maynard, discuss with theatre maker Mari Lourey why they write plays and the ongoing power and importance of theatre.

Kick off the festival by listening to stories told by some of our foremost First Nations authors incorporating oral storytelling traditions. Be captivated by Jeanine Leane, Ron Murray and Susie Anderson as they each tell us a story that is important to them and their culture.

Hear a short sample from three of the books shortlisted for the inaugural John Clarke Prize for Humour Writing, followed by a discussion led by judging panelist (and daughter of John) Lorin Clarke. How hard is it to write something funny? Can anything be funny for anybody? And why is it important to champion humourous writing? Hear from Sam Elkin (Detachable Penis), Gabiann Marin (The Medusa Proje...

Explore the undiscovered experiences of ageing. Brian Castro (Chinese Postman), Carol Lefevre (Bloomer), and Anna Johnston (The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife) discuss the unexpected joys, reflective moments, and opportunities for flourishing that can arise as we grow older. In conversation with Clunes community elder Tess Brady.

Three experts in the environmental field - Gardening Australia's Costa Georgiadis, Milkwood's Kirsten Bradley, and permaculture co-founder David Holmgren - will discuss the challenges of our rapidly changing climate and how we can adapt, not only our gardens but also various aspects of our lifestyles, in an increasingly uncertain world.

Helen Garner discusses her latest book, The Season, in which she follows her grandson’s under-16 footy team. In typical Garner style, this book explores many themes - ageing, family, masculinity, and the epic theatre of Australian football. Her sharp observations will be drawn out by her biographer, Sean O’Beirne.

Professional foodie Jess Ho (Raised by Wolves), chef Helly Raichura (The Food of Bharat), and ASRC founder Kon Karapanagiotidis (A Seat at My Table: Philoxenia) talk about the role food plays in their lives, the contrast between restaurant food and home cooking, sustainability, and how food can create community. Hosted by Chris Gordon from Readings.

Kate Grenville has often drawn inspiration from her family history for her writing. In her new memoir, Unsettled: A Journey Through Time and Place, she revisits her family story and repositions First Peoples within it. In conversation with Jason Steger, she will reassess both her own and Australia’s history of colonisation.

Language evokes childhood memories, the wonder of Country, and the essence of humanity. Join First Nations poets Evelyn Araluen (Dropbear) and Jeanine Leane (Gawimarra: Gathering), along with artist Vicki Couzens, as they discuss their favourite words in First Nations languages from the collection Words to Sing the World Alive, with chair Jane Harrison (The Visitors).

Talented storytellers from the Goldfields region discuss their inspiration, motivation, and what makes a good story - whether fictional or true. Hear from Vanessa Bowen (Apple Pies and Other Lies), Em Chandler (Out-Side: Queer Words and Art from Regional Victoria), and JC Ryland (The Player and the Prince), with chair Sez Lothian.

Autism, ADHD, and dyslexia diagnoses are on the rise, yet society remains slow in providing adequate support for neurodiversity at home, school, and work. Join Clem Bastow (Late Bloomer and Someone Like Me), Sarah Hayden (Parenting Different), Jess Ho (Someone Like Me), and chair Kim Percy as they unpack the stereotypes and share insights on living with neurodiversity.

Romantasy is currently the biggest book trend in the world. Is it a new idea or just a new name for something that's been around forever? Join authors Alexandra Almond (Thoroughly Disenchanted), Keshe Chow (The Girl with No Reflection), and Lili Wilkinson (Unhallowed Halls) as they discuss the genre with agent Alex Adsett.

Music is both universal and deeply personal. So how can you effectively write about such an intimate aural experience? Spinning these musical musings will be Kirsten Krauth (Almost a Mirror & The Kylie Playlist), Thuy On (The Kylie Playlist), and Jordan Prosser (Big Time), expertly mixed by by RRR Breakfaster Daniel Burt.

It’s time for truth-telling. Author Kate Grenville (Unsettled: A Journey Through Time and Place), author Jane Harrison (The Visitors), and historians Clare Wright (Näku Dhäruk: The Bark Petitions) and Amanda Laugesen (Australia in 100 Words) will explore the reality behind Australia’s colonial myths in an enlightening session with Barry Golding.

What makes us turn away from blood and gore and crave small towns, mysterious bookshops, and seaside resorts with eccentric characters? Join Jacqui Horwood from Sisters in Crime as she discusses the joys of cozy mysteries with Amanda Hampson (The Tea Ladies series), Elizabeth Coleman (A Dance with Murder), and Aoife Clifford (It Takes a Town).