Monday 8 July 2024

We are very proud to present the 2024 Local Word Writers Festival for writers and readers. 

Local Word Writers Festival is an annual event which will take place from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 August 2024 at the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre, plus several libraries around Geelong Regional Libraries’ network.

With many sessions designed for local writers (established, emerging and aspiring), the diverse program will appeal to writers, book lovers and creatives alike. Most featured authors and presenters are local to the G21 region.

On Friday 23 August there will be four writers’ workshops at libraries throughout the region including: Poets Go To War with John Bartlett (Queenscliff Library), Picture Book Writing 101 with Heather Gallagher (Colac Library), Opinion Pieces Writing – Getting Paid For What You Know with Cherie Gilmour (Corio Library) and Writing For Theatre And Character Development with Christine Croyden (Waurn Ponds Library).

At Deakin Waterfront Campus you can attend the Rare Australian Fairytale Showcase, a pop-up exhibition of rare Australian fairytales from their unique collection, brought to life through a digital display. Entry is free and bookings are not needed.

On Saturday 25 August there will be three more writer’s workshops including: Somatic Writing – Engaging with The Senses with Kim Sargent-Wishart (Bannockburn Library), Digging Into the Past, Into the Present: The Archaeology Of Writing with Robyn Rowland (Torquay Library), and Word Play For All Ages – Using Play to Get Writing with Suzy Male (Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library).

And at Ocean Grove Library guests can attend Forming Connected Family Relationships Through Story Telling, a presentation including Q & A with Andy McNeilly.

On Saturday there will also be a special evening event: Into Your Arms – Celebrating the Words and Music of Nick Cave (Geelong Regional Library and Heritage Centre). Featuring readings from three local writers, this event will draw on the evocative music and words of Nick Cave to bring to life original and unsettling tales of crime, faith, violence, and love. Canapes and drinks provided.

On Sunday 25 there will be five panel discussions, all held at Geelong Regional Library & Heritage Centre, including:

• My Backyard, A Story About the Wadawurrung People: Led by Tom Molyneux, Gunditjmara man & creative professional based in Geelong and featuring Vicky Grosser, President of Geelong One Fire and Kerry Spina.
• The Power of Positive Publishing - Writing Self-Help: Featuring local authors and professional businesswomen Justine Martin, Sue Wong and Rosanne Michie and led by panel chair, local author Fiona Lowe.
• Beyond the Coffee Table Book – Exploring Publishing in Art, Design and Nature: Featuring author and artist Helen Bodycomb, writer Patricia Callan and photographer Anthony Car, and chaired by local writer Abigayle Carmody.
• Crime Fiction Explored: Featuring geologist turned journalist/author Rick Wilkinson, adult, children’s and YA author Christine Keighery, and recently published crime writer, Stuart Rosson. Discussion led by Lindy Cameron, crime author and founder of Clan Destine Press.
• Decoding The Publishing Industry – Q & A session (FREE! Bookings required): Featuring editor/writing coach, Liz Monument, author and hybrid publisher, Sarah Walkerden, local published poet Alex Creece and Abbey Lay, who was recently shortlisted for the Victorian Premier’s Award for an Unpublished Manuscript. Chaired by local author Jen Kloester.

Tickets go on sale Monday 8 July and for the first time this year you can buy an Early Bird Festival Pass for just $70, giving access to up to seven events across the three days (t&c's apply). 

Visit the webpage for all the details.