The seventh annual Word for Word National Non-Fiction Festival kicks off  this weekend- online!

The line-up features big names including former Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove, Robert Dessaix, Meg Keneally, John Wood, Heather Morris, Jean Kittson, Virginia Trioli, Louise Milligan and many more appearing in the online festival over three days from 20-22 November 2020.

For the first time authors will also be joining us live from US, including controversial feminist Mona Eltahawy who will speak about her latest book The Seven Necessary Sins of Women and Girls; and cultural anthropologist Eben Kirksey book The Mutant Project will mark its Australian launch at the festival.

Geelong-based star of stage and screen Bert LaBonté will MC the festival, guiding attendees through Connections to the festival’s Geelong roots will come in the form of art curator and writer Quentin Sprague, who joins fellow Nib Awards finalists on a panel to discuss his debut book The Stranger Artist; and Geelong-raised Walkley Award-winning journalist, broadcaster and author Garry Linnell will discuss his new book Moonlite.

Geelong Regional Library Corporation CEO Patti Manolis OAM says, “This year’s theme ‘Life, Changing’ is so apt for these times. The 2020 program features some of Australia’s brightest writers and thinkers who will explore some of today’s biggest issues: climate change, true crime, global politics, feminism, health and ageing, science, history and more.”
Festival Director Rochelle Smith says, “The online program boasts 20 live, online sessions including panels and in conversations sessions. We also explore forms of non-fiction writing and ideas beyond books, including a workshop on unconscious bias and cultural respect, a moving theatrical monologue performance, a debut screening of a short documentary, blogging and photography.”

Don't miss Word for Word’s inaugural Schools Program in partnership with Magabala Books – Australia’s leading Indigenous publisher; with free three sessions available for schools on Friday 20 November: for young children Sue Lawson & Aunty Fay Muir (Our Place series), older primary/young secondary students Bruce Pascoe (Young Dark Emu) and for young adults Kirli Saunders (Kindred and Bindi).”

Word for Word is made possible by the support of principal partners Deakin University, City of Greater Geelong and Geelong Regional Library Corporation; presenting partners James Bennett and Bolinda BorrowBox.

Explore the full program and book your sessions now!