Writers Festival With A Difference

Writers Festivals seem to be popping up all over Australia – some in the most unlikely places. Those in the capital cities are becoming very crowded with little hope of getting anywhere near the presenting author, let alone being able to ask a question.

There is one Writers Festival however, that is very different. Now in its fourth year, the Whitsunday Writers Festival if the only one that offers the opportunity of close contact with the authors over drinks and dinner.

This year the festival will be held 12th-14h of July at Coral Sea Resort, Airlie Beach, a principal sponsor of the event. Speakers include Anita Heiss, is a member of the Wiradjuri nation of central New South Wales and author of Am I Black Enough for You; Tony Ayling marine biologist; Joyce Morgan has worked as a journalist for over 30 years on arts, travel culture. She is former arts editor of the Sydney Morning Herald; Conrad Walters, born in USA, has won awards for investigative journalism, and is married to Joyce. Together they have written Journey on the Silk Road. L.A. Larkin has been nominated for four crime fiction awards and as well as talking about her latest novel Thirst set in Antarctica, she will lead a one day thriller writing workshop on Friday 12th July.

Previous speakers include David Hill, ex CEO of ABC television and Susan Wyndham Literary Editor of The Sydney Morning Herald who both commented that the festival has a lot to offer everyone, including the guest speakers.

As July is peak season for the Whitsundays, this Writers Festival can be combined with a winter holiday. It is a wonderful way to escape the cold weather down South and not as far as Bali. Jetstar and Virgin fly to Hamilton Island and Proserpine.

For further details go to www.wowfestival.blogspot.com