BRISBANE WRITERS FESTIVAL ANNOUNCE 2018 LINE UP
Brisbane Writers Festival (BWF) has today announced a full line up of over 200 internationally renowned writers, thinkers and opinion makers appearing at the State Library of Queensland from 6 – 9 September 2018. Now in its 56th year, BWF has always explored the big ideas – this year is no exception as we put the question to our writers and audiences “what does the world need now?”
In 2018 BWF brings the future into focus, showcasing some of the world’s most influential thinkers, each bringing their own unique vision for tomorrow to Brisbane. Ideas as far ranging as raising teens to ending epidemics, politics and the environment, culture and identity and all things writing will be open for discussion over 3 days of readings, debate, special events and free public sessions.
“We all have an idea about what the world needs now. It’s something we’re all talking about be it at home over the dinner table, at work or online. The 2018 program gives audiences the chance to think about the future they would like to create for themselves and come away with real, actionable ideas for positive transformation,” said Acting CEO Ann McLean.
“Our audiences are curious and always looking for ways to connect with new ideas. This year the program offers up so many opportunities to hear diverse perspectives on the issues that are shaping our world right now.”
The Festival kicks off with human rights barrister, activist and author Geoffrey Robertson Q.C. talking about his new book Rather His Own Man at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Thursday 6 September. Veronica Roth, bestselling author of the Divergent series will also be a highlight for many – fans should get in early to book for a one-off cosplay themed event in the Festival Hub featuring live music and great food.
Author of the iconic The Devil Wears Prada, Lauren Weisberger will talk at an intimate pre-Festival event at Gerard’s Bistro on Wednesday 5 September about her new book When Life Gives you Lululemons. Incendiary Scottish author and playwright Irvine Welsh takes readers back into the Trainspotting world with his latest book Dead Men’s Trousers – special events will be held at the Tivoli and The Emporium Hotel, South Bank.
Dr Jonathan D. Quick (The End of Epidemics) talks about how we can end deadly infectious disease outbreaks and Philip Hoare takes us on journey into the secret life of whales with RISINGSEAFALLINGSTAR. Canadian activist and poet Katherena Vermette joins Kate Grenville (Secret River) and Lauren Weisberger for an in-depth analysis of the role of women in public life.
For a complete change of pace A.J. Finn, author of international bestseller The Woman at The Window, multi award winning Denise Mina (The Long Drop), Dervla McTiernan (The Ruin) and Janet Lee (The Killing of Louisa) talk all things crime.
For those who want to make the leap from reading to writing, there is plenty on offer. Bri Lee (Eggshell Skull) and editor Kate Goldsworthy explore the finer points of collaboration. Other immersive workshop sessions include writing for young people, journaling for better writing and crafting contemporary fiction with Miles Franklin Award winner Sophie Laguna (The Choke).
Other Festival highlights include:
– Aussie rock legend Tim Rogers of You Am I fame talks about Detours, his charming, tender and beautiful literary
memoir with Robert Forster (The Go Betweens)
– Martin Betts in conversation with Jackie Ryan (Expo 88 We’ll Show the World) about the party that changed Brisbane
forever
– Victorian Premier’s Literary Award winner Tony Birch talks about Common People, his unforgettable collection of
stories about people caught up in the everyday business of living and struggling to survive
– Australian author Heather Morris talks about her bestselling work, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, a moving true tale
of survival
– Children’s literature with Children’s Laureates Alison Lester and Morris Gleitzman
– Welcome to Country – Aboriginal history and tourism with anthropologist and geographer Professor Marcia Langton AM
– Osher Gunsberg, Joe Williams and Sam Maguire tackle men’s mental health issues with a focus on healing
– An insightful discussion on Treaty with Megan Davis, Professor Marcia Langton AM and Stephen Mam
– Cultural awareness for children with award winning author Mem Fox (I’m Australian Too)
– Poetry takes centre stage with sessions by Rabbit Journal, Anthony Lawrence, Zenobia Frost, Rebecca Jesson and Shastra Deo
The BWF closing address with science guru Dr Karl Kruszelnicki brings the ideas explored throughout the festival full circle.
“Brisbane Writers Festival will bring together some of the most innovative and challenging local and international thinkers. BWF 2018 is for anyone who believes in a better future for everyone.”
The full Brisbane Writers Festival program is available from 5 July with tickets on sale to the public from 10 July. Visit www.bwf.org.au.
