From this Sunday, Fraser Coast readers and writers can grab tickets to the region’s premier literary event, showcasing award-winning authors from across Australia.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the Lines in the Sand Writers Festival will take place on October 12-13 and will include a weekend of inspirational talks from award winning authors and workshops.

“Our Lines in the Sand program is designed to inspire regional readers and writers by offering opportunities to hear from published authors, ask questions, and participate in creativity-boosting workshops,” he said.

“This year’s lineup brings together a remarkable blend of talents and topics, headlined by Rachael Johns who is renowned for her engaging contemporary stories on women’s issues.

“Joining the lineup, we have the brilliant Nick Earls, a master of humorous popular fiction, alongside author and academic Ann-Marie Priest, the first biographer of poet Gwen Harwood, and the multi-talented author, artist, and documentary maker, Vicki Bennett.”

                                            Cr Daniel Sanderson said the program opens at Customs House in Maryborough with Melissa Davis in conversation with Ann-Marie Priest on her multi award winning biography, My Tongue is My Own.

 “Council is thrilled about this year’s lineup, which showcases our unwavering commitment to the arts and our vibrant creative community,” he said.

Three author talks are lined up for Saturday, October 12, featuring:

• Ann-Marie Priest in Conversation with Melissa Davis, Customs House, Maryborough 9.30 – 11am
• Nick Earls, Hervey Bay at Lecture Theatre UniSc – 11am to 12:30pm

• Rachael Johns, UniSC, Fraser Coast (Hervey Bay) – 2pm to 3:30pm

On Sunday, October 13, Hervey Bay will host two interactive writing workshops:

• Rachael Johns – So you want to write a romance? UniSC Fraser Coast – 9am to 11am
• Vicki Bennet – Start writing workshop, UniSc Fraser Coast – 12:30pm to 3:30pm

Bookings are essential as numbers are limited.

“If you’re eager for something before October’s premier event, join us at the Brolga Theatre on Thursday, 26th September, where internationally acclaimed Australian author Peter Watt, will be speaking at the final Lines in the Sand monthly evening session,” Cr Seymour said.

“The Lines in the Sand program is part of Council’s plan to build better communities together by providing opportunities for residents and visitors to appreciate arts, heritage and culture.”

All tickets are free and are available from Sunday September 1 at: https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/author-talks-2

Article submitted by Fraser Coast Regional Council