Six renowned authors will come together in the Shoalhaven to share their inspiring literary journeys as part of a unique event to mark International Women's Day.
Hosted by Shoalhaven Libraries, the In Her Words event will be held at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre on Saturday 7 March to celebrate women authors, the highs and lows of their writing experiences and the importance of community in the literary world.
"This is more than a panel of authors discussing their work, this event is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and connection," said Shoalhaven Mayor Patricia White.
"This incredible line-up of authors will be inspiring to hear from, not just for aspiring female authors but for all women who have undoubtedly faced and overcome challenges in their professional and personal lives," Cr White said.
"I encourage the community to head along to the In Her Words event and be both moved and entertained by the candid tales of each of these remarkable women," she said.
In Her Words is a free event that will be held at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre on Bridge Road, Nowra from 10am. It will feature discussions with:
- Claudine Tinnellis
- Karina May
- Aunty Barb Nicholson
- Hayley Scrivenor
- Catherine McKinnon
- Camille Booker
Claudine Tinnellis is a Sydney-based author, podcaster, and literary advocate. She was a corporate lawyer before transitioning into publishing in 2014. Ms Tinnellis is best known as the creator and host of the popular podcast Talking Aussie Books, which champions Australian fiction and has featured hundreds of authors.
Karina May is one of Australia's brightest new voices in women's commercial fiction. A former magazine journalist turned digital marketer, she is the author of romantic comedies including Duck à l'Orange for Breakfast and Never Ever Forever.
Aunty Barb Nicholson is a respected Wadi Wadi Elder, poet, and activist from the Illawarra. She holds a degree in English Literature and an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Wollongong. She is the founder and director of the Ngana Barangarai (Black Wallaby) Project, which publishes anthologies of writing by First Nations inmates, including the acclaimed Dreaming Inside series.
Hayley Scrivenor is the internationally bestselling author of Dirt Town and Girl Falling. She has a PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Wollongong and lives on Dharawal Country.
Catherine McKinnon is a Miles Franklin Award-shortlisted author and playwright. Her acclaimed novel Storyland was shortlisted for multiple literary prizes, and her latest work, To Sing of War, has been praised for its lyrical depth and historical scope. She teaches creative writing at the University of Wollongong.
Camille Booker is an award-winning historical fiction author and creative writing teacher. Her debut novel What If You Fly? was published in 2021, and her second, The Woman in the Waves, which was released in 2025, won the Hawkeye Manuscript Development Prize.
