Booker Prize-winning author Tom Keneally is set to headline this year's Write Here Festival, to be held 16-18 May.
Keneally, whose 1982 novel Schindler's Ark won the prize and was later adapted into the Academy Award-winning Schindler's List, will sit down with local author and journalist Scott Bevan at Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba, on Sunday 18 May for a conversation about his 50-year literary career.
Lake Macquarie City Council Coordinator Lifelong Learning and Engagement Kirrily Anderson said Keneally had remarkably penned an average of one book a year for the past half-century.
"To have someone of Tom Keneally's calibre share his journey and provide some of the inspiration and creativity behind his stories is an incredible opportunity for anyone who loves books and reading," she said.
"We're honoured to welcome him and all the other authors and writers to this year's festival."
Other highlights include:
- A Friday 16 May 'Relax and Write' Lake Macquarie cruise with Magdalena Ball
- A comedy evening with Crips & Creeps - Are You Pulling My Leg? at Warners Bay Theatre, also on 16 May
- An 18 May crime writing panel at Warners Bay Theatre with authors Michael Robotham, Darcy Tindale and Jaye Ford
- An end-to-end 'Crafting the Novel' seminar with Graeme Simsion at Windale Hub, bilyabayi
- A 'Food Passions' panel chat at Windale Hub with Reece Hignell, Jennifer Wong and Kam Chen on 17 May.
"Write Here is a place for writers and readers of all ages to learn the tricks of the trade and be inspired by authors and experts across diverse genres," Ms Anderson said.
Admission to some Write Here events is by gold coin donation, while other tickets attract a fee. Bookings for all sessions are essential. Go to library.lakemac.com/writehere
