Sunshine Coast Hinterland Writers Festival Author Panels & Events

Choose your tickets

1. Maleny Author Panel: The 'Story' in History Sat 12 Oct 9.00-9.45am

   Location: Maleny Community Centre, 23 Maple Street, Maleny Melissa Ashley, Christine Wells, Lisa Brookhouse Chair: Lauren Elise Daniels Join us for a fascinating discussion with historical fiction authors as they delve into the art of crafting compelling stories set in bygone eras. From meticulously researched details to the challenges of bringing historical figures to life, our panelists will share their insights and experiences in recreating the past for modern readers.

   Location: Maleny Community Centre, 23 Maple Street, Maleny Melissa Ashley, Christine Wells, Lisa Brookhouse Chair: Lauren Elise Daniels Join us for a fascinating discussion with historical fiction authors as they delve into the art of crafting compelling stories set in bygone eras. From meticulously researched details to the challenges of bringing historical figures to life, our panelists will share their insights and experiences in recreating the past for modern readers.

   $15.00 + $1.75 fee

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2. Maleny Author Panel: Connecting to Country Sat 12 Oct 10.00-10.45am

   Location: Maleny Community Centre, 23 Maple Street, Maleny Nardi Simpson, Mindy Woods Join us for a powerful discussion with a panel of First Nations writers as they share their experiences and insights on connecting to country through fictional and food writing. Together, they'll discuss the importance of Indigenous storytelling and perspectives in literature.

   Location: Maleny Community Centre, 23 Maple Street, Maleny Nardi Simpson, Mindy Woods Join us for a powerful discussion with a panel of First Nations writers as they share their experiences and insights on connecting to country through fictional and food writing. Together, they'll discuss the importance of Indigenous storytelling and perspectives in literature.

   $15.00 + $1.75 fee

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3. Maleny Author Panel: Criminal Minds Sat 12 Oct 11.00-11.45am

   Location: Maleny Community Centre, 23 Maple Street, Maleny Candice Fox, Georgia Harper, Nikki Mottram Chair: Ben Hobson Join us for a thrilling discussion with a panel of acclaimed crime fiction authors as they dive into the darker corners of the human experience. Together, they'll discuss the art of crime writing and the psychology of creating believable villains, while they keep their readers guessing.

   Location: Maleny Community Centre, 23 Maple Street, Maleny Candice Fox, Georgia Harper, Nikki Mottram Chair: Ben Hobson Join us for a thrilling discussion with a panel of acclaimed crime fiction authors as they dive into the darker corners of the human experience. Together, they'll discuss the art of crime writing and the psychology of creating believable villains, while they keep their readers guessing.

   $15.00 + $1.75 fee

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4. Maleny Author Panel: Travels Through Time 12 Oct 12.00-12.45pm

   Location: Maleny Community Centre, 23 Maple Street, Maleny Siang Lu, Kári Gíslason, Bill Crozier Chair: Ashley Hay Step into the realms of past and future with these captivating authors and explore how their books navigate history’s ancient corridors and futuristic landscapes. Whether it’s through ancient wisdom, alternate histories, or visionary futures, these storytellers craft journeys that challenge our perceptions and ignite our imaginations.

   Location: Maleny Community Centre, 23 Maple Street, Maleny Siang Lu, Kári Gíslason, Bill Crozier Chair: Ashley Hay Step into the realms of past and future with these captivating authors and explore how their books navigate history’s ancient corridors and futuristic landscapes. Whether it’s through ancient wisdom, alternate histories, or visionary futures, these storytellers craft journeys that challenge our perceptions and ignite our imaginations.

   $15.00 + $1.75 fee

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5. Maleny Author Panel: Andrew Stafford Sat 12 Oct 5.00-5.45pm

   Location: Maleny Lane, 38 Maple Street, Maleny Andrew Stafford in conversation with Ashley Hay From cult heroes the Saints and the Go-Betweens to national icons Powderfinger and international stars Savage Garden, hear how Brisbane has produced more than its share of great bands. His book, Pig City is a much-loved cult classic, providing an enduring soundtrack and history lesson for a new generation of fans and musicians alike.

   Location: Maleny Lane, 38 Maple Street, Maleny Andrew Stafford in conversation with Ashley Hay From cult heroes the Saints and the Go-Betweens to national icons Powderfinger and international stars Savage Garden, hear how Brisbane has produced more than its share of great bands. His book, Pig City is a much-loved cult classic, providing an enduring soundtrack and history lesson for a new generation of fans and musicians alike.

   $15.00 + $1.75 fee

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6. Montville Author Panel: Nardi Simpson Sun 13 Oct 9.00-9.45am

   Location: Montville Village Hall, Memorial Close, Montville Spotlight: Nardi Simpson In Conversation with Cass Moriarty Yuwaalaraay writer Nardi Simpson talks to Cass Moriarty about her second novel The Belburd. The Belburd is a lyrical and masterfully woven novel about women, creation, belonging and the precious fragility of a life. This powerful story shows us we are all connected from before we began to long after we begin again.

   Location: Montville Village Hall, Memorial Close, Montville Spotlight: Nardi Simpson In Conversation with Cass Moriarty Yuwaalaraay writer Nardi Simpson talks to Cass Moriarty about her second novel The Belburd. The Belburd is a lyrical and masterfully woven novel about women, creation, belonging and the precious fragility of a life. This powerful story shows us we are all connected from before we began to long after we begin again.

   $15.00 + $1.75 fee

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7. Montville Author Panel: Hinterland Secrets Sun 13 Oct 10.00-10.45am

   Location: Montville Village Hall, Memorial Close, Montville Christine Gregory and Steven Lang in conversation Join our authors as they share their work and insights into the power of secrets and sinister forces to shape our identities and relationships, and what may be bubbling beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic hinterland communities.

   Location: Montville Village Hall, Memorial Close, Montville Christine Gregory and Steven Lang in conversation Join our authors as they share their work and insights into the power of secrets and sinister forces to shape our identities and relationships, and what may be bubbling beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic hinterland communities.

   $15.00 + $1.75 fee

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8. Montville Author Panel: On Love and Life Sun 13 Oct 11.00-11.45am

   Location: Montville Village Hall, Memorial Close, Montville Rebecca Ray, Sheridan Stewart, Warren Ward Chair: Tracey Young From the search for authenticity and purpose to the progression of ideas, our panelists delve into the fields of psychology and philosophy to shed light on the human experience and the nature of love and life.

   Location: Montville Village Hall, Memorial Close, Montville Rebecca Ray, Sheridan Stewart, Warren Ward Chair: Tracey Young From the search for authenticity and purpose to the progression of ideas, our panelists delve into the fields of psychology and philosophy to shed light on the human experience and the nature of love and life.

   $15.00 + $1.75 fee

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9. Montville Author Panel: Truth Talking Sun 13 Oct 12.00-12.45pm

   Location: Montville Village Hall, Memorial Close, Montville Carly-Jay Metcalfe, Kirsty Iltners, Jo Skinner Chair: Dr Janet Lee Join our authors for a thought-provoking discussion on their work and the nature of truth, exploring the ways in which truth is shaped by power, culture, and individual experiences, and how it can be both a liberating force and a source of conflict.

   Location: Montville Village Hall, Memorial Close, Montville Carly-Jay Metcalfe, Kirsty Iltners, Jo Skinner Chair: Dr Janet Lee Join our authors for a thought-provoking discussion on their work and the nature of truth, exploring the ways in which truth is shaped by power, culture, and individual experiences, and how it can be both a liberating force and a source of conflict.

   $15.00 + $1.75 fee

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10. Montville Author Panel: Melodies in Prose Sun 13 Oct 1.00-1.45pm

    Location: Montville Village Hall, Memorial Close, Montville Shelley Davidow, Liz Evans, Gillian Wills Chair: Sheridan Stewart Join us for a captivating exploration of the intersections between music and writing. These literary maestros bring their unique perspectives and deep insights into the creative world, offering a rich tapestry of discussion that delves into how these art forms inspire, challenge, and intertwine with one another.

    Location: Montville Village Hall, Memorial Close, Montville Shelley Davidow, Liz Evans, Gillian Wills Chair: Sheridan Stewart Join us for a captivating exploration of the intersections between music and writing. These literary maestros bring their unique perspectives and deep insights into the creative world, offering a rich tapestry of discussion that delves into how these art forms inspire, challenge, and intertwine with one another.

    $15.00 + $1.75 fee

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11. Montville Author Panel: Queer Voices Sun 13 Oct 2.00-2.45pm

    Location: Montville Village Hall, Memorial Close, Montville Georgia Harper, Ali K Mulford, JM Tolcher Chair: Jake Corvus Join us for a vibrant and thought-provoking author panel celebrating the diversity and richness of queer writing, from the complexities of queer identity to the ways literature can shape cultural narratives and promote social change.

    Location: Montville Village Hall, Memorial Close, Montville Georgia Harper, Ali K Mulford, JM Tolcher Chair: Jake Corvus Join us for a vibrant and thought-provoking author panel celebrating the diversity and richness of queer writing, from the complexities of queer identity to the ways literature can shape cultural narratives and promote social change.

    $15.00 + $1.75 fee

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12. Young Readers & Writers: Free Storytime + craft Sat 12 Oct 9.00-10.45am

    Location: Maleny State School Hall, 16 Bunya Street, Maleny Karen McKinley & Cathrin Blickling Join children's authors Karen McKinley (My Dog Bruiser Swallowed a Scooter) & Cathrin Blickling (Taken by the Pirates) for an interactive story time followed by craft activities. Parents can attend the concurrent session: Grown-Up Guide to Picture Books Location: Maleny State School Hall, 16 Bunya Street, Maleny

    Location: Maleny State School Hall, 16 Bunya Street, Maleny Karen McKinley & Cathrin Blickling Join children's authors Karen McKinley (My Dog Bruiser Swallowed a Scooter) & Cathrin Blickling (Taken by the Pirates) for an interactive story time followed by craft activities. Parents can attend the concurrent session: Grown-Up Guide to Picture Books Location: Maleny State School Hall, 16 Bunya Street, Maleny

    Free

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13. Young Readers & Writers: Grown-Ups Guide to Picture Books Sat 12 Oct 10.00-10.45am

    Location: Maleny State School Hall, 16 Bunya Street, Maleny Lara Cain Gray Revamp your picture book reading style in an interactive workshop on the art of story sharing. Learn more about the enchanting connection between words and images that makes picture books important for fostering literacy and a lifelong love for stories. Lara will present practical tips on asking engaging questions, exploring visuals, and discovering themes, diving into timeless classics and new releases for unforgettable shared reading moments. (Kids can attend the FREE concurrent Storytime/craft session)

    Location: Maleny State School Hall, 16 Bunya Street, Maleny Lara Cain Gray Revamp your picture book reading style in an interactive workshop on the art of story sharing. Learn more about the enchanting connection between words and images that makes picture books important for fostering literacy and a lifelong love for stories. Lara will present practical tips on asking engaging questions, exploring visuals, and discovering themes, diving into timeless classics and new releases for unforgettable shared reading moments. (Kids can attend the FREE concurrent Storytime/craft session)

    Free

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14. Young Readers & Writers: Fantasy Sci Fi Workshop Sat 12 Oct 10.30am-12.00pm (Teen 12-17)

    Location: Maleny State School Hall, 16 Bunya Street, Maleny Fantasy and Science Fiction Writing for Teens (and Adults) with Lauren Elise Daniels Learn the secrets of great speculative fiction in this two-hour crash course to sharpen your writing skills. If you are an aspiring writer of sci-fi, fantasy, dystopian, superhero or supernatural fiction, this is for you! Be guided through a range of writing exercises to improve your world building, use of conflict, and character development with editor and author, Lauren Daniels.

    Location: Maleny State School Hall, 16 Bunya Street, Maleny Fantasy and Science Fiction Writing for Teens (and Adults) with Lauren Elise Daniels Learn the secrets of great speculative fiction in this two-hour crash course to sharpen your writing skills. If you are an aspiring writer of sci-fi, fantasy, dystopian, superhero or supernatural fiction, this is for you! Be guided through a range of writing exercises to improve your world building, use of conflict, and character development with editor and author, Lauren Daniels.

    $10.00 + $1.53 fee

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15. Young Readers & Writers: Fantasy Sci Fi Workshop Sat 12 Oct 10.30am-12.00pm (Adult 18+)

    Location: Maleny State School Hall, 16 Bunya Street, Maleny Fantasy and Science Fiction Writing for Teens (and Adults) with Lauren Elise Daniels Learn the secrets of great speculative fiction in this two-hour crash course to sharpen your writing skills. If you are an aspiring writer of sci-fi, fantasy, dystopian, superhero or supernatural fiction, this is for you! Be guided through a range of writing exercises to improve your world building, use of conflict, and character development with editor and author, Lauren Daniels.

    Location: Maleny State School Hall, 16 Bunya Street, Maleny Fantasy and Science Fiction Writing for Teens (and Adults) with Lauren Elise Daniels Learn the secrets of great speculative fiction in this two-hour crash course to sharpen your writing skills. If you are an aspiring writer of sci-fi, fantasy, dystopian, superhero or supernatural fiction, this is for you! Be guided through a range of writing exercises to improve your world building, use of conflict, and character development with editor and author, Lauren Daniels.

    $20.00 + $1.97 fee

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16. Young Readers & Writers: Writing Workshop Sat 12 Oct 11.00am-12.15pm (9-13yo)

    Location: Maleny State School Hall, 16 Bunya Street, Maleny The Victorian Art of Letter Writing with Alison Stegert Join author Alison D Stegert on a journey back in time to the Nineteenth Century to explore the Victorian Art of Letter Writing. Ali will guide the tour, demonstrating past and present letter-writing conventions and displaying authentic Victorian curios. Winifred Weatherby, the girl genius hero of Her Majesty's League of Remarkable Young Ladies, has written a fascinating letter from the past and awaits a reply from keen present day penpals. Participants will write a letter and take home their handmade custom stationery to continue their snail mail adventure.

    Location: Maleny State School Hall, 16 Bunya Street, Maleny The Victorian Art of Letter Writing with Alison Stegert Join author Alison D Stegert on a journey back in time to the Nineteenth Century to explore the Victorian Art of Letter Writing. Ali will guide the tour, demonstrating past and present letter-writing conventions and displaying authentic Victorian curios. Winifred Weatherby, the girl genius hero of Her Majesty's League of Remarkable Young Ladies, has written a fascinating letter from the past and awaits a reply from keen present day penpals. Participants will write a letter and take home their handmade custom stationery to continue their snail mail adventure.

    $10.00 + $1.53 fee

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17. Young Readers & Writers: Spotlight, Lynette Noni Sat 12 Oct 12.30-2.00pm (All ages)

    Location: Maleny State School Hall, 16 Bunya Street, Maleny Spotlight: Lynette Noni in conversation with Taryn Powell Australian author Lynette Noni is the #1 bestselling author of The Prison Healer series (Penguin Randomhouse), The Medoran Chronicles, and the Whisper duology. She has won three ABIA awards and a Gold Inky Award, and her books are published in more than 20 countries across the globe. Location: Maleny State School Hall, 16 Bunya Street, Maleny

    Location: Maleny State School Hall, 16 Bunya Street, Maleny Spotlight: Lynette Noni in conversation with Taryn Powell Australian author Lynette Noni is the #1 bestselling author of The Prison Healer series (Penguin Randomhouse), The Medoran Chronicles, and the Whisper duology. She has won three ABIA awards and a Gold Inky Award, and her books are published in more than 20 countries across the globe. Location: Maleny State School Hall, 16 Bunya Street, Maleny

    $15.00 + $1.75 fee

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18. Young Readers & Writers: Illustration Workshop Sat 12 Oct 2.15pm-3.30pm (primary age)

    Location: Maleny State School Hall, 16 Bunya Street, Maleny Telling Stories with Pictures with Peter Carnavas Do you love drawing pictures? Wish you could draw more things? Come along to an illustration workshop with award-winning author/illustrator Peter Carnavas and learn how to create great characters and tell stories with your pictures - all it takes is circles, lines and dots!

    Location: Maleny State School Hall, 16 Bunya Street, Maleny Telling Stories with Pictures with Peter Carnavas Do you love drawing pictures? Wish you could draw more things? Come along to an illustration workshop with award-winning author/illustrator Peter Carnavas and learn how to create great characters and tell stories with your pictures - all it takes is circles, lines and dots!

    $10.00 + $1.53 fee

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