Salon Society by The Bookshop Darlinghurst at Pridefest

Holden Sheppard in conversation with Steve Pennells

Friday 6th June 6pm

Loading Dock Theatre

Tickets

$20 per event (includes a glass of wine, a beer or soft drink)

Format

This event is part of a series of in conversation literary talks. The main conversation will be followed by an opportunity for audience members to ask questions, and then to meet the author at a book signing afterwards. Drinks may be taken into the theatre. Seating is unreserved. Arrive early and browse the fascinating and fabulous exhibits at Qtopia Sydney.

Holden Sheppard of Invisible Boys fame is renowned for his gritty novels aimed at young adults which have crossed over to a huge adult readership. But on 3 June Holden’s first novel for adult readers – King of Dirt - will be published and he is travelling to Sydney from his home in Western Australia to promote it. Come along to hear Holden talk Dirt with Walkley award-winning journalist Steve Pennells. And yes, Steve will definitely be asking for some insider stories from the film set of the acclaimed Stan TV series Invisible Boys!

Holden Sheppard is a West Australian author whose debut novel Invisible Boys won multiple awards, including the 2019 WA Premier’s Prize for an Emerging Writer. Invisible Boys has now been adapted as a ten-episode television series with Stan Australia which premiered in 2025. Holden’s second book The Brink won several accolades including the 2024 Ena Noel Award. His new 2025 release King of Dirt is his third novel, and his first book for adults. Holden’s writing has been widely published in books, journals and the media. A country boy from Geraldton, Holden now lives in Perth’s far north with his husband and his V8 ute.

Steve Pennells began his lengthy career in regional newspapers before joining The West Australian, becoming its state political editor. In 2013 he joined Channel 7 as Network Investigative Reporter, becoming part of the on-air team on the network's flagship current affairs show, Sunday Night. In 2012, he won the Gold Walkley Award, the highest honour in Australian journalism, for his reporting on Gina Reinhart. He has won four other Walkleys, the Clarion Award for Most Outstanding Contribution to Journalism and has been awarded the UN Media Peace Prize a record six times. In 2018, he became the younger living person to be inducted into The Australian Media Hall of Fame.