Surf Coast Writers Festival
Description
Welcome to the inaugural Surf Coast Writers Festival ‒ a celebration of storytelling, ideas and creativity set against the beautiful backdrop of the Surf Coast. We are thrilled to call, RACV Torquay Resort, our official festival home, this year’s program brings together an inspiring community of writers, readers and thinkers for a day of conversation and connection.
Across 21 events featuring up to 30 authors, the festival explores storytelling in many forms ‒ from novels and memoirs to journalism, playwriting and young adult fiction. The program includes lively panel discussions, intimate one-to-one author conversations and practical sessions for those interested in the craft of writing.
Whether you’re a passionate reader, an emerging writer, or simply curious about the stories behind the books, the Surf Coast Writers Festival invites you to spend the day immersed in ideas, inspiration and the joy of words ‒ all by the sea.
Meet a few of the talented authors...
Chris Kohler
Chris Kohler is one of Australia’s most respected voices in business and economic reporting, with a career spanning television, radio and print journalism. As Finance Editor at Nine News, he delivers clear, authoritative insights on market movements, policy decisions and global events, helping everyday Australians understand complex financial issues. Known for his engaging and accessible style, Chris has reported from trading floors, boardrooms and economic frontlines. Alongside his on-air work, he has built a strong social media following and is a sought-after keynote speaker and host.
Brendan Cullen with Paul Mitchell
Dive into the remarkable true story behind The Desert Swimmer as Brendan Cullen and Paul Mitchell share the inspiration, challenges and human spirit at the heart of their book. From endurance and resilience to the power of storytelling, this conversation explores how an extraordinary journey was brought to life on the page... captivating, moving and impossible to forget.
J.P. Pomare & Sarah Bailey
Step into the dynamic world of storytelling with He Read, She Read, as bestselling authors JP Pomare and Sarah Bailey come together for a lively and insightful conversation. Known for his gripping, high-stakes thrillers, Pomare has built a reputation for page-turning suspense, while Bailey, a master of sharp, psychologically driven crime fiction, brings depth and nuance to every story she tells. Together, they explore each other’s work, the craft behind their writing, and the stories that shape them - offering audiences a compelling look inside the minds of two of Australia’s most exciting contemporary authors.
Karen Comer
Karen Comer is a freelance editor and presents writing workshops to children and adults. Earlier in her career, she worked in educational publishing and was the editor for children’s art magazine BIG. She lives in Melbourne. Karen’s debut novel, Grace Notes, published in 2023, was awarded the 2024 CBCA Book of the Year for Older Readers, was shortlisted for the Ethel Turner Prize for Young People’s Literature, shortlisted for the 2024 UTS Glenda Adams Award for New Writing and is shortlisted for the 2024 Prime Minister’s Literary Award for Young Adult Literature.
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