Winter Writers Roundtable
Description
Alpine Shire Libraries proudly presents the Winter Writers Roundtable, a roving two-day literary event spanning Mount Beauty, Bright and Myrtleford on Thursday 18 June and Friday 19 June.
Showcasing some of Australia’s most compelling contemporary voices, this regional event invites audiences to connect with acclaimed authors in an engaging, accessible series of conversations that celebrate storytelling in all its forms.
Featuring Michael Brissenden, Suzanne Leal, Siobhan O’Brien and Zahid Gamieldien, the Winter Writers Roundtable brings together an extraordinary mix of talent across journalism, fiction, and screenwriting.
From crime and historical fiction to contemporary storytelling and adaptation for screen, each author offers a unique perspective on craft, creativity and the evolving literary landscape. Audiences can expect thoughtful discussion, personal insights and lively exchanges between writers whose careers span multiple disciplines.
Set across three welcoming community venues, the event embraces its ‘roving’ format to connect readers throughout the Alpine Shire.
Each location offers a distinct opportunity to explore the themes that shape the authors’ work - from place and history to character, genre and creative process - while highlighting the vibrancy of regional literary culture. Whether you’re an avid reader, aspiring writer, or simply curious about the stories behind the stories, there’s something here to inspire and entertain.
The Winter Writers Roundtable concludes with a relaxed and intimate musical performance, bringing a fitting creative close to the program. Blending literature, conversation and live music, this unique event is a celebration of ideas, imagination and the power of storytelling to bring people together across the region.
Tickets are free for all three sessions, however bookings are essential and tickets are limited. Book now to avoid missing out.
Lineup
Michael Brissenden
Michael Brissenden was a political journalist and foreign correspondent with the ABC for 35 years and has published both fiction and non-fiction books. He is now writing fiction full time. He has published four crime thrillers – The List -2017, Dead Letters 2021, Smoke 2024 and the most recent DUST published in 2025.
Suzanne Leal
Suzanne Leal is the award-winning author of six novels, including The Watchful Wife and The Deceptions, winner of the Nib People’s Choice Prize. Running with Ivan, her debut novel for younger readers, is a CBCA Notables book and was shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s History Awards. Also a CBCA Notables book, Suzanne’s new novel, The Year We Escaped, won the 2025 ARA Historical Novel Prize and has been shortlisted for the NSW Literary Awards. An experienced facilitator and interviewer, Suzanne is the founder of Thursday Book Club, a relaxed book club connecting readers online.
Siobhan O’Brien
Siobhan O'Brien is an author, performer and communications professional. She has written a number of books, including the bestselling biography A Life by Design: The Art and Lives of Florence Broadhurst (Allen & Unwin). Her recent historical fiction novel All the Golden Light (HarperCollins) was published to much acclaim in 2024. The book was hailed as ‘heartstopping’ and ‘as good as historical fiction gets’ by the critics. Siobhan has worked for many media outlets including the Sydney Morning Herald, Vogue and Indesign. When she is not working on her forthcoming novel, she is fronting her rhythm and blues band, Minnie and The Moonrakers.
Zahid Gamieldien
Zahid Gamieldien is an author, screenwriter, editor and writing tutor. His short fiction has appeared in literary journals including Overland, Meanjin, Kill Your Darlings, Island Magazine and many others. He’s received two major arts grants from Create NSW, and his unproduced screenwriting has been listed for awards in Australia and overseas. As an editor and writing tutor, he's helped several authors get their work into print. His debut novel, All the Missing Children, was published in 2024, and his latest short story appeared in Overland No. 259. His next novel will be released in 2027.
Agenda
- 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Session 1 - Mount Beauty Library | Thursday, 18 June
Kickstarting the occasion, Mount Beauty Library is set to host the first of a string of sessions, each with a different theme. Session One on Thursday, 18 June will feature Suzanne Leal in conversation with Zahid Gamieldien about the themes, inspiration and setting for his crime novel (optioned to be developed into a television series) All The Missing Children. The second sitting will showcase Michael Brissenden in conversation with Siobhan O’Brien discussing her novel All the Golden Light set on the south coast of News South Wales in 1918 and hailed ‘as good as historical fiction gets’ and ‘heart stopping’ by the critics.
- 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Session 2 - Bright Library | Friday, 19 June
Session Two is set for Bright Library on Friday, 19 June. The morning will commence with Siobhan O’Brien in conversation with Michael Brissenden discussing his journey from political correspondent to best-selling author with a focus on his most recent crime thriller Dust lauded as ‘masterful’ and ‘a new classic of Australian crime fiction.’ The event will progress to Zahid Gamieldien in conversation with Suzanne Leal with a particular focus on her latest novel The Watchful Wife, hailed as ‘propulsive, provocative and impossible to put down.’
- 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Session 3 - Myrtleford Memorial Hall | Friday, 19 June
Session Three is the set for Myrtleford Memorial Hall on Friday, 19 June. The evening starts with Suzanne Leal in conversation with Michael Brissenden and Siobhan O’Brien. The theme for the panel discussion is the authors’ Journey from Journalism into Writing Fiction. The event will then shift to Siobhan O’Brien in conversation with Zahid Gamieldien and Suzanne Leal, showcasing Writing Across Platforms - novels (adults and young-adults) and screenwriting. Winter Writers Roundtable will conclude with a low key performance of original songs by Minnie and The Moonrakers (duet) featuring Siobhan O’Brien and Greg Duncan Powell, former journalist and editor for Vogue Entertaining and Travel and author of a number of books including Cooking Under the Influence that was sold into a number of foreign territories. Doors open at 6pm, event begins at 6.30pm.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
