Zena Shapter and Ben Ryan: Worlds Beyond
Description
Join us for an unforgettable evening with Zena Shapter, author of When Dark Worlds Rise, and Ben Ryan, author of Coming Out At The End of the World.
Zena Shapter and Ben Ryan will discuss all things 'other worldly' from dystopian and apocalyptic settings to inner worlds of identity, belonging and selfhood. Doors open at 5pm for a 5.30pm start, followed by an author discussion, then guests will have an opportunity to ask questions and have their books signed. Refreshments will be provided.
It’s dangerous to leave. Outside the secret shack where Sala and her friends have been hiding, foraging among the burnt-out ruins of a raided land, heartless scavengers will kill for any technology they find. Vicious tree cats stalk the night for prey. And giant water-ants have overrun Palude’s carnivorous tree swamps. But when the love of her life needs help, Sala has no choice but to trade everything they possess for his freedom.
She’s not the only one making decisions of course. As ecosystems collapse, and everyday life fractures, desperate leaders will risk everything for control. Soon, no amount of sacrifice can stop the poison of lies and betrayals set to bring the explosive world of Palude to its limits. Sala’s courage to kindle hope from the ashes will only do so much.
The greatest enemy always hides within.
‘When Dark Worlds Rise, like the best speculative fiction, reminds us that individual actions matter, and that even amongst overwhelming turmoil, ecological exploitation and official corruption, a more sustainable world can still be built.’ Dr Craig Cormick OAM, Children’s Book Council of Australia (ACT) Ambassador, author of the Shadow Master series
Coming Out At The End of the World
When his city is overrun by the undying – reanimated, bloodthirsty corpses – Alex realises that simply surviving the apocalypse is not enough. To truly live, he must finally come out to his tough big brother, Brody, before it’s too late. But Alex doesn’t want to make things awkward with the only living family he has left. Not while they’re fighting their way through undying hordes, trying to escape a dead city. And especially not when there is a huge, living-dead beast on their trail. And worst of all...
What if Brody rejects him?
Lineup
Zena Shapter
From my science fantasy adventures set in the World of Palude (‘When Dark Worlds Rise’, ‘When Dark Waters Burn‘ and ‘When Dark Roots Hunt‘), to my science fiction adult novel ‘Towards White‘, my co-authored middle grade science fiction ‘Into Tordon‘, and many short immersions, I conjure all kinds of journeys into the beyond and unusual, sharing original stories and uncommon sights… Because life is magical. Life is about searching for improved existences and converting the unfamiliar into something more recognisable. Life is an adventure at once unseen and unlikely, yet there and very real; sometimes thrilling and dangerous, yet ultimately ours to relish. If I can, I’ll show you just how thrilling and magical that adventure can be! In addition to writing novels, I’ve also won over fifteen national writing awards to date – including a Ditmar Award, the Australasian Horror Writers’ Association Writing Competition (twice!), and the Glen Miles Short Story Prize. My short stories have appeared in over 40 magazines and anthologies around the world, such as ‘Midnight Echo’ as well as their Australian Shadows Award-winning ‘best of’ anthology, the Hugo-nominated ‘Sci Phi Journal’, ‘Antipodean SF’ and Award-Winning Australian Writing (twice). I’ve been called “a master of immersive worlds” (Tawny Frogmouth Magazine) and “a writer with a need for adventure” (Midnight Echo magazine), creating “the kind of excitement and suspense and pure pleasure that made me want to become a writer” (Lillian Csernica, Tangent Online), as well as “cold and brutal” stories (Tor.com), “dark fantasy at its blood-soaked finest” (Australasian Horror Writers’ Association), and “beautifully crafted and well told stories that deserve to be read many times” (Glen Miles Short Story Prize). Read me over here 🙂 In my spare time, I’m into movies, reading, chocolate, potatoes, frogs, and travel. I don’t like ants or driving! Here are my most Frequently Asked Questions, such as my writing lifestyle, favourite worldbuilding techniques and tips for unpublished writers.
Ben Ryan
Ben Ryan is an Australian writer and filmmaker who tells genre-bending stories for young readers about the monsters we fight and the ones we carry with us. He was a finalist in the American Fiction Awards and received an honourable mention at the Eric Hoffer Book Prize. As a screenwriter, Ben has been supported by Screen Australia and Screen Queensland. His latest film project is now in development with Magpie Pictures. Ben’s short film The War, which he wrote, directed and produced, received an Honourable Mention at the International Film Awards Berlin. His scripts have featured on Coverfly’s Red List and placed in the Other Worlds Film Festival (Austin, TX), the Page Turner Screenplay Awards and the Emerging Screenwriters Competition. Ben loves tropical islands, urban jungles and Dutch canals. He now lives on Australia’s Gold Coast, which he describes as the perfect mix of all three.
Agenda
- 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Zena Shapter and Ben Ryan: Worlds Beyond
Doors open at 5pm for a 5.30pm start. The event will begin with an author in conversation, followed by a Q&A and book signing. Refreshments will be provided.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
