From well-known publications to emerging writers, check out the future of Australian writing at one of Melbourne Writers Festival’s (MWF) free book launches.
For more MWF inspiration, we’ve compiled a list of terrific international guests appearing in this year’s program, and our staff have shared the events they’re most excited to attend. We’re also delighted to be hosting an entire day of fantastic free events showcasing a range of new Australian fiction.
The Door by Garcia Sisters
Explore the dark and mysterious world of The Night Owl Chronicles with the Garcia Sisters as they launch the first book in the new YA series, The Door. If you love stories that get under your skin and keep you up at night, this is a must-read!
When: 11.30am, Saturday 26 August
Where: Beer DeLuxe, Fed Square
The Vandemonian War by Nick Brodie
Discover the secret history of Britain’s Tasmanian invasion in The Vandemonian War – the real story that governments had buried for nearly two centuries. Join author Nick Brodie in conversation with professor of Australian studies Kate Darian-Smith as they launch this important historical work.
When: 1pm, Saturday 26 August
Where: Beer DeLuxe, Fed Square
Culinary Journey Through Silk Road by Laila and Roya Khalil
Join sisters Laila and Roya Khalil in a fun and delicious session to celebrate the launch of their much-anticipated cookbook, Culinary Journey Through Silk Road, a fine collection of traditional dishes from Afghanistan.
When: 2.30pm, Saturday 26 August
Where: Beer DeLuxe, Fed Square
A Führer for a Father by Jim Davidson
Join prize-winning biographer Jim Davidson as he launches a very personal book, chronicling the life and times of his own violent, hostile father. A Führer for a Father examines this man’s relationships across the entire twentieth century. Launched by Kate Darian-Smith and Alex Miller.
When: 11.30am, Sunday 27 August
Where: Beer DeLuxe, Fed Square
Secret Shores by Ella Carey
Bestselling author Ella Carey talks to The Wheeler Centre’s Gabrielle Ryan about her new novel Secret Shores, a romantic story that uncovers long-held secrets. Set in Melbourne’s 1940s Bohemian art world, it’s been described as a historical drama with a stunning twist.
When: 1pm, Sunday 27 August
Where: Beer DeLuxe, Fed Square
Siren by Rachel Matthews
Join us for the launch of Rachel Matthews’s new novel Siren – a book that sensitively explores violence against women, AFL culture and the silencing of those who speak out. Launched by Stephen Roche.
When: 2.30pm, Sunday 27 August
Where: Beer DeLuxe, Fed Square
And Fire Came Down by Emma Viskic
Join us for the launch of Emma Viskic’s And Fire Came Down – a novel about a deaf private investigator dealing with a murder mystery, loss, racial tensions and secrets. Launched by Toni Jordan.
When: 4pm, Sunday 27 August
Where: Beer DeLuxe, Fed Square
Just Another Week In Suburbia by Les Zig
Join Les Zig to launch his debut novel, Just Another Week in Suburbia – a psychological drama that explores the complexities of human relationships, both in Australian fiction and in life. Launched by Lucy Bell and Ryan O’Neill.
When: 10am, Saturday 2 September
Where: Beer DeLuxe, Fed Square
Because of You by Pip Harry
Join award-winning YA author Pip Harry as she launches her latest novel, Because of You. Inspired by her experiences volunteering at a homeless shelter writing group, the book examines human resilience, mental health and life-changing friendship. Harry appears in conversation with Nikki McWatters.
When: 11.30am, Saturday 2 September
Where: Beer DeLuxe, Fed Square
Wish You Were Here by Sheridan Jobbins
Raw, sharply funny and heartfelt, Wish You Were Here is a girl’s own adventure with bite, a hilarious rollercoaster ride that will make you itch to escape the everyday and hit the road with this irresponsible and irresistible adventurer.
When: 1pm, Saturday 2 September
Where: Beer DeLuxe, Fed Square
Aukati: Boundary Line by Michalia Arathimos
Join award-winning writer Michalia Arathimos as she launches her debut novel, Aukati: Boundary Line – a timely and topical story about fracking, land destruction, Indigenous rights and choosing between loyalty to family and what’s morally right.
When: 2.30pm, Saturday 2 September
Where: Beer DeLuxe, Fed Square
Poets and Painters by Tasmanian Land Conservancy
Eighteen painters and poets explored The Big Punchbowl, a private reserve on Tasmania’s east coast, immersing themselves for several days. This book is a breathtaking collection of responses to what they saw, heard and experienced and a celebration of the connection between art and nature.
When: 11.30am, Sunday 3 September
Where: Beer DeLuxe, Fed Square
A New England Affair by Steven Carroll
Award-winning author Steven Carroll launches his latest novel, A New England Affair, in which he breathes new life into the story of TS Eliot’s muse, Emily Hale. The book is the third instalment in his acclaimed Eliot Quartet series.
When: 1pm, Sunday 3 September
Where: Beer DeLuxe, Fed Square
Hot Off the (Small) Press by the Small Press Network
Celebrating independent publishing and the diverse titles that have come out of this year’s Small Press Network Mentorship Program, join us for the launch of new books from Affirm Press, the Lifted Brow, Lip Magazine, Miscellaneous Press, Three Kookaburras, Monash University Publishing, Celapene Press and Empowering Resources.
When: 2.30pm, Sunday 3 September
Where: Beer DeLuxe, Fed Square
Hippy Days, Arabian Nights by Katherine Boland
Join Melbourne artist Katherine Boland in conversation with Sian Prior about her new memoir, Hippy Days, Arabian Nights. From living in a hippy community on the Eastern seaboard of Australia to finding love in Egypt, hear about her adventurous life.
When: 4pm, Sunday 3 September
Where: Beer DeLuxe, Fed Square
