UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Welcome to our book events page! We are thrilled to have you here and we can't wait to share our upcoming events with you. Whether you're a book lover or simply enjoy attending engaging events, we have something for everyone. Our upcoming events include author talks, book signings, online events, and writer’s festivals.
Take a look around, mark your calendar, and we'll see you at our next event!
Zero Risk - Tony Loughran
We live in a dangerous world. And the stories of war and terrorism that fill our screens are brought to us by brave journalists who put their lives on the line. They will always face peril, but now they can work in much greater safety, thanks to the determination and dedication of one remarkable man.
Tony Loughran's life has been all about risk – taking it, preventing it. He survived a tough childhood in working-class Liverpool, then joined the navy, where he excelled. Next came a career as an elite commando medic, a demanding role that required doctor-level training. He dealt with serious physical injury and a stint in Belfast left him with psychological scars.
His life changed when he took responsibility for safety and security at the BBC. Among much else, he provided the security for the notorious Martin Bashir interview with Princess Diana and protected Panorama journalists in Northern Ireland.Then came a new life in Australia and the establishment of his own security consultancy company, ZeroRisk International. The work is always challenging: investigating the deaths of well-known journalist John Schofield and cameraman Nazeh Darwazeh, escaping when he himself came extremely close to being captured in Kabul, advising media during the Lindt Café siege and getting people out of Afghanistan when the Taliban returned.
This page-turning, hard-to-put-down account of an extraordinary career is full of nail-biting excitement, engaging humour, compassion and brutal honesty. Once you read Zero Risk, the world will never seem quite the same again.
Copies of the books will be available for purchase and be signed by the author.
For more information on any Members events please email memberevents@sea.museum
Write Out West - The Lost Recipes with Ross Dobson
The Lost Recipes is “a glorious endeavour” Nigella Lawson.
Ross Dobson’s bookThe Lost Recipes, takes us through over 90 rediscovered and revived Australian classics – thrifty, no-waste recipes from a time that honoured seasonal, locally grown ingredients and truly understood the value of food as comfort. Nostalgic, yes, but completely relevant to today’s kitchens.
Chef and bestselling cookbook author Ross Dobson has a hobby: scouring old journals, newspapers and books for Australia’s ‘forgotten’ recipes. While his research has revealed some shockers not worth repeating, he has come across many more worthy dishes that are missing from the repertoire of modern-day cooks. InThe Lost Recipeshe sets about righting this culinary injustice by presenting a selection of bygone gems, savoury and sweet, dating from the Victorian era through to the 1950s.
‘There isn’t one recipe in this book that wasn’t, in essence, once a lovely idea. It has been a privilege and joy to bring them back to life – and in a workable condition.’ Ross Dobson
Ross Dobson runs the popular Cafe Royce in Penrith. Ross has been having a great deal of fun and success working in the international publishing industry for 20 years. Ross’ first cookbook,Chinatown(Murdoch Books) was published in 2004. His most recent tome,Australia: The Cookbook(Phaidon) was published in 2021. In between, Ross has published some 20 cookbook titles. Ross has also been busy working as a magazine food editor forBBC Good Foodand operating several highly regarded eating establishments in Sydney’s western suburbs.
Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided.
QBD Books will be there. Purchase one of Ross's books to have it personally signed.
Tickets available here.
Meg Keneally at Erina Library
Meg Keneally at Erina Library
Meet popular Australian author, Meg Keneally and hear about her latest release 'Free', when she returns to the Coast this November. Be inspired by Meg's passion for writing historical fiction and bringing history to life.
'From horse thief to the merchant queen of Sydney Cove – how did one woman rise so far?
It is a harsh land – yes, for you especially – but people can also rise here …’
Inspired by historical figures and actual events, 'Free' shines a light on the indomitable figure, Molly Thistle, who first made her appearance in 'The Wreck'. Meg conveys Molly's story with warmth and compassion for all those who struggled, survived and sometimes even prevailed – and for those who did not.
Book Face Erina will be attending for those wishing to purchase a copy of 'Free', and there will be time after the talk for photos and book signing.
Bookings are essential. Book online from this page, ask in any library branch or phone 4304 7650.
Thursday 28 November 2024 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM (UTC+10)
Erina Library, The Hive, Erina Fair Shopping Centre, North-South Rd, Erina New South Wales 2250
Book here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1300015
Natalie Conyer and Daniel Tamone: Exploring Sydney's Underbelly
Tickets available here.
Natalie Conyer is the author of Present Tense, which won the Ned Kelly Award for best debut crime novel of 2020, was shortlisted for the Davitt Awards and was nominated as one of 2020’s best reads by The Australian. Her short stories have won several awards and been featured in anthologies such as The Only One in the World and Dark Deeds Down Under Volume 2. They are also shortly to be published as a collection. Natalie Conyer’s most recent title, Shadow City is a tense, gritty and insightful look into crime and corruption in Sydney, South Africa and across the world.
Daniel Tamone grew up in Sydney. He now lives on the NSW Central Coast with his wife Lisa and three children, Arielle, Levi and Benji. He played several seasons with the Parramatta Two Blues as part of the Shute Shield rugby competition before 'retiring' from the sport. Daniel works in financial services and has contributed to financial news providerLivewire Markets.
The Fists of the Fatheris his debut novel. Set in the heart of Western Sydney, three generations of men in a family of champion boxers are trapped in a cycle of violence. Will one have the courage to walk away from his family’s volatile legacy?
Author Talk: Ross Dobson - The Lost Recipes
Australia's culinary gems: revived and reimagined
'A glorious endeavour' Nigella Lawson
Over 90 rediscovered and revived Australian classics - thrifty, no-waste recipes from a time that honoured seasonal, locally grown ingredients and truly understood the value of food as comfort. Nostalgic, yes, but completely relevant to today's kitchens.
Chef and bestselling cookbook author Ross Dobson has a hobby: scouring old journals, newspapers and books for Australia's 'forgotten' recipes. While his research has revealed some shockers not worth repeating, he has come across many more worthy dishes that are missing from the repertoire of modern-day cooks. In The Lost Recipes he sets about righting this culinary injustice by presenting a selection of bygone gems, savoury and sweet, dating from the Victorian era through to the 1950s - all of them rescued, researched, tested and updated by Ross. Threaded throughout are handy tips (celery leaves dried in the oven and then ground with salt make a seasoning with endless uses - especially good on roasted potatoes) and insights into old-fashioned cooking techniques and ingredients deserving of revival.
Among these once-forgotten recipes you will find:
- mushroom ketchup (1886)
- hot slaugh (1876)
- olive & anchovy salad (1921)
- devilled whitebait (1938)
- Sunday Chinese chicken (1949)
- brisket with macaroni (1915)
- golden billy bread (1925)
- pumpkin brownies (1939)
- cream lilies (1954)
- green tomato & pineapple jam (1933)
Ross Dobson has been having a great deal of fun and success working in the international publishing industry for 20 years. Ross' first cookbook, Chinatown (Murdoch Books) was published in 2004. His most recent tome Australia: The Cookbook (Phaidon) was published in 2021.
Copies of the books will be available for purchase and be signed by the author.
Tickets available here.
Note that this is a Members event. For more information on any Members events please email memberevents@sea.museum
Book signing with Joshua Fox
Bookshop Darlinghurst will be hosting Joshua Fox in-store this Saturday 9th November from 1pm for a book signing event! Come along and meet him and get a book signed and personalised.
And if you can't make it on Saturday, they can always arrange to get a book signed for you when you pre-pay and even post it out. Or you can arrange by ringing 02 9331 1103.
Meg Keneally and Tea Cooper: Weaving Fact and Fiction
Join Meg Keneally and Tea Cooper as their discuss their respective titles Free and The Golden Thread. Inspired by real people and events, Meg and Tea weave fact and fiction together to bring their heroines vividly to life.
Meg Keneally has worked as a journalist, corporate affairs professional and SCUBA diving instructor. She is co-author with Tom Keneally of The Soldier’s Curse and three other books in the Monsarrat series. Her first solo novel was Fled, published by Echo Publishing in 2019, followed by The Wreck (2020).
Gold coin donation upon entry
Books available for sale and signing
Presented by History Illuminated
Words at Pearls - Singing All The Way
In all theatre, the spotlight follows the leads, making it easy for the audience to overlook the role of the singers, dancers and actors who bring a production to life. Katherine Wiles is used to being dismissed as ‘singing wallpaper’ by those who incorrectly assume she’s an opera chorister because she ‘didn’t quite make it’. But she and her proud and passionate chorus colleagues are exactly where they want to be.
Join Katherine as she offers a rare glimpse into a fascinating world that fans of opera – and the performing arts in general – know very little about.
Learn more and purchase tickets to Words at Pearls, a new one-day literary celebration here.
Words at Pearls - Writing In My Backyard
Join us for a day of author panels, in-conversation sessions and all things literary when we launch Words at Pearls.
Created in partnership between Words on the Waves and the Pearl Beach Progress Association, Words at Pearls will be held on Saturday 2 November at the Pearl Beach Memorial Community Hall.
We are delighted to reveal that one of our guests is none other than the amazing James O’Loghlin. James’ latest novel, a brilliant crime thriller called LIARS is set in our own Central Coast backyard and, at Words at Pearls, you’ll have the chance to listen to James talk about writing a ‘local’ book, his life on radio and much more.
https://wordsonthewaves.com.au/latest-news/words-at-pearls-2024/
Words at Pearls - It Starts With An Idea
How do you even start writing your first book? Join debut authors Jessica Kirkness, Daniel Tamone, Deborah Pike and Lisa Kenway as, led by Caroline Overington, they discuss where their ideas come from, how real-life experiences can become part of fiction, what publishing their first book has taught them and so much more.
Daniel Tamone grew up in Sydney. He now lives on the NSW Central Coast with his wife Lisa and three children, Arielle, Levi and Benji. He played several seasons with the Parramatta Two Blues as part of the Shute Shield rugby competition before ‘retiring’ from the sport.
Daniel works in financial services and has contributed to financial news provider Livewire Markets.
The Fists of the Father is his debut novel.
Learn more and purchase tickets to Words at Pearls, a new one-day literary celebration here.
Joshua Fox: What You Into?
Join Joshua Fox in conversation with Qtopia Sydney’s Scott Whitmont about his book, What You Into?
Down the Rabbit Hole Launch
Join us to celebrate the launch of Shaeden Berry's novel Down the Rabbit Hole!
How far would you go to chase the ghosts of the past?
Alice Montgomery goes missing in 2015.
Seven years later, her best friend Hannah is bouncing from job to job, city to city, forever feeling the need to outrun something, but unsure what. With the niggling need to move nipping at her heels, Hannah decides to return home – a small coastal town in Western Australia – for the first time since she left, to help her mum after surgery and confront their fractured relationship.
When Hannah hears that Marnie Montgomery, Alice’s mum, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, she is seized by terror that she will never know the truth of her friend’s disappearance; whether she ran away, or met a different, darker fate. Hannah begins to ask questions, starting with Marnie, an addict and recluse, who has long been dogged by rumours that she was in some way responsible.
Insisting she had nothing to do with it, Marnie instead points the finger at a local teacher, Rachel Olney, haunted by broken dreams and the consequences of a single bad decision she made many years ago.
What unfolds is a tale of three women – Hannah, Marnie, Rachel – and a reflection on grief left unchecked; what it means to be a mother, a daughter; and all the terrible ways in which we can hurt one another. As the mystery of Alice dances on the periphery, it becomes ever clearer that this is a story centred not on a potential crime, but on those left behind by tragedy, desperately seeking closure that might not exist.
Complimentary drinks and snacks will be provided. The book will be available for purchase on the night.
RSVP here.
Author Talk: Liars - James O'Loghlin
Join author and Australia’s funniest former criminal lawyer James O’Loghlin as he talks about his new book Liars, a quirky coastal crime novel.
Speak your truth. Or at least the truth you want others to believe.
Everyone is guilty of something.
Handywoman Barb Young has lived in the sleepy coastal town of Bullford Point for over fifty years – and frankly, in that time, not much has happened, unless you count that business where a bush turkey managed to board the ferry a couple of years ago.
When Joe Griffiths returns from Sydney after six years of drug addiction, jail and, eventually, rehab, Barb offers him a job, hoping to help him turn his life around. However, when another new resident of Bullford Point is murdered, Joe becomes the prime suspect.
Barb thinks the police have got it wrong, but the more she tries to find the truth and clear Joe's name, the more confusing things become. Is the murder connected to the developers circling the waterfront home Joe inherited from his parents? Or to the true crime podcast he has been making about the death of his ex-girlfriend, seven years previously? And what was the information the murdered woman had been trying to horse-trade with police?
James O'Loghlin is a comedian, television and radio host, and author of thirteen books. He began his career as a corporate lawyer, realised it wasn't for him, and became a criminal lawyer and a comedian. He has hosted four television shows – including The New Inventors on ABC-TV for eight years – and presented programs on ABC Local Radio for fifteen years.
Copies of the books will be available for purchase and be signed by the author.
Tickets available here.
Note that this is a Members event. For more information on any Members events please email memberevents@sea.museum
Date
Wednesday 30 October 2024 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM (UTC+10)
Location
The Theatre, Australian National Maritime Museum
2 Murray St, Sydney NSW 2000
Writers & Readers: Liars with James O’Loghlin
Join author James O’Loghlin for the launch of his new coastal crime thriller, 'Liars'.
In the tranquil town of Bullford Point, handyman Barb Young is hoping to help Joe Griffiths, a former drug addict returning from rehab, rebuild his life. However, when a local resident is murdered, Joe becomes the prime suspect. As Barb delves into the investigation, she uncovers a web of lies and secrets. The case seems to intertwine with the town’s waterfront development and Joe’s troubling past, including a true crime podcast he’s been working on. In her quest to clear Joe’s name, Barb learns that in Bullford Point, everyone has a hidden agenda.
Tickets and event link:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/writers-readers-liars-with-james-ologhlin-tickets-1008120745287?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Author's Platform: Craig Semple Presents 'Getting Back Up Again
Join us for Mental Health Month as Craig Semple shines a light on strategies for navigating, surviving and growing through life’s challenges
Join us at Ryde Library in recognition of Mental Health Month as mental health advocate and trauma survivor Craig Semple talks about his latest book Getting Back Up Again – a plan to get your head back in the game. Written from the perspective of a man who refused to stay down, the book shines a light on strategies for navigating, surviving and growing through life's challenges.
Attendees on the night have a chance to win a signed copy. There will be on onsite bookseller for purchase of the book and Craig will be available for signing and questions.
Please note: This event has a 6.15pm arrival time for a 6.30pm event start time.
Booking link: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/authors-platform-craig-semple-presents-getting-back-up-again-tickets-1008925081077
Stella Day Out - Debra Dank
Join 2023 Stella Prize shortlisted author Dr Debra Dank as she has a rich and stimulating discussion with the fabulous Jazz Money.
Reserve your spot here.
Dr Debra Dank is Gudanji/Wakaja, from the Barkly Tablelands in the Northern Territory of Australia.
For almost 40 years she has worked in a variety of roles in primary, secondary and tertiary education across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory in urban and remote contexts. She is particularly interested in how narrative is practiced in Aboriginal communities and why semiotics is critical to understanding the breadth of communicative mechanisms and functions in this practice.
Her first book, We come with this place, won an unprecedented four categories in the 2023 NSW Premier’s awards, The University of Queensland 2023 Non-Fiction Book Award at the Queensland Literary Awards and the Australian Literature Society Gold Medal for 2023. It was also shortlisted for the 2023 Stella Prize, the Queensland Premier’s Award for a Work of State Significance and the People’s Choice Queensland Book of the Year Award and the Nonfiction Award at the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards.
Speaker Series - Katherine Wiles No Autographs, Please!
How did a shy young girl from Hamiliton NZ, find herself performing on one of the world's most iconic stages, the Sydney Opera House. From unscripted giggling on stage to having her costume eaten by a performing horse, and missing an entrance thanks to country music legend Kenny roger all will be revealed in Katherine's memoir.
Reserve your copy of No Autographs, Please! here
KATHERINE WILES, New Zealand born but currently living in Sydney Australia. Katherine is a full time member of the Opera Australia chorus since 2007. Katherine has studied in London, Scotland and New Zealand.
To find out more information about Katherine click here
ABOUT THE VENUE:
LEICHHARDT LIBRARY is accessible from street level and via lift from the car park.
If you have any access or support requirements in order to participate fully, please let us know in the booking order form to ensure that we can arrange any reasonable adjustments. Please note: the venue is accessible for people using wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
We may take photographs of the speakers and the audience at this event. Read here for more details.
Author's Talk with Jane Sullivan
You are invited to spend an early evening with Jane Sullivan, writer, reviewer and journalist for The Age. Jane will give us insights into the craft of crime writing, as well as revealing some of the sordid secrets of 19th century Melbourne that are described in her new novel, "Murder in Punch Lane".
"Murder in Punch Lane" is set in Melbourne in 1868, and was inspired by real events and real people - When dazzling theatre star Marie St Denis dies in the arms of her best friend, fellow actress Lola Sanchez, everyone believes it was suicide by laudanum overdose. Everyone, except Lola.
Jane has worked at The Melbourne Age as a reporter, feature writer and editor since 1979. She won the inaugural Australian Human Rights Award for journalism. She is the author of three novels - "Little People", "The White Star" and "Murder in Punch Lane". For more info, see her website https://janesullivan.au
Admission includes a complimentary glass of wine and nibbles.
Register here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1290886
Date
Friday 11 October 2024 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM (UTC+10)
Location
Waverley Park Homestead
23 St Peters Terrace, next to the Golf Course, Willunga SA 5172
OPAL - VIRTUAL LAUNCH
OPAL by PATRICIA WOLF - VIRTUAL LAUNCH (Video will be available below from 9am GMT / 6pm AEST
Echo Publishing and Embla books invite you to a virtual launch event:
Hear from real life Opal Hunter John Bernard of Opalminded
Learn about a real-life mine murder still shrouded in mystery
Witness a boulder opal being found and cut at the mine that inspired the book
See fellow crime author Rhys Gard interview Patricia Wolf about OPAL
Win copies of the book!
Video now available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDWmMwTE8IY
SARAH EVANS by Bernice Barry - Launch WA
Join Bernice Barry in conversation with Miranda Aitken for the launch of her new historical fiction novel, Sarah Evans.
As a poor, illiterate young woman, Sarah becomes entangled in a web of cruelty and corruption where powerful men rule and the law disregards women. Raised to believe she has no rights at all, not even to justice. Sarah meets a group of political rebels while she is a prisoner and is introduced to the concepts of liberty and equality.
Despite what life throws at her, she learns her own value and begins to fight for her rights, supported throughout by the street network of women. When she is accused of murdering her own child and faces the death penalty, they don’t let her down.
In the end, it is the power of thoughts and words that shapes her life, not the hardship she has known, and friendship that teaches her the most important kind of freedom: liberty of mind. Is that not every woman’s right?
Tickets: Pay What You Can (PWYC)
Doors & bar: 6pm
Talk: 6.30pm followed by book sales and signings
This event is a Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival fundraiser – please join us in supporting the arts in Margaret River. Proudly supported by Arts Margaret River, Margaret River Bookshop and Echo Publishing.
Event link: https://artsmargaretriver.com/event/in-conversation-with-bernice-barry/
BAD Crime festival: 'It’s a family affair’ with BM Carroll, Petronella McGovern, Kelli Hawkins and Rhys Gard
Who knows what happens behind closed doors? Family is front and centre in three new twisty psychological thrillers. In BM Carroll’s new crime novel, there’s a disappearance on a family outing. In Kelli Hawkins’ book, a mother with her own secrets worries about what her daughter may have done, while Petronella McGovern’s latest thriller explores siblings and their secrets. Rhys Gard is the unofficial family therapist.
BAD Crime festival: 'Fresh talent: Who can you trust?’ with Claire Sutherland, P.A. Thomas and Riley James
Whitney Fitzsimmons explores the issue of trust, what can happen when it is misplaced and how trusting the wrong person can lead us into very real danger. Three debut writers with very different stories in three contrasting settings – mountain climbing, (Claire Sutherland), journalism (P.A. Thomas) and on the Antarctic ice (Riley James) will reflect on what can go wrong when trust fails.
BAD Crime festival: 'Pitch to a publisher’ with Juliet Rogers
IF you have a completed manuscript or are well advanced on your book, BAD offers you the opportunity to talk to fiction publisher Juliet Rogers (Echo Publishing) for a short 6-minute pitch session. If you’re at a very early stage of writing this is not for you. A workshop may a better place to start.
Not many slots are available. If you want to be considered, please send in an expression of interest to catherine@badsydney.com with a book outline and a pdf of your manuscript by 25 August at the latest. We will let you know if you’ve been one of the lucky ones. If so you can then book and pay to secure your spot (fee $30). You will be sent more information to prepare your pitch and maximise your chances of success.
BAD Crime festival: 'All crime is local' with Natalie Conyer, Michael Duffy and Alan Carter
Are people affected by place? Crime novels offer the chance to explore the intimate relationship between landscape and those who live – and kill – there. Michaela Kalowski talks to three writers who go local and deep – Michael Duffy (the Blue Mountains), Natalie Conyer (South Africa and Sydney) and Alan Carter (Tasmania). Find out about the crime equivalent of ‘terroir’, the impact of landscape on wine – and people.
Jane Sullivan in conversation with Catherine McKinnon
Join us at Brighton Library to hear from two exceptional writers with 2024 historical fiction releases. From Catherine McKinnon, the author of the Miles Franklin Award shortlisted "Storyland", comes a rich, layered and thrilling novel of love, war and friendship, "To Sing of War". From Jane Sullivan, author and award-winning journalist, comes "Murder in Punch Lane", a dark and gripping crime novel that maps the sins and secrets of nineteenth-century Melbourne.
Port Fairy Literary Weekend - Diversifying Crime : Anna Downes, JP Pomare & Nilima Rao
JP Pomare from New Zealand, Fijian Indian Australian Nilima Rao, and UK-born Anna Downes will talk to fellow Kiwi RWR McDonald about how each author’s unique cultural and geographical background influences their approach to crafting suspenseful and engaging crime narratives. Pomare, Rao, and Downes will share their insights into the art of writing thrillers, from building tension to creating memorable characters. This will highlight the diverse perspectives shaping today’s crime fiction landscape.
Port Fairy Literary Weekend - Chasing the Muse in Fiction : Katrina Kell & Susan Paterson
Katrina Kell, author of Chloe (with its Port Fairy connections), and Susan Paterson, author of Where Light Meets Water, will discuss the dynamic relationship between art, fiction, and historical storytelling. They will reveal how personal inspiration and historical contexts intertwine to shape their narratives and how creativity drives their work.
Book Launch - Shadow City by Natalie Conyer
Join us for the launch of the Ned Kelly award-winning author’s latest book. Launched by and in conversation with James O’Loghlin
Book Launch: Sarah Evans by Bernice Barry - Hosted by Writing WA Inc
This free book launch includes complimentary refreshments, as well as book sales and signings by the author.
Author Talk: Heather Morris - Words on The Waves
Join us for a captivating author talk with the celebrated author behind the Tattooist Trilogy and Sisters under the Rising Sun. Delve into these gripping narratives of courage and survival during this enriching daytime event. Engage directly with the author, ask questions, and gain insights into the inspiration behind these powerful stories.
SCHEDULE
10:30am Doors
11:00am – 12:00pm Conversation and Audience Q&A
From 12:00pm Book signings
Afterwards, we encourage you to stick around and grab a tasty meal from the Avoca Beach Surf Lifesaving Club kitchen!
Cost: $25 + booking fee
Author In-Conversation: Bernice Barry
Join author and biographer Bernice Barry in a special in conversation about writing historical fiction and biography.