Geraldton’s Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival line-up full of big names, literary events

For years, readers and writers across Australia have taken part in a unique festival in Geraldton celebrating the written arts and the magic of storytelling.

This year’s line-up for the Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival is sure to impress when local, State and interstate authors, storytellers, poets and creatives share their talent.

Whether you’re a reader, a writer, into performing arts or entertainment, the festival has something for everyone to feed their inner creative.

Starting on Thursday, September 29, there will be four days of literary activities including a festival opening night, book and author talks, writing workshops and open mic poetry.

This year’s festival theme, Kaleidoscope, comes from the Greek phrase “to view a beautiful form”.

Fourteen artists have confirmed their attendance this year, ranging from university tutors to some of Australia’s favourite novelists.

Writers who grew up in Geraldton include Holden Sheppard, whose second novel The Brink was recently published, Amanda Bridgeman, who won the 2022 Scribe Award for Pandemic: Patient Zero and Fellowship of Australian Writers (WA) president Karen Herbert.

Sheppard’s stories reflect modern youth living in the regions while tackling rites of passage, masculinity, identity influence, sexuality and mental health and expresses what it’s like to grow up in country WA.

Sheppard said he was ecstatic to be returning to his hometown to take part in the festival and looked forward to presenting the the keynote address at the headline event.

“I miss the foreshore to be honest. Every time I go to Geraldton I go for a walk or a run. I’ll catch up with some mates and family, and apart from that I’ll be looking forward to all the sessions for the Big Sky,” he said.

“I will be delivering the keynote speech, which is exciting to be given that opportunity. The theme is Kaleidoscope, so I’m thinking about how I factor that in to my speech.”

Sheppard said he would also compete with Geraldton locals in a “lit quiz” where six competitors will be tested on their literary knowledge.

“It’s kind of like Spicks and Specks but with books,” he said.

“It will be funny no matter what, but I suspect the locals will one-up the authors.”

The award-winning author said meeting other writers at the inspiring young writers event was a highlight of the festivities.

“I can’t wait to meet the Geraldton readers and writers and connect with them. I know what it’s like to come from a place like Geraldton and break into the literary world,” he said.

Other artists joining the festival include David Price, who grew up in Carnarvon. Price has long been intrigued by hidden histories and the treatment of Aboriginal people and Asian migrants by first settlers.

NSW artist Emily Brugman wrote a book inspired by her family’s experiences living and working on the Abrolhos Islands between 1959 and 1972.

Childrens’ and young adult writer Bren MacDibble from Kalbarri writes about environmentally changed futures. Nyul Nyul woman Melody Dia from Broome wrote FIFO — Fit in or F*** Off! and is working on her second play.

With more than 28 activities, there is bound to be something for all ages to plunge into. There is Aboriginal artwork, workshops for children to build their own kaleidoscope, live music and refreshments for the grown ups and educational workshops.

City of Greater Geraldton mayor Shane Van Styn said the range of events this year in Geraldton, Mullewa and Northampton would ensure an impressive turnout.

“Having such a diverse program of literary delights means the event offers something for everyone. I congratulate the library and thank everyone who has come aboard to make this event such an ongoing success,” he said.

Shortlisted entrants for the Big Sky Short Story Prize have been announced. They include Rob Christoffersen, Sarah Jane Greenlees, Hazel Pruyn, Tracey Snowball, Diana Wilde and Grant Woodhams.

The winner, runner-up and highly commended entries will be announced at the festival opening night on September 29. The festival will run until Sunday, October 2, at various locations in Geraldton, Mullewa and Northampton.

For the full schedule, visit Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival 2022 | Eventbrite.

GUEST AUTHORS

Holden Sheppard

Amanda Bridgeman

Emily Brugman

Melody Dia

Brooke Dunnell

Dr Kate Forsyth

Karen Herbert

Caitlin Maling

Bren MacDibble

Rebecca J Palmer

David Price

Michael Trant

Dave Warner

Terri-ann White