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newwritersfest.bsky.social
Newcastle Writers Festival
@newwritersfest.bsky.social
130 followers 45 following 170 posts
Join us at #NWF2026 from 27-29 March
linktr.ee/newcastlewritersfestival
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newwritersfest.bsky.social
Join historian William Dalrymple for an evening exploring India's profound influence, as revealed in his bestselling books and chart-topping podcast Empire.

Hosted by Rosemarie Milsom and presented by Fane Australia and How To Academy.

Learn more and book tickets at fane.com.au/whats-on/an-...
An Evening with William Dalrymple - Fane Australia
Join William Dalrymple, best-selling historian and co-host of the Empire podcast, for a captivating live talk on Indian history, colonialism, and cultural legacy.
fane.com.au
October 29, 2025 at 11:31 PM
newwritersfest.bsky.social
Congratulations to Hunter region writer Jessie Ansons, who was awarded the 2025 Fresh Ink Emerging Writer Prize and to the shortlisted writers Shannon Benton, Carlie Slattery, Monique Wallace and Sylvia Wilczynski.

Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2025-fresh-ink-shortlist/
Jessie is shown standing behind a podium in Watt Space Gallery, smiling while holding a bunch of flowers and her certificate of achievement, with Rosemarie Milsom to her side. Courtney Collins is shown speaking behind a podium, with the shortlisted writers watching in the foreground and a yellow pull-up banner behind her that says 'Discover the Stories Behind the Stories'. Jessie, Shannon, Carlie, Monique, and Sylvia smile for a photo in front of the yellow pull-up banner, each holding their certificate of achievement. Jessie, Courtney and Rosemarie smile for a photo on the front steps of Watt Space Gallery.
October 25, 2025 at 10:12 PM
newwritersfest.bsky.social
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the special event with US film and TV identity Griffin Dunne last night.

Griffin spoke to festival director Rosemarie Milsom about his brilliant family memoir The Friday Afternoon Club, which is filled with drama, celebrity, and tragedy.
Griffin Dunne is shown speaking to Rosemarie Milsom on stage at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music. A digital banner is behind them, which features a yellow background, the NWF logo and Spring program branding, the text 'supported by' and the University of Newcastle logo, the text 'An Evening with Griffin Dunne - Hosted by Rosemarie Milsom,' and an image of the front cover of Griffin's book, The Friday Afternoon Club. Griffin is shown signing a copy of his book for an audience member, with both smiling. Griffin smiles for a photo with four NWF volunteers.
October 24, 2025 at 8:48 AM
newwritersfest.bsky.social
Meet Fresh Ink Prize shortlisted writer, Monique Wallace

Monique lives on Awabakal land and is an avid writer both in her professional and personal life. Her work is featured in Kill Your Darlings, and Teacher, Teacher.

Learn more www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2025-fresh-ink-shortlist/
A yellow background with the title 'Meet the 2025 shortlist', next to a black ink drop graphic with white text inside that says 'Fresh Ink $5000 Emerging Writers Prize'. Below this is 'Monique Wallace', written in bold font, a graphic of a book and the text 'The Unrising Sun', a location pin graphic and the text 'Hunter Region', the NWF logo and an image of Monique.
October 23, 2025 at 9:50 PM
newwritersfest.bsky.social
Meet Fresh Ink Prize shortlisted writer Sylvia Wilczynski

Sylvia’s projects as a screen producer include Bomb Harvest released on ABC and in cinemas around Australia to 4-star reviews, and The Rocket, which won over 50 awards.

Learn more www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2025-fresh-ink-shortlist
A yellow background with the title 'Meet the 2025 shortlist', next to a black ink drop graphic with white text inside that says 'Fresh Ink $5000 Emerging Writers Prize'. Below this is 'Sylvia Wilczynski', written in bold font, a graphic of a book and the text 'The Bullet', a location pin graphic and the text 'Northern NSW', the NWF logo and an image of Sylvia.
October 23, 2025 at 9:49 PM
newwritersfest.bsky.social
Meet 2025 Fresh Ink Prize shortlisted writer, Carlie Slattery

Carlie is a writer and freelance editor living in Northern NSW. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies) and previously worked at multiple newspapers.

Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2025-fresh-ink-shortlist/
A yellow background with the title 'Meet the 2025 shortlist', next to a black ink drop graphic with white text inside that says 'Fresh Ink $5000 Emerging Writers Prize'. Below this is 'Carlie Slattery', written in bold font, a graphic of a book and the text 'Glitterbomb', a location pin graphic and the text 'Northern NSW', the NWF logo and an image of Carlie.
October 20, 2025 at 8:21 PM
newwritersfest.bsky.social
Meet 2025 Fresh Ink Prize shortlisted writer, Shannon Benton!

Shannon is an emerging Hunter region writer whose work delves into memory, dementia, and the complexities of mother–daughter relationships.

Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2025-fresh-ink-shortlist/
A yellow background with the title 'Meet the 2025 shortlist', next to a black ink drop graphic with white text inside that says 'Fresh Ink $5000 Emerging Writers Prize'. Below this is 'Shannon Benton', written in bold font, a graphic of a book and the text 'Fragmented', a location pin graphic and the text 'Hunter Region', the NWF logo and an image of Shannon.
October 19, 2025 at 10:20 PM
newwritersfest.bsky.social
Meet Jessie Ansons!

Jessie is a Hunter region writer whose short stories have been published in the Newcastle Herald, Canberra Times, Catchfire Press anthology, and the Hunter Writers Centre Grieve Project.

Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2025-fresh-ink-shortlist/
A yellow background with the title 'Meet the 2025 shortlist', next to a black ink drop graphic with white text inside that says 'Fresh Ink $5000 Emerging Writers Prize'. Below this is 'Jessie Ansons', written in bold font, a graphic of a book and the text 'Forever Yours', a location pin graphic and the text 'Hunter Region', the NWF logo and an image of Jessie.
October 18, 2025 at 10:07 PM
newwritersfest.bsky.social
A huge thank you to the judges of the 2025 Fresh Ink Emerging Writers Prize, Courtney Collins and Natasha Rai.

The winner will be announced at a special event on 25 October.

Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2025-fresh-ink-shortlist/
A yellow background with black and white images of Courtney and Natasha, the text '2025 judges comments', and a black ink drop graphic with white text inside that says 'Fresh Ink $5000 Emerging Writers Prize'. A yellow background, the Fresh Ink graphic and black font with the judges' comment, as follows. These entries stood out for: Risk-taking– Bold creative choices that push boundaries; Clear vision– Evidence of deliberate craft and purposeful storytelling; Precise world-building– Rich, specific details that brought settings to life; Trust in the reader– Avoidance of over-explanation, allowing discovery; Strong openings– Confident beginnings that dropped readers into the story. A yellow background, the title, 'Courtney Collins', a black and white image of Courtney and her bio, as follows: Courtney Collins is an author, screenwriter and producer. The Burial (Allen & Unwin), her widely praised debut novel, was published in ten countries and shortlisted for prizes including the Vogel, the Nita B Kibble Literary Award, NSW Premier’s Literary Awards, and the Stella Prize. Courtney holds a Master of Creative Writing and has taught creative writing in Australia and overseas. She is an Asialink Fellow and a Sidney Myer Fellow. In 2017 she started Ngukurr Story Projects, producing ten short films and one animation series in southeast Arnhem Land. BIRD (Hachette) is her second novel. A yellow background, the title, 'Natasha Rai', a black and white image of Natasha and her bio, as follows: Natasha Rai is a writer and somatic counsellor. She is also the co-host of the Book Deal podcast, exploring writers’ publication journeys. Her debut novel, An Onslaught of Light, published by Pantera Press, was longlisted for the 2017 Richell Prize, 2018 KYD Unpublished Manuscript award, and highly commended for the 2022 Ultimo Press/Westwords Prize. Natasha’s nonfiction appears in anthologies on gender violence. Her short fiction appears in Mascara Literary Review, Overland, Verity La, and StylusLit.
October 17, 2025 at 9:40 PM
newwritersfest.bsky.social
We are hiring a Volunteer Coordinator!

This fixed-term role is essential to the successful delivery of the 2026 festival, overseeing the recruitment, training, scheduling, and support of our team of 150 volunteers.

Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/volunteer-coordinator-2025/
October 17, 2025 at 7:16 AM
newwritersfest.bsky.social
Thank you to everyone who attended our packed event with Bob Brown on Tuesday night.

Bob spoke to Rosemarie Milsom about his new book, Defiance, in which he encourages people to take action to protect the environment.
Bob Brown and Rosemarie Milsom sit on stage at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, reaching out to each other and smiling. There are reflections from green lights and a large digital banner behind them. The banner features a yellow background, the NWF logo and Spring program branding, the text 'supported by' and the University of Newcastle logo, the text 'An Evening with Bob Brown - Hosted by Rosemarie Milsom,' and an image of the front cover of Bob's book, Defiance. Bob is shown sitting and signing a copy of his book. Bob and Rosemarie smile for a photo in front of a white wall, with Rosemarie holding a copy of Bob's book.
October 16, 2025 at 7:19 AM
Reposted by Newcastle Writers Festival
nickmilligan.bsky.social
I spoke with Hollywood legend and writer Griffin Dunne (nephew of John Gregory Dunne and Joan Didion) ahead of his visit to Newcastle this month.

Here’s a taste.

Grab your tickets, Novocastrians!

@newwritersfest.bsky.social

#books #writing #movies #Hollywood #JoanDidion
youtu.be/u9TCsNoUJ_c?...
Griffin Dunne speaks with Nick Milligan ahead of his Newcastle event.
YouTube video by Newcastle Writers Festival
youtu.be
October 13, 2025 at 11:19 PM
newwritersfest.bsky.social
We are thrilled to announce the five regional NSW writers who have been shortlisted for the 2025 Fresh Ink Prize.

Congratulations to Jessie Ansons, Shannon Benton, Carlie Slattery, Monique Wallace and Sylvia Wilczynski!

Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2025-fresh-ink-shortlist/
A yellow background with the text "2025 shortlist announced", the NWF logo and a black ink drop graphic with the text "Fresh Ink $5000 Emerging Writers Prize". A yellow background with headshots of the shortlisted writers, their names, the title of their submissions and where they live as follows: Jessie Ansons, Forever Yours, Hunter Region; Shannon Benton, Fragmented, Hunter Region. A yellow background with headshots of the shortlisted writers, their names, the title of their submissions and where they live as follows: Carlie Slattery, Glitterbomb, Northern NSW; Monique Wallace, The Unrising Sun, Hunter Region. A yellow background with a headshot of Sylvia Wilczynski, and text stating the title of her submission, The Bullet, and that she lives in Northern NSW. Information about the announcement of the prize, which will take place on 25 October at Watt Space Gallery, was also included. This is a free event, but registration is required.
October 9, 2025 at 11:08 PM
newwritersfest.bsky.social
Don't miss our last combined Story Hunter workshops for 2025!

These workshops are designed for high-potential and gifted students, providing a space to work alongside other young writers from schools in our region, guided by the team at Story Hunter.

Book at events.humanitix.com/host/newcast...
A close-up shot of a child writing on paper, with the Story Hunter logo and the text 'Historical Fiction Workshops' added. Children in school uniforms participating in a Story Hunter Historical Fiction Masterclass this year, with text outlining the workshops as follows: 3 November Historical Fiction, Cameron Park - Join us at Sugar Valley Library Museum for a hands-on, informative day where our next generation of writers will have the opportunity to make their stories shine. Children in school uniforms participating in a Story Hunter Historical Fiction Masterclass this year, with text outlining the workshops as follows: 21 November Historical Fiction Newcastle - Join us at Newcastle Museum for an all-day historical fiction deep dive, focusing on artefacts and photographs from the 'Fire and Earth' exhibit that relate to the Hunter's industrial and mining history.
October 6, 2025 at 10:45 PM
newwritersfest.bsky.social
We are seeking a Volunteer Coordinator!

This role is essential to the successful delivery of the 2026 festival, overseeing the recruitment, training, scheduling, and onsite support of our team of 150 volunteers.

Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/volunteer-coordinator-2025/
A group of volunteers are shown gathered in the NUspace lobby, each wearing a black shirt with orange text that says 'Newcastle Writers Festival Volunteer', and orange NWF logos. White text that says 'Work with us' and 'Volunteer Coordinator' and a white NWF logo were added. A yellow background with a black NWF logo and black text that says 'Position Overview: NWF is seeking an organised, people-focused Volunteer Coordinator to join our small, passionate team on a fixed-term contract. This is a Newcastle-based position, and the successful applicant will need to be set up to work from home. Applications close 5pm AEST 3 November 2025'.
October 1, 2025 at 11:27 PM
newwritersfest.bsky.social
A big thank you to Sally Hepworth for launching her new book Mad Mabel in Newcastle last night. Sally spoke about her inspiration for the book, her 10th, as well as the relationship at the centre of the novel.

"There's no greater love story than platonic female friendship." Go well, Mad Mabel.
Sally Hepworth and Amy Lovat sit in red chairs on stage at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music. Sally is wearing a green dress, and Amy is wearing a pink dress and holding a copy of Mad Mabel. A large digital banner is behind them, and it features a yellow background, the NWF logo and Spring program branding, the text 'supported by' and the University of Newcastle logo, the text 'An Evening with Sally Hepworth' and 'Hosted by Amy Lovat,' and a black and white image of Sally. Another image of Sally and Amy on stage, but taken from further back with audience members watching in the foreground. Sally and Amy smile for a photo in front of a pull-up banner for Mad Mabel, which features a pink background, green text that says 'From New York Times bestselling author Sally Hepworth', the Pan Macmillan Australia logo, and an image of the front cover of Mad Mabel, which has a green background, the book title and a graphic of a young girl. Sally signs copies of her book for three women while standing at a high-top table.
October 1, 2025 at 6:36 AM
newwritersfest.bsky.social
Don't miss our special event with Sally Hepworth on Tuesday evening!

Sally will discuss her new novel, Mad Mabel, with #NWF program manager Amy Lovat

🎟️ Get your tickets at events.humanitix.com/nwf-sally-he...
An Evening with Sally Hepworth
Celebrate the launch of best-selling author Sally Hepworth's new book Mad Mabel.
events.humanitix.com
September 28, 2025 at 5:59 AM
newwritersfest.bsky.social
Griffin Dunne sits down with festival director Rosemarie Milsom to discuss his memoir, The Friday Afternoon Club, his star-studded childhood, decades-long Hollywood career, and the glamour and tragedy of his larger-than-life family.

Learn more and book at events.humanitix.com/nwf-griffin-...
A yellow background with the NWF logo, the text 'An Evening with Griffin Dunne', an image of the front cover of Dunne's book, The Friday Afternoon Club and the NWF Spring Program branding (quarter circles grouped in a flower shape), in black down the right side. A yellow background with the NWF logo, a black and white photo of Dunne smiling at the camera, the NWF Spring Program branding and the text 'Actor, producer and director Griffin Dunne will discuss his dazzling memoir, The Friday Afternoon Club – an exploration of what it means to come from a family of storytellers and secret-keepers while building a career in Hollywood', 'Thursday 23 October at Newcastle Conservatorium of Music. Tickets $40.’
September 26, 2025 at 11:10 PM
newwritersfest.bsky.social
For half a century, Bob Brown has been standing up to the powerful interests who would put profit before planet. In his new book Defiance, he draws on this experience to inspire a new generation of individual and collective action.

Hosted by Rosemarie Milsom

🎟️ events.humanitix.com/nwf-BOB-BROWN/
An Evening with Bob Brown
Bob Brown discusses his new book Defiance: Stories from Nature and its Defenders with Newcastle Writers Festival director Rosemarie Milsom.
events.humanitix.com
September 15, 2025 at 8:07 AM
newwritersfest.bsky.social
Join journalists Eric Beecher and @squigglyrick.bsky.social as they shed light on the state of media and what it means for the future of democracy. Hosted by Kylie Morris at #NWF2025

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/podcasts/
Eric Beecher is shown speaking into a microphone while gesturing with one hand. Rick Morton is shown speaking into a microphone while gesturing with one hand
September 9, 2025 at 11:28 PM
newwritersfest.bsky.social
Join us for an evening with US actor, director, producer and New York Times best-selling author Griffin Dunne. He will speak with festival director Rosemarie Milsom about his family memoir, The Friday Afternoon Club, and his career in film and television.

🎟️ events.humanitix.com/nwf-griffin-...
A black and white photo of Griffin Dunne smiling at the camera, with the NWF Spring Program branding (quarter circles grouped in a flower shape), in yellow and black down the right side. A yellow background with an image of the front cover of Griffin's book, The Friday Afternoon Club, and information about the event as follows. ‘An Evening with Griffin Dunne, Thursday 23 October at Newcastle Conservatorium of Music. Tickets $40.’
September 9, 2025 at 10:15 AM
newwritersfest.bsky.social
Helen Garner returns with her signature candour and wit in an exuberant new book The Season, an account from the sidelines of the highs and lows of her youngest grandson’s footy team.

Helen spoke with NWF director Rosemarie Milsom at #NWF2025

🎧 www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/podcasts/
Helen Garner is shown smiling while holding a microphone A yellow background with a graphic of a microphone and the text, 'Stories to you.', 'Listen wherever you get your podcasts' and 'newcastlewritersfestival.org.au'
September 2, 2025 at 10:40 PM
newwritersfest.bsky.social
Submissions for the 2025 Fresh Ink Prize close 23.59pm AEST 8 September!

Learn more and submit at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2025-fresh-ink-prize/
2025 Fresh Ink Prize now open - Newcastle Writers Festival 2026
Newcastle Writers Festival is inviting emerging writers living in regional NSW to submit to the 2025 Fresh Ink Emerging Writers Prize. The prize seeks to elevate marginalised voices and acknowledges.....
www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au
September 1, 2025 at 10:55 PM
newwritersfest.bsky.social
Join us for an evening with best-selling writer Sally Hepworth, who will discuss her new novel Mad Mabel with #NWF program manager Amy Lovat.

Learn more and book at events.humanitix.com/nwf-sally-he...
A black and white photo of Sally Hepworth smiling at the camera, with the NWF Spring Program branding (quarter circles grouped in a flower shape), in yellow and black down the right side. A yellow background with an image of the front cover of Sally’s book, Mad Mabel, and information about the event as follows. ‘An Evening with Sally Hepworth, Tuesday 30 September at Newcastle Conservatorium of Music. Tickets $35.’
August 31, 2025 at 10:49 PM
newwritersfest.bsky.social
In his book Always Was, Always Will Be, @thomasmayo.bsky.social investigates 'what's next?' for reconciliation and justice in Australia after the failed Voice to Parliament referendum. He spoke with Clare Wright at #NWF2025.

🎧 Listen at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/podcasts/
Thomas Mayo is shown smiling while holding a microphone. Thomas is shown standing and speaking while Clare Wright sits beside him, listening. A yellow background with a graphic of a microphone and the text, 'Stories to you.', 'Listen wherever you get your podcasts' and 'newcastlewritersfestival.org.au'
August 26, 2025 at 10:33 PM