Final festival guide

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Festival Guide 13 to 15 March 2013

Contents

Celebrating 20 Years On

Campus Map 2 Festival Highlights 3 Festival Information 4 to 7 Extend the Experience 8 The Prologue Party 9 Literary Lunch 10 Literary Long Table 11 Sessions for Adults 12 Bonus Events for Students 13 Programme 14 to 15

C

Authors’ Biographies 16 to 20 Sponsors and Supporters 27 20 Year Tribute 28 to 29

In 1993, a 12 member European Economic Community set up its vast free trade zone, Boris Yeltsin was elected the new leader of Russia and the World Wide Web was born.

The other equally significant event was the birth of the Somerset Celebration of Literature, with the very first festival running from 24 to 27 March 1994.

It has been 20 years since that day and the festival is still celebrating. In that time we have brought 708 writers, artists and performers to the College grounds to enthral and entertain young people and adults alike.

It is timely to acknowledge the contribution of those people who have given so much to this event. I refer to the founders, Gail Parr, Lorraine Pilgrim, Karen Berkman, Wendy O’Reagan and Graeme Gardiner; and to festival Programme Directors, Jean Yates, Paul Alcorn, Sue Bonifant and current Director, Karen Mackie. In addition, this festival would not be still thriving if not for the huge support of our volunteers numbering well into the thousands; men and women too numerous to mention, who have shouldered the responsibility of the many organising committees.

It is also important to acknowledge all our sponsors (past and present) who have contributed to the festival over the last 20 years. Some major sponsors, in particular stand out. They are parents, sponsors, Board members and friends of the festival.

Bede Young has been a generous provider of transport over all these years. Tony Hickey, current Chair of the College Board, has been involved in the festival in various permutations.

In his generous sponsorship of the National Novella Writing Competition along with Penguin Books, Tony has left an indelible mark on improving literacy and encouraging young writers. Terry Herbert, Deputy Chair of the College Board, has given generously in so many ways over the years. He has sweated in the blazing hot sun setting up bookstalls, cajoled publishers to make contributions, sponsored schools to attend the festival and been a major contributor to keeping this event economically buoyant.

A public vote of thanks is due to two Headmasters, Barry Arnison and Craig Bassingthwaighte; one who had the vision to give this festival the green light and the other, our current Headmaster, Craig, who has encouraged the event at every opportunity and helped bring it to a sustainable place; so that we can look to the future with a sense of confidence.

I also gratefully acknowledge the financial assistance we have received this year from the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, the Regional Arts Development Fund and the Gold Coast City Council.

The Somerset Celebration of Literature has changed over the years as it endeavours to keep itself solvent and relevant. There are significant changes in this, our 20th year, with a new format for the welcome party and literary dinner as these events symbolically return to the beautiful surrounds of the Somerset quadrangle; to name but two innovations.

Finally, although the festival owes its existence to the contributions of so many wonderful individuals, it is the sum of these parts that go to make up this new and unique event; which is bigger than all of us. I have no doubt that the festival will continue to thrive well into the future.

Enjoy celebrating 20 years on in 2013!

Michael Brohier Chairperson

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Festival Highlights

Campus Map

P

rive et D ers Som

Author Sessions Wednesday 13 to Friday 15 March

Workshops and Panels 19

6

Interactive writing workshops and panel discussions for children and adults

Special Events

P 5 Clover Hill Drive

Legend 2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Marquee One Marquee Two

3

2

1

Marquee Three The Great Hall

4

Performing Arts Lepp Building

19

9

Hardback Café 14 Towers Quad

Entries close in December each year with the 2013 winners to be announced at the Literary Long Table

Bring a book and be part of the action on Thursday 14 March

17

Extended Programme

11 12

10

18 7

The Brown Building 16 The Ray Building

15

First Aid 18 Bookings

Senior Learning Centre Volunteers’ Room

13

Somerset National Novella Writing Competition

Guiness World Record Attempt

Festival Bookshop Common Room

The Arnison Building Turning Circle

The Prologue Party, Literary Lunch and the Literary Long Table

14

13

Sessions at Mudgeeraba Market Shopping Centre and Robina Community Centre on Thursday night and Saturday morning

17

Author Book Signings

15

Information P Parking

19

16

Notes In case of Fire/Evacuation assemble at the marquees, don’t panic or run, close doors and windows, leave all articles behind.

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Programme information is available from booths located at the front of the College and at the pedestrian entrance opposite The Great Hall.

Final venue allocations for each session will be released one week before the festival. Please check the website prior to your visit to find your sessions' location. Information will also be available at the gate upon your arrival.

In the Festival Bookshop

Writers’ Wall

8

P

In Towers Quad

3

Festival Information

How to use this Guide

Booking Information

Read through this Festival Guide. Pay close attention to the authors’ biographies and information relating to functions. Decide which author sessions, workshops or functions you would like to attend. Refer to the session times as outlined in pages 14 to 15. Select which time best suits you. Take note of the date, session number, and time — go to somerset. qld.edu.au/celebration and follow the links to purchase tickets online.

Tickets are $7.00 (gst inclusive) per person per session. One complimentary ticket is provided to teachers with each group of up to 10 children (additional teachers are required to purchase more tickets). For adult sessions, workshops and catered functions, please refer to individual event information. Tickets will be emailed to you, so you can then print them out at home. Tickets may also be collected from the Somerset College Events Office between 8.00am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday.

Purchasing Your Tickets

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You may book online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Tickets will be on sale from Monday 11 February 2013. Many sessions have limited numbers, so please book early to avoid disappointment. Please note there is no allocated seating. You must present your ticket to gain entry. Go to somerset.qld.edu. au/celebration and follow the links.

Bookings can only be processed on receipt of full payment. Bookings can only be accepted online or in person at the Events Office. There are no refunds or exchanges once bookings are processed. Your tickets and confirmation of your booking will be emailed to the email address you provide when booking your tickets.

School Bookings and Reservation Policy Tickets may be reserved for up to 14 days without payment. Full payment for all tickets reserved must be received within 14 days of initial booking. All payments must be finalised at least seven days prior to the festival. If payment is not received for your reservation, this will result in automatic cancellation of your booking and tickets will be released.

Supervision Policy Any child 14 years or younger must be accompanied by a supervising parent/ guardian or teacher while on campus at all times during the Somerset Celebration of Literature.

Eating The Hardback Café operates Wednesday 13 March to Friday 15 March from 8.00am.

The Café provides a selection of hot and cold food, cold drinks and cakes, and caters for most dietary needs. Other food vendors also operate from Towers Quad, or guests may wish to bring their own packed lunches.

The baristas at the Coffee Cart will be happy to provide you with your caffeine fix. And for something sweet, look out for Dippin’ Dots ice creams, Dutch Poffertjes, snow cones and other treats.

The Hardback Café accepts cash and cards.

If you have any food related queries, please contact the Somerset College Events Office on 07 5559 7377 or email events@somerset. qld.edu.au.

Bags There is no cloakroom facility at the Somerset Celebration of Literature. We encourage students to bring a small carry bag, as some venues have limited access for school bags.

We advise students to leave valuables at home. All lost property can be collected from the Somerset College Events Office.

Proud supporter of the 2013 Somerset Celebration of Literature We welcome enquiries for your upcoming school fete or outdoor event Contact Lina Scicluna on 0407 751 070 or lina.ddicecream@bigpond.com

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Festival Information

How to Get Here ne isti Chr

Pac ific Hig hwa y

e Av

The festival is located on campus at Somerset College, Somerset Drive, Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast.

Car Take Exit 82 off the Pacific Motorway (M1).

Head west along Somerset Drive. Somerset College is located on the left. There is limited parking off Somerset Drive, Clover Hill Drive and Sara Carrigan Court (accessed by turning right off Clover Hill Drive).

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Photography and Videography Permissions

Festival Bookshop

The Somerset Celebration of Literature will have a photographer and videographer on-site to record events throughout the festival. These photos are for archival and marketing purposes and purchase of a ticket implies permission for use.

The Festival Bookshop stocks an extensive range of books by all the authors and illustrators attending the Somerset Celebration of Literature. The bookshop is open from Wednesday 13 to Friday 15 March between 8.00am and 4.00pm.

Note about Venues

At the end of each of their sessions, the authors will head straight to the bookshop to sign your books!

Venues for the author sessions will be allocated closer to the festival. The capacities of the Somerset College venues vary, so final venue allocation is determined according to the number of tickets purchased for each session. Please check the website prior to your visit to find the location of your sessions.

The Festival Bookshop accepts cash, cheque and cards. It is run by volunteers who are able to assist with queries during the festival. You may also contact the Somerset College Events Office on 07 5559 7377 or email events@ somerset.qld.edu.au for further assistance.

Public Transport The nearest Queensland Rail station is Robina.

From here, Somerset College is approximately five minutes by car/taxi. Public buses are available from various locations around the Gold Coast. For further details, visit the TransLink website translink.com.au.

School Bus Transport Koala Koaches has a special rate for Gold Coast schools travelling to the Somerset Celebration of Literature. Reduced fares are for a minimum of 30 passengers. To check if your school falls within the Gold Coast area, please contact Koala Koaches. Schools travelling to the Gold Coast by train are also eligible for a special rate on a shuttle service between Robina Train Station and Somerset College. Please contact Bede Young, Manager, Koala Koaches to make your necessary travel arrangements by phoning 07 5535 2711.

Festival Access Access to the festival site is via Somerset Drive and Clover Hill Drive, with information booths located at both entrances. These booths are manned by volunteers who are easily identified

Exit 82

Gemva le Ro ad

e Driv rset Some

Somerset College

Have Questions?

For more information, please contact the Somerset College Events Office.

Booking Queries Phone 07 5559 7382 Email bookings@somerset.qld.edu.au General Queries Phone 07 5559 7377 Email events@somerset.qld.edu.au Address Somerset College Somerset Drive, Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia 4213 Online www.somerset.qld.edu.au/celebration

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Extend the Experience

The Prologue Party

Hip-hip-hooray! It’s the Celebration of Literature’s birthday!

Help us mark this milestone at The Prologue Party, the festival’s official 20th birthday celebration.

It’s a fun opportunity for you to meet some of Australia’s best authors and illustrators.

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We’d love to connect on our social networks

Be part of the Guinness World Record Attempt!

You’ll be the first to know all the latest news… keep an eye out for some great competitions!

We’re hoping to claim the record of the most number of people balancing books on their heads at the same time… while walking five metres! This is what you need to do:

somersetcelebration SomCelebration somersetcelebration On Twitter or Instagram? Post your festival thoughts and photos and use the hashtag #20yearson Download the new festival app The app is available for iPhone, iPod, iPad, Android 2.1+, Blackberry, Windows Phone and Kindle Fire.

Simply visit your device’s app store and start by downloading the app called “Guidebook”.

Then just search for “Somerset Celebration of Literature” and add it to your guides. Easy.

Sign up for regular email updates Visit the website, www.somerset.qld. edu.au/celebration

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We invite you to this celebration for the whole family. Put your party shoes on and enjoy the fairground atmosphere with games for the kids, buskers, performances from Lucas Proudfoot and Asphyxia and an “In Conversation” panel with well-known authors Nick Earls, Tiffiny Hall and Lisa Forrest.

Meet outside Marquee 1 at 12noon on Thursday 14 March Bring along your book, measuring a minimum of 23cm x 15cm and a maximum of 31cm x 23cm Follow the instructions of the organiser

Wednesday 13 March 2013, 5.30pm, Towers Quad, Somerset College, Smart Casual dress, free entry with a welcome drink and finger food provided. Extra festival food will also be available for purchase. To assist with organisation, please register your attendance online.

Donate your book at the end of the event.

All books will be distributed to a variety of charities supported by the Somerset Celebration of Literature.

Image © Bel Pangburn, Trigger Happy Images

The author sessions held as part of this event are proudly supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund.

The Regional Arts Development Fund is a Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Gold Coast City Council partnership to support local arts and culture.

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Literary Lunch with Kári Gíslason Proudly sponsored by LM Investment Management Ltd

Join Kári Gíslason for lunch and conversation as he shares his memoir, The Promise of Iceland.

Literary Long Table

Born from a secret liaison between a British mother and an Icelandic father, Kari’s story follows his voyage from Australia to Iceland to meet his father for the first time. What he found was not what he expected.

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Enjoy stimulating conversations and a gourmet lunch as Kári discusses his new book and his intriguing life’s story.

Thursday 14 March 2013, 12.30pm, The Ray Building Dining Room, Somerset College, Smart Casual dress, $40.00 per person (two course gourmet meal with complimentary wine). Please purchase your tickets by Friday 8 March 2013 to assist with catering.

Image © Sayher Heffernan

Twenty years on, this traditional closing event is still a festival favourite. Everyone is invited to attend, and with a fresh format in 2013, it’s definitely not one to miss.

The entertaining and highly acclaimed Nick Earls is joining the party as the keynote speaker at the final event of the 2013 Somerset Celebration of Literature. With a string of As part of our anniversary novels to his name, including celebrations, this year’s dinner will the award winning 48 Shades of be a communal feast. Featuring Brown, Nick will share his stories standout food and wine, guests and experiences to kick off the will enjoy the atmosphere as evening’s festivities. they are seated at long tables Winners of the Somerset National surrounding the stunning Novella Writing Competition, Somerset Towers Quad. sponsored by Penguin Group and the Hickey Family, will also be announced.

Friday 15 March 2013, 7.00pm, The Brown Building, Somerset College, Smart Casual dress, $80.00 per person (all inclusive).

Please purchase your tickets by Friday 8 March 2013 to assist with catering.

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Sessions for Adults

Adult Sessions

Bonus Events for Students

In Conversation 411

Write. Write. Write. 128 (for students aged 11 to 14)

Get up close and personal with authors Nick Earls, Tiffiny Hall and Lisa Forrest. This panel session forms part of The Prologue Party.

Join best-selling author Belinda Murrell in a dynamic creative writing workshop. Create characters who leap off the page, use your five senses to imagine vivid settings, and ask Belinda all your burning questions about writing.

Chaired by Craig Bassingthwaighte, Headmaster of Somerset College, Wednesday 13 March, 7.00pm, Somerset College, free entry, please register attendance online.

Wednesday 13 March, 10.30am to 12noon Somerset College, $18.00

This session is proudly supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund. The Regional Arts Development

The Mad and the Very Bad: The psychology behind writing the nastiest villains 218 (for students aged 15 and over)

Fund is a Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Gold Coast City Council partnership to support local arts and culture.

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Writers' Seminar Blogging and Author Platforms 127 Presented by Queensland Writers’ Centre.

A seminar with authors Nick Earls and Paula Weston.

In the world of interconnectivity everyone can be a published writer. Join QWC for an introduction to the basics of creating and activating an online presence and platform. You do not have to be a technical whiz to engage in this informative session where you will learn the ins and outs of blogging and social media, and how they can help you build your platform as a writer and connect with readers.

Wednesday 13 March, 10.30am to 12noon,

Digital Horizons 511 Authors Jackie French, Kate Hunter, Christine Howe and Steven Herrick explore what reading and writers’ work will look like in the future.

Chaired by Molly Ward, Brisbane Writers Festival Project Manager, Thursday 14 March, 5.30pm to 6.30pm, Mudgeeraba Market Shopping Centre, free entry, please register attendance online.

Flirting with Danger 521 Join authors Leah Giarratano, Phillip Gwynne, Kaz Delaney and Simmone Howell as they discuss the challenges involved in writing about contentious subject matter.

Somerset College, $25.00 or $20.00 (QWC

Chaired by Alison Kemp, Gold Coast City Council

and GCWA members’ concession)

Executive Coordinator Library Customer Services, Thursday 14 March, 7.00pm to 8.00pm, Robina

Development for Teachers Easy Online Resources for Teachers 228 Save time and get better results when you know where to look for the information you want. Gold Coast Libraries’ staff will show you how easy it is to find reliable information 24/7 using the free, public library online resources.

Upper Primary and Junior Secondary teachers will find plenty of classroom applications for these authoritative, easy to navigate resources.

Thursday 14 March, 10.30am to 12noon, Somerset College, free entry, please register attendance online.

Community Centre, free entry, please register attendance online.

The festival is open to the whole community and we invite adults of all ages to join in the literary celebrations

Workshops

Shows

All of us have a dark side.

Saturday 16 March, 9.00am to 10.00am, Robina

Clinical psychologist and best-selling crime writer, Dr Leah Giarratano, will take you inside the mind of a psychopath, exploring the motives, thoughts and desires of the worst predators amongst us. Using didactic and experiential teaching techniques, Leah will help you download the demons from your nightmares onto your page.

Community Centre, free entry, please register

Thursday 14 March, 9.30am to 11.30am,

attendance online.

Somerset College, $18.00

Electric Music presented by Andy Jones 111, 211, 311 (for Lower Primary students)

Drawing in the Treehouse with Terry 318 (for students aged 9 to 12 years)

This highly interactive performance is a collection of sounds, styles and cultures, where students are involved in the creation and performance of music. The audience will be engaged, educated and inspired!

Join acclaimed author/illustrator Terry Denton in a 90 minute workshop to learn how to develop characters, create worlds and storyboard ideas. You draw, he shouts and everyone has a good time!

Wednesday 13 to Friday 15 March, once daily

Friday 15 March, 9.30am to 11.00am,

at 9.15am, Somerset College, $7.00

Somerset College, $18.00

Andy Jones and Funky Monkey Show 611 (for children aged 3 to 12 years) Bestselling children’s author, entertainer and songwriter Andy Jones brings his high energy show to the community, extending the festival into the weekend!

What’s the Joke? presented by Andy Jones 141, 241, 341 (for Upper Primary students) Join Andy for his hilarious literacy and musical show where he uses his guitar, drums and other props to help kids understand humour and why jokes are funny.

Wednesday 13 to Friday 15 March, once daily at 12.45pm, Somerset College, $7.00

So you love the author sessions but are after a little bit more?

Check out these extra events!

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Programme

Wednesday 13 March 9.15 to 10.00am

9.15 to 10.00am

111 Electric Music Lower Primary

Presented by best-selling children's entertainer, author

and songwriter, Andy Jones. See page 13 for full details.

112 Pip Harry Grades 9 to 11 113 Simmone Howell Grades 10 to 12 114 Asphyxia Grades 3 to 6 115 Belinda Murrell Grades 4 to 7 116 Lucas Proudfoot Grades 7 to 9 117 Steven Herrick Grades 8 to 10 10.15 to 11.00am 121 122 123 124 125 126

Gus Gordon Katrina Nannestad Leah Giarratano Andy Griffiths Phillip Gwynne Jackie French

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128

Blogging and Author Platforms presented

by Queensland Writers' Centre Panelists: Authors Nick Earls and Paula Weston Workshop: Write, Write, Write See page 13 for full details

11.15 to 12noon 131 132 133 134 135 136

Terry Denton Tiffiny Hall Anna Fienberg Kaz Delaney J. C. Burke Simmone Howell

Grades 4 to 7 Grades 5 to 8 Grades 2 to 4 Grades 10 to 12 Grades 8 to 10 Grades 9 to 11

12.45 to 1.30pm 141

142 143 144 145 146 147

What's the Joke?

Upper Primary Presented by best-selling children's entertainer, author and songwriter, Andy Jones. See page 13 for full details.

Lisa Forrest Grades 8 to 10 Pat Flynn Grades 7 to 9 Christine Howe Grades 10 to 12 Andy Griffiths Grades 4 to 7 Leah Giarratano Grades 9 to 11 Asphyxia Grades 5 to 8

1.45 to 2.30pm 151 152 153 154 155 156 157

Kate Hunter Paula Weston Kári Gíslason Nick Earls Anna Fienberg Steven Lochran Terry Denton

Grades 4 to 7 Grades 9 to 11 Grades 10 to 12 Grades 5 to 8 Grades 8 to 10 Grades 7 to 9 Grades 4 to 7

5.30pm

211

212 213 214 215 216 217

The Prologue Party Includes Session 411 In Conversation.

See page 9 for full details.

218

10.30 to 12noon Easy Online Resources for Teachers See page 12 for full details

11.15 to 12noon Steven Lochran Andy Griffiths Gus Gordon Lisa Forrest Terry Denton Christine Howe Steven Herrick

Grades 7 to 9 Grades 4 to 7 Grades 2 to 4 Grades 9 to 11 Grades 4 to 7 Grades 10 to 12 Grades 8 to 10

12.30pm

Electric Music Lower Primary Presented by best-selling children's entertainer, author and songwriter, Andy Jones. See page 13 for full details.

Steven Lochran Grades 7 to 9 Lisa Forrest Grades 8 to 10 Kári Gíslason Grades 10 to 12 Lucas Proudfoot Grades 3 to 6 Nick Earls Grades 4 to 7 Paula Weston Grades 9 to 11

318

Workshop: Drawing in the Treehouse with Terry See page 13 for full details

10.15 to 11.00am

221 My Totally Awesome Story Grades 4 to 7

with Pat Flynn and Peter Carnavas 222 Asphyxia Grades 7 to 9 223 Paula Weston Grades 9 to 11 224 Lucas Proudfoot Grades 3 to 6 225 Jackie French Grades 2 to 4 226 J. C. Burke Grades 8 to 10 227 Kaz Delaney Grades 10 to 12

231 232 233 234 235 236 237

311

312 313 314 315 316 317

9.30 to 11.00am

Workshop: The Mad and the Very Bad See page 13 for full details

10.15 to 11.00am

228

Friday 15 March 9.15 to 10.00am

Electric Music Lower Primary Presented by best-selling children's entertainer, author and songwriter, Andy Jones. See page 13 for full details.

Pip Harry Grades 9 to 11 Michael Salmon Grades 3 to 6 Kári Gíslason Grades 10 to 12 Steven Herrick Grades 4 to 7 Belinda Murrell Grades 7 to 9 Anna Fienberg Grades 8 to 10

9.30 to 11.30am Grades 2 to 4 Grades 4 to 7 Grades 10 to 12 Grades 3 to 6 Grades 7 to 9 Grades 8 to 10

10.30 to 12noon

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Thursday 14 March

Literary Lunch Join Kári Gíslason for lunch and conversation.

See page 10 for full details

12.45 to 1.30pm

321 322 323 324 325 326 327

Belinda Murrell Michael Salmon Asphyxia J. C. Burke Steven Herrick Anna Fienberg Kaz Delaney

Grades 5 to 8 Grades 2 to 4 Grades 7 to 9 Grades 9 to 11 Grades 4 to 7 Grades 8 to 10 Grades 10 to 12

11.15 to 12noon 331 332 333 334 335 336 337

Andy Griffiths Grades 4 to 7 Meet the Novella Finalists Grades 9 to 12 Pat Flynn Grades 5 to 8 Gus Gordon Grades 2 to 4 Simmone Howell Grades 10 to 12 Lisa Forrest Grades 8 to 10 Katrina Nannestad Grades 4 to 7

12.45 to 1.30pm 341 What's the Joke?

Upper Primary

Presented by best-selling children's entertainer, author

and songwriter, Andy Jones. See page 13 for full details.

342 Kári Gíslason Grades 10 to 12 343 Phillip Gwynne Grades 7 to 9 344 Terry Denton Grades 3 to 6 345 Lucas Proudfoot Grades 8 to 10 346 Asphyxia Grades 4 to 7 347 Christine Howe Grades 9 to 11

241

242 243 244 245 246 247

What's the Joke?

Upper Primary 1.45 to 2.30pm Presented by best-selling children's entertainer, author 351 Pip Harry Grades 9 to 11 and songwriter, Andy Jones. See page 13 for full details.

352 Andy Griffiths Grades 4 to 7 Nick Earls Grades 5 to 8 353 Jackie French Grades 7 to 9 J. C. Burke Grades 9 to 11 354 Simmone Howell Grades 10 to 12 Kaz Delaney Grades 10 to 12 355 Anna Fienberg Grades 8 to 10 Jackie French Grades 7 to 9 356 Tiffiny Hall Grades 5 to 8 Lucas Proudfoot Grades 8 to 10 357 Kate Hunter Grades 4 to 7 Kate Hunter Grades 4 to 7 7.00pm 1.45 to 2.30pm

Literary Long Table 251 My Totally Awesome Story Grades 4 to 7

See page 11 for full details

with Pat Flynn and Peter Carnavas 252 Katrina Nannestad Grades 4 to 7 253 Simmone Howell Grades 9 to 11 254 Leah Giarratano Grades 10 to 12 255 Tiffiny Hall Grades 5 to 8 256 Phillip Gwynne Grades 7 to 9 257 Lisa Forrest Grades 8 to 10

Saturday 16 March

5.30 to 6.30pm 511 Adult Session: Digital Horizons

See page 12 for full details 7.00 to 8.00pm 521 Adult Session: Flirting with Danger

See page 12 for full details

9.00 to 10.00AM

Andy Jones and the Funky Monkey Show (for children) See page 13 for full details

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Authors' Biographies

16

Asphyxia is a

Peter Carnavas

Aurealis Award. His work has

Curse and Figaro and Rumba.

Jackie French is

circus performer

is an author,

also won more than 40 children’s

allenandunwin.com

a full-time writer

turned puppeteer,

illustrator and

choice awards throughout

and a writer. She

teacher. He has

Australia. In 2008, Just Shocking!

Pat Flynn An

negotiator. She

is also Deaf. Her

written and

won all six children’s choice

ex-professional

writes fiction and

name is unusual, but she is an

illustrated seven picture books

awards in Australia. He has also

tennis player, Pat

non-fiction for all ages, and has

unusual person! Surrounded

and has been shortlisted for

been shortlisted by the CBCA

Flynn now writes

columns in the print media. Jackie

by an unruly mob of brothers,

many awards, including the

many times.

realistic fiction

is regarded as one of Australia’s

sisters and cousins, Asphyxia

Queensland Premier’s Literary

allenandunwin.com

with a dose of humour for eight

most popular children’s authors

grew up directing everyone in

Awards. His latest picture book

to 16 year olds. The Tuckshop

and has won numerous awards.

elaborate games about witches,

is The Children Who Loved Books

Nick Earls is

Kid won an Honour Book Award

She writes across all genres –

faeries, pixies, goblins and evil

and he has collaborated with

the author of

at the CBCA Book of the Year

from picture books and history to

characters. Asphyxia has been

Pat Flynn to create My Totally

twelve novels

Awards and his books have been

science fiction. Some of her many

a ballerina, a circus performer,

Awesome Story, a novel that also

for adults and

released in North America and

books include Pennies for Hitler,

a puppeteer, and a creator of

teaches kids to write stories. Peter’s

young adults, and

Asia. Some of his latest works

Nanberry: Black Brother White, A

her own theatrical productions,

work has been translated into many

two collections of short stories.

include My Totally Awesome

Waltz for Matilda, The Tomorrow

where she tells stories physically

languages, including German,

His books have won awards and

Story, The Trophy Kid and Don’t

Book, A Rose for the Anzac Boys,

and with sign language. The

Italian, Portuguese and Dutch.

appeared in bestseller lists in

Kiss Girls. Pat enjoys surfing and

Hitler’s Daughter and Diary of a

Grimstones – Hatched and

petercarnavas.com

Australia and the UK. Two of his

playing the occasional tennis

Wombat.

novels have been adapted into

tournament.

jackiefrench.com

patflynnwriter.com

Mortimer Revealed have toured

and wombat

around Australia and overseas to

Kaz Delaney is the

feature films and five into stage

great acclaim. The Grimstones

author of My Life

plays. 2012 saw the publication

books are based on these shows.

as a Snow Bunny,

of his third collection of short

Lisa Forrest

is a clinical

thegrimstones.com

Princesses Don’t

fiction, and his first book for

is an Olympic

psychologist

Sweat and Dead,

children – volume one of the

swimming

and best-selling

J.C. Burke was

Actually. She has also written

trilogy Word Hunters.

champion,

author of four

born in Sydney in

many books for adults and young

nickearls.wordpress.com

successful author,

adult crime fiction novels. Her

1965. With writers

people as Kerri Lane. For many

media host and actor. Lisa was

professional background gives

for parents, she

years she tutored creative writing

Anna Fienberg

just fourteen when she burst

an authenticity to her writing.

grew up in a

students at a local university

grew up in a

onto the international swimming

She is an expert in psychological

world of noise, drama and books,

and has written courses for the

house filled with

scene in 1978. She won the

trauma, sex offences and

but she decided to become a

Australian College of Journalism.

books and she

hearts of the Australian public

psychopathology and has

nurse after her mother lost a long

She lives at beautiful Lake

started writing

when, with a 10,000–watt smile

had many years assessing

battle with cancer. Burke has

Macquarie, New South Wales.

stories when she was eight. After

and a tonne of personality,

psychopaths and treating

published a number of acclaimed

Kaz is a self-confessed bling

university, she began freelance

she participated in numerous

their victims. She has worked

books for young adults, including

tragic and believes a smile will

writing. But then she scored the

international competitions. At

in psychiatric hospitals, with

Faking Sweet, The Red Cardigan,

take you way further than a frown.

best job in the world, working for

16, Lisa captained the Australian

the defence force, and in the

The Story of Tom Brennan (which

kazdelaney.com

School Magazine. Anna couldn’t

swimming team at the 1980

corrections system with offenders

believe you could get paid for

Moscow Olympics. Today, Lisa is

who suffer severe personality

won the 2006 CBC Book of the

Leah Giarratano

Year – Older Readers) and Pig

Terry Denton

sitting back comfortably in

one of Australia’s most popular

disorders. Disharmony is her first

Boy, which won the 2012 Ned

has illustrated

your chair, cappuccino in hand,

media figures. She has written

novel for young adults.

Kelly Award for Best Crime

more than 100

reading over a thousand books

three books for children, and

penguin.com.au

Fiction in Australia. J.C. Burke is

books, twenty

a year! Of course, as an editor

in 2008 Lisa published Boycott,

currently working on Pretty Girl,

of which he has

she also had to write reviews and

the story behind Australia’s

which is due for release in July.

also written. He won both the

articles, stories and plays. Anna is

controversial involvement in

jcburke.com.au

Multicultural Book of the Year

the author of many popular and

the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

and the Best Designed Picture

award-winning children’s books,

harpercollins.com.au

Book in 1993. In 2003 and

including the Tashi series with

2008 he was shortlisted for the

Barbara Fienberg, Horrendo’s

17

Authors' Biographies

18

Kári Gíslason’s

and plays. Over the past 15 years

Hall has many titles tucked

football glory while he worked

Kate Hunter is

bittersweet

Andy’s books have been New

under her black belt. Tiffiny

at various jobs. For the past

one of those

memoir, The

York Times bestsellers, won over

has a Bachelor of Arts/Media

twenty-five years he’s been a

annoying people

Promise of

50 children’s choice awards,

and Communications and a

full-time writer and regularly

who comes up

Iceland, tells

been adapted as a television

Diploma of Modern Languages

performs his work in schools

with ads – she’s

the story of his return journeys

cartoon series and sold over five

in French from the University

throughout the world. His books

been a copywriter for more than

from Australia to his birthplace

million copies worldwide. Andy

of Melbourne. She worked as a

include The Simple Gift and

twenty years. In 2009 she felt the

Reykjavík in search of belonging,

is passionate about inspiring a

print journalist before writing her

By the River. Steven lives in the

need to create something a little

home and the meaning of long-

love of books and reading in his

first health books, Weightloss

Blue Mountains with his partner

more meaty, and wrote Mosquito

held family secrets. He has a

young readers, and this passion

Warrior, Fatloss for Good and The

Cathie, a belly dance teacher.

Advertising, The Parfizz Pitch, the

PhD in the study of authorship

drives his work as an ambassador

Lighten up Cookbook. She has

They have two adult sons,

first in her series of three novels

in medieval Iceland and lectures

with The Indigenous Literacy

now turned her hand to fiction,

Jack and Joe.

for young readers. Still involved in

in Creative Writing and Literary

Foundation, the Victorian

with White Ninja and Red Samurai

stevenherrick.com.au

advertising, Kate Hunter is also a

Studies at Queensland University

Premier’s Reading Challenge

the first two titles in a trilogy. The

of Technology. Kári is also a travel

and the Pyjama Foundation.

final instalment, Black Warrior,

writer and has written many

andygriffiths.com.au

will be published in January 2014.

Christine Howe

her stories, Kate’s life is based in

harpercollins.com.au

grew up on the

Brisbane. She is currently working

far south coast of

on a novel for adults that has

articles including a chapter on

contributing editor at the women’s website mamamia.com.au. Like

travel writing in the Cambridge

Phillip Gwynne’s

Companion to Creative Writing

novels have

Pip Harry

New South Wales,

nothing to do with advertising.

(2012). He is currently working

received both

Author and

and currently lives

It’s proving quite a challenge.

on a novel and a travel book.

high critical

journalist Pip

in Wollongong. She was awarded

katehunter.com.au

aremyfeetintheway.blogspot.com

acclaim and

Harry writes

a PhD in Creative Writing in 2009,

popularity amongst readers.

features for

and has been lecturing at the

Andy Jones is a

Gus Gordon is

Deadly Unna? won the Children’s

lifestyle magazines and lectures

University of Wollongong since

popular children’s

an illustrator and

Book of the Year in 1998 and

on journalism at universities.

2005. Song in the Dark, written

entertainer. He

author. He grew

sold over 200,000 copies. It

She has been a section editor

while she was completing her

has previously

up on a farm in

was made into the feature film

for NW Magazine, TV Week and

PhD, is her first novel.

toured schools

northern New

Australian Rules, for which

Woman’s Day and has published

penguin.com.au

Australia-wide with his shows

South Wales and, after leaving

Phillip’s screenplay won an AFI

short stories in the UTS Writer’s

school, worked on cattle stations

award in 2002. His young adult

Anthology and Wet Ink. I’ll Tell

Simmone Howell

Monkey and Kamokidz, and is

all over Australia before deciding

novel Swerve was shortlisted for

You Mine is her debut young

is an award-

currently touring with a literacy

to pursue a drawing career. He

many awards, amongst them the

adult novel. Pip also co-runs the

winning short

and musical show called What’s

moved to Sydney and studied at

2010 Prime Minister’s Award and

relationships website, Reality

story writer,

the Joke?. He is also the author

the Julian Ashton School of Art.

the Golden Inky. Phillip is also the

Chick (www.realitychick.com.au).

screenwriter and

of the bestselling titles The

Gus has now illustrated over 70

author of adult detective thriller

She lives in Sydney with her

small press publisher. Her short

Enormous Book of Hot Jokes

books for children. His first picture

The Build Up. The Debt is his first

partner and gorgeous daughter.

film Pity24 was awarded the

for Kool Kids, The Fartionary

book, Wendy, is about a motorcycle

series for upper primary school

When not at a keyboard, she can

2004 AWGIE and has screened

and The Ripper Razzle Dazzle Big

riding stunt chicken and was

readers, with Catch the Zolt being

be found squishing play dough,

at highly regarded film festivals

Book of Fun and Stuff and More

published in 2009. Herman and

the first instalment in the series.

searching for the perfect flat white

such as the London Australian

Stuff. His latest book, Scoota Boy

Rosie is his second picture book.

allenandunwin.com

and competing in ocean swimming.

Film Festival and Los Angeles

and Skater Girl, will be published

pipharry.com

Shorts Fest. Her first novel, Notes

in June 2013.

from the Teenage Underground

harpercollins.com.au

gusgordon.com Tiffiny Hall

Andy Jones and The Funky

Andy Griffiths is

Fifth Dan

Steven Herrick

won the Victorian Premier’s

Australia’s most

Taekwondo black

was born in

Literary Award for Young Adult

popular children’s

belt, athlete,

Brisbane, the

Fiction in 2007 and the inaugural

writer. He is the

Logie-nominated

youngest of

Golden Inky, and has been

author of over

television personality, trainer

seven children.

published around the world.

20 books, including nonsense

on Channel Ten’s The Biggest

At school, his favourite subject

simmonehowell.com

verse, short stories, comic novels

Loser – there is no doubt Tiffiny

was soccer, and he dreamed of

19 19

Authors' Biographies

of Dreams, The Ruby Talisman

received the following music

and The Ivory Rose (a 2012 CBCA

industry awards: Q SONG Winner

Notable Book). The Forgotten

for Best Song “What’s Going On”,

Pearl is an exhilarating wartime

Deadly Award nomination for

adventure set in Darwin and

Band of the Year and Coca Cola

Sydney. Belinda’s books have

Reach-Out Award for Best Lyrics

been shortlisted for various

for “Go with the Flow”.

awards and selected for the

circularrhythm.com

ALLEN & UNWIN WELCOMES OUR OUTSTANDING AUTHORS

Asphyxia Terry Denton Anna Fienberg Phillip Gwynne Kaz Delaney

Premier’s Reading Challenge. belindamurrell.com.au

Michael Salmon has been involved

20

Katrina

in children’s

Nannestad

graphics, literature,

grew up in

television and

central-western

theatre since 1967. Author and

New South

illustrator of 164 books, Michael

Steven Lochran

Wales. After studying arts and

spends much of his time visiting

wanted to

education at university, she

schools around the country

be either a

worked as a primary school

encouraging students to develop

superhero or a

teacher. Her first teaching job

their own creativity. In 2011,

writer when he

was at a tiny two-teacher school

the Australian Capital Territory

grew up. He has now found a

in the bush. Katrina now lives

Government erected a bronze

way to combine the two. He has

near Bendigo with her husband

statue in tribute to his ABC TV

a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative

and two sons. Her first book,

character ‘Alexander Bunyip’ from

Writing and has worked as a film

Bungaloo Creek, was published

his first book The Monster that

critic, a projectionist, a DJ, and

by ABC Books in 2001. She has

ate Canberra. Michael is also the

as a sales representative in the

since written three books in the

creator of the anti-bullying figure

publishing industry. Vanguard

Red Dirt Diary series: Red Dirt

‘Buddy Bear’ for the Alannah and

Prime: Goldrush is his first novel.

Diary (2010), Red Dirt Diary 2:

Madeline Foundation programme

Book Two in the Vanguard Prime

Blue About Love (2012) and Red

Better Buddies, which is currently

series will be available in March

Dirt Diary 3: Blue’s News (2012).

in many Australian schools. Michael

2013. Steven lives in Melbourne

harpercollins.com.au

Salmon’s attendance at the

www.allenandunwin.com ll d i

funny books Books with pictures

exciting books

Somerset Celebration of Literature is

but you can find him online too.

Lucas Proudfoot

proudly sponsored by Mudgeeraba

is a member of

Market Shopping Centre.

Belinda Murrell

the Tweed Coast

michaelsalmon.com.au

loves to escape

Bundjalung/South

into other

Sea Islander

Paula Weston

worlds and other

Community with a background

lives in Brisbane

times. She is

in professional surfing, music

with her husband,

an internationally published,

and traditional Aboriginal dance.

a retired greyhound

bestselling children’s author of

Having performed in over 25

and a moody

fifteen books who regularly visits

countries worldwide and now with

cockatiel. Shadows, the first

schools around Australia to talk

Circular Rhythm, Lucas has been

book in the Rephaim series, is a

about her passion for reading

able to merge his many talents

wildly compelling and fast-paced

and creative writing. Her novels

into a one-man performance

paranormal romance. Haze, the

include the fantasy-adventure

that is highly interactive and

second book in the Rephaim

series The Sun Sword Trilogy and

informative about Australian

series, is due for release in 2013.

her time-slip series The Locket

Indigenous cultures. Lucas has

paula-weston.com

stevenlochran.com

SOMERSET CELEBRATION OF LITERATURE 2013

books with Fairies about Dragons & dinosaurs

What do you

to read?

We wish everyone a wonderful time at the Somerset Celebration of Literature.

www.hachettechildrens.com.au HCBsomersetadvert_2013.indd 1

1/11/2013 8:46:28 AM

SomerSet Literary FeStivaL 2013 n n e s ta d K a tr in a N a

Ti ffi ny Ha ll

Ja ck ie Fr en ch

Lisa Forre st

Random House Australia welcomes

Belinda Murrell

and

J.C.

Burke

SOMerSeT CeleBraTiOn OF liTeraTure 2013

An dy Jo ne s

Proudly supports The Somerset Celebration of Literature Festival 2013

There’s so much more aT randOMhOuSe.COM.au

APPEARING AT SOMERSET CElEbRATION OF lITERATURE

2013

P

Australia’s #1 children’s author

ANdy GRIFFIThS andygriffiths.com.au

P Award-winning author

SIMMONE hOwEll simmonehowell.com

Celebrating 50 years

as a local, family owned and run Bus and Coach Company

PASSENGER AND SCHOOL SERVICES CHARTER COACH OPERATORS AND SELF DRIVE HIRE Special rate for Gold Coast schools travelling to the Somerset Celebration of Literature.

Let us help you plan your next excursion.

Call us for a quote!

PHONE EMAIL FAX WEB

07 5535 2711 admin@koalakoaches.com.au 07 5535 2072 www.koalakoaches.com.au

Proud sponsor of the Somerset Celebration of Literature for 15 years

Featuring over 40 specialty shops and Woolworths

Hosting Digital Horizons As part of the Somerset Celebration of Literature, Mudgeeraba Market Shopping Centre will host this session for adults.

Authors Jackie French, Kate Hunter, Christine Howe and Steven Herrick explore what reading and writers’ work will look like in the future. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine on arrival.

Thursday 14 March from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.

This session is a free event.

Please register your attendance online.

GOLD COAST RESORT

Sponsors and Supporters

27

The Hickey Family Publishers

Government This project has received financial assistance from the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. It has also been supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund, a Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Gold Coast City Council partnership to support local arts and culture.

We also gratefully acknowledge the financial assistance provided through the Gold Coast City Council Community Grants Program.

GU27235_128x90_Somerset_v1.indd 1

17/12/10 5:09 PM

20 Years On

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2000

2001

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2011

2012

2013

2001

2008

2009

2010

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Somerset Celebration of Literature. The festival has evolved significantly over the years and it has earned its reputation as a major event on Australia’s literary calendar. On these pages, we commemorate by featuring the festival guide covers from the last 20 years.

C

B

Festival Guide Somerset Celebration of Literature www.somerset.qld.edu.au/celebration

13 to 15 March 2013

Borrowing from the pages of the 1994 Somerset Celebration of Literature festival guide is this fitting statement: “It is also a tribute to all those who have been part of the Celebration, and to their remarkable and highly esteemed talents. For those who are ‘celebrating’ or who have created the event, this is a record of the ‘extension of the world of books and writing for all people’.”

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Somerset Celebration of Literature www.somerset.qld.edu.au/celebration