beyond the book
‘Rock creatures come out at night,’ you said.
‘When the low fat moon slings silver On the water They like to play
Be careful Be so very careful Because they really like to play. They get you and that’s it. It’s over. You’re done. People think it’s wild dogs screaming but it’s not. It’s the people who got cornered by rock creatures.’ And I thought it was just another one of your dumb stories Until now.▐ Cath Crowley 11/01/12
S O M E R S E T
C E L E B R A T I O N
O F
L I T E R A T U R E
14 to 16 March 2012
This year, the Somerset Celebration of Literature is going ‘beyond the book’. Our literary experiences are no longer confined to words on pages, but now extend into a whole new realm. This includes the interplay between text, imagery, sound and video to create and communicate stories. Throughout this guide, you’ll see a story developing. From a few random words, we had local artists generate inspired works. These were then collated and sent on to some of our attending authors, who used these pieces of stimulus to create text full of heart and meaning. We invite you to connect with us as we extend this concept in an online environment. Visit somersetcelebration.tumblr. com to join the conversation. Somerset College Headmaster Craig
bob·ber·y [bob-uh-ree] noun, plural -ber·ies. A disturbance; brawl. Artist: Eleven
I am little. Other people are taller than me. I never see over the heads of things. This is a view I would never see. But I can see the gaps. If I turn my head up to the sky I see the gap between.
Bassingthwaighte Chairperson Michael Brohier Programme Director Karen Mackie Financial
I see the space between,
Manager Kylie Sherrington Marketing and Public Relations Georgina Watson Festival Administration
The shape it makes
Cecilia Robertson Events Co-ordinator Andrea Lewis Contributing Artists Eleven doubleone.tumblr.com
And how to escape.▐
Alana Hose alanahose.com Victoria Jackson
facebook.com/victorialeaphotography Lmtd Space Artist Collective lmtdspace.wordpress.com Christopher Mckenzie (MAD) creatingmadness.com.au Dodge Pangburn dbcollective.com.au Bec Worth youwouldlovethis.com
Jane Caro 11/01/12
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It all begins on the Wednesday as a swarm of Festival-goers descends upon Somerset College to be captivated by the writers and ‘turned on’ to reading and – by this – to a lifetime of opportunity. The festivities continue on the Thursday and Friday as students and adults are entertained and educated by authors and illustrators such as Leigh Hobbs, Sorrel Wilby, Oliver Phommovanh, Tristan Bancks, Susanne Gervay, Ursula Dubosarsky, James Roy and Cath Crowley, to name just a few.
The sign of a vibrant and thriving culture is one that has a flourishing system of artists, writers, thinkers and scientists; people who challenge us to hold the mirror up to our society. Just as importantly, a community needs people who can read, critique, discriminate, argue and participate in the debate on the important issues in society.
The Somerset Celebration of Literature culminates with the Literary Dinner, where the winner of the National Novella Writing Competition, a breeding ground for many of Australia’s budding writers, is announced.
The Somerset Celebration of Literature is open to everyone and also offers plenty for adults, from seminars and workshops through to social events including the Festival Launch Party, Literary Lunch and Literary Dinner.
We are delighted to be your hosts and hope you have fun and feel welcome at the College over these three days. Dr Michael Brohier
W E L C O M E
This Festival has the support of over 35 businesses and runs on the goodwill of hundreds of Our Festival each year is tangible evidence of the way Somerset contributes volunteers, without whom this event would simply not eventuate. to the culture of the region. By bringing So we thank them wholeheartedly to the Gold Coast recognised writers for their enthusiastic support. each year, and giving young people from over 55 schools from Queensland and New South Wales the opportunity to workshop stories with them, discuss ideas and books with them and to enjoy reading, the College is making a very real contribution to the community.
C H A I R P E R S O N ' S
The Somerset Celebration of Literature is a Festival that infuses people of all ages with a passion for reading and writing. Over its 19 years, the Festival has seen dynamic growth and transformation. Song, theatre, music and art are just some of the ways in which the Somerset Celebration of Literature has reinvented itself over the years. Underpinning the Festival throughout its life is the unwavering belief in the value of reading and writing and the on-going commitment to contributing to the cultural capital of the Gold Coast.
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How to use this Guide 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 11 to 13. Select which time best suits you. Take note of the date, session number, and time – go to www.somerset. qld.edu.au/celebration and then follow the steps under 'Purchasing Your Tickets'.
F E S T I V A L
I N F O R M A T I O N
Booking Information 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. Bookings can only be processed on receipt of full payment. Bookings can only be accepted online, by fax, 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 – please ensure that you regularly check this email address.
Purchasing Your Tickets You may book online 24 hours a day seven days a week. Tickets will be on sale from Monday 13 February 2012. 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 www.somerset.qld.edu.au/ celebration and follow the links, or download the Booking Form and return via fax 07 5559 7350. School Bookings and Reservation Policy Tickets can 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. In the event payment is not received, this will result in automatic cancellation of your booking and tickets will be released. Eating The Hardback Café operates Wednesday 14 March to Friday 16 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 Somerset College 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.
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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. Photography Permissions The Somerset Celebration of Literature will have a photographer on-site to record events throughout the Festival. These photos are for archival and marketing purposes and purchase of a ticket implies permission to use the photos taken for these purposes. Note about Venues 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 your sessions' location.
Festival Bookshop 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 14 March to Friday 16 March between 8.00am and 4.00pm. At the end of each of their sessions, the authors will head straight to the bookshop to sign your books!
We accept cash, cheque and cards. The Festival Bookshop is run by volunteers who are able to assist with queries during the Festival. You may also contact the Somerset College Events Office via events@somerset.qld.edu.au, or call 07 5559 7382 or for further assistance. Have Questions? For more information, please contact the Somerset College Events Office. —Booking Queries 5559 7382 Email bookings@somerset.qld.edu.au Phone 07
—General Queries Phone 07 5559 7377 Email events@somerset.qld.edu.au —Address Somerset College, Somerset Drive, Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia 4213
More Facts and Fun 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.
Facebook – Somerset Celebration of Literature Twitter – SomWritersFest Website – www.somerset.qld.edu.au/celebration Blog – www.somersetcelebration.tumblr.com
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How to Get Here 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).
…and then she removed her head, exposing a thick bouquet of colourful wires and cables. 'Cross the red with the green'. That's what they'd said. So I did… ▐ Tristan Bancks 11/01/12
F E S T I V A L
I N F O R M A T I O N
—Train and Public Buses The nearest Queensland Rail station is Robina. From here, Somerset College is five to ten minutes by car/taxi. Public buses are available from various locations around the Gold Coast. For further details, visit the TransLink website www.translink.com.au.
à·la·mode [ah-luh-MOHD], adjective: 1. In or according to the fashion. Artist: Alana Hose
—School Bus Transport Koala Koaches has a special rate for Gold Coast schools travelling to the Somerset Celebration of Literature. Reduced fares are $3.20 (plus GST) per passenger with 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.
festival highlights Author Sessions
Wednesday 14 to Friday 16 March
Workshops and Panels
Writing workshops and panel discussions for children and adults
Functions for Adults Festival Launch Party, Literary Lunch and Literary Dinner
Somerset National Novella Writing Competition For Secondary School Aged Writers, entries close in December each year. 2012 winners to be announced at the Literary Dinner.
Slam the Mic! Poetry slam with acclaimed performance poet, Ghostboy
Tristan Bancks Vision Boarding Workshop fe·lo·ni·ous [fuh-loh-nee-uhs], adjective: 1. wicked; base; villainous. Artist: Chris Mckenzie
Move beyond the page with a workshop on connecting with the digital realm
Author Book Signings Are you flicking through this guide and wondering
In the Festival Bookshop
what the curious little barcode icons are for? These
Writers’ Wall
quick response (QR) codes can be scanned with an app on your smartphone, taking you straight to special web links.
In Towers Quad
6
Daytime Function
Evening Function
F U N C T I O N S
F O R
A D U L T S
Festival Launch Party Proudly sponsored by LM Investment Management Ltd It’s time to get connected. Literature is no longer confined to just words on a page, but now extends into a whole realm of digital engagement. We have a passion for words, for images, for telling a story. And we’re connecting with the myriad of channels that support the growth of reading, writing and communicating.
Literary Lunch with Dr Karen Brooks The Accidental Expert: Columns, Comments and Culture (or why did I open my big mouth?) Somerset will be trending on Twitter as the place to be on Thursday 15 March as it hosts the popular Literary Lunch. We live in a world that knows how to connect online, but how about taking some time to catch up the old fashioned way over lunch? This feature event takes the format of a book club-style discussion hosted by Jennifer Levitt. Make some new friends and enjoy stimulating conversations as we bring to you Dr Karen Brooks, internationally-renowned for her insights into media and popular culture.
Help us hit all the right buttons to make literature go live, and be part of the Festival Launch Party. It’s an opportunity for you to get linked in with the arts and culture movement on the Gold Coast and to meet some of Australia’s best authors and illustrators.
It’s not often you can claim that Big Brother started your professional writing life, but that’s exactly what happened to Dr Karen Brooks. Between reality TV, politics, wars, the sexualisation of youth culture, Harry Potter and everything in between, Karen has managed to forge a career in commentary, earning accolades, wrath, marriage proposals and death threats along the way. She’s also been given the sobriquet ‘expert’, something which sits uncomfortably with her.
Join us for this relaxed social event, which officially launches the 2012 Somerset Celebration of Literature.
Join Karen as she talks about comments, writing, pop culture, life and everything to do with her books and beyond.
Wednesday 14 March 2012, 6.00pm to 8.00pm,
Thursday 15 March 2012, 12.30pm, The Ray Building
Radisson Resort Gold Coast, Dress: Smart, $35.00
Dining Room, Somerset College, Smart Casual
per person (includes hot and cold canapés, with two
$40.00 per person (two course gourmet meal
complimentary drink vouchers). A cash bar will
includes complimentary wine).
also be operating throughout the evening.
A moment with Sandy Mackinnon
☺
For starters, have you ever considered a career as a professional lawn bowler? —No. I’m really no good at any ball games, though I do rather enjoy croquet – it’s got that odd mixture of gentility and the chance to be utterly ruthless with one’s opponents. Do you have a favourite poet? —Edwin Muir, Roger McGough, Charles
7
Closing Celebration
Causley, Tolkien, Keats, Shakespeare … If you could have anyone work for you,
Literary Dinner at the Radisson Resort
who would you hire, and for what reason? —I don’t think I’d ever want anyone to work for me. I feel embarrassed even when the plumber comes and he’s down under the sink and I am swanning around looking idle and helpless. What is the worst situation in which you have been lost, and did you cry? —Getting lost is one of the things that makes me grin broadly and maniacally to myself. I am at my most alive when I am thoroughly lost and thinking “Crikey!” If there were one book you wish you could have written, what would it be?
Everyone is invited to join in the celebrations before we all log off for another year. As the culmination of the week-long festivities, the Literary Dinner is always a Celebration of Literature highlight. Join the party as we hear from adventurous keynote speaker, Sandy Mackinnon. During the evening, the winners of the Somerset National Novella Writing Competition, sponsored by Penguin Group and the Hickey Family, will also be announced.
—The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis. Would you prefer to be a seagull or a cat, and for what reasons? —A seagull definitely … but one that turned up its beak at eating rubbish. A refined, spiritual seagull that leads sailors home to harbour and has a yearning, keening cry which makes the boy on the shore dream dreams… and knows of a far-off island where nobody ever comes. That sort of seagull. Being much more thorough and inquisitive than Wikipedia, we want to know one thing. What do you do in your spare time?
A.J. (Sandy) Mackinnon was born in Australia in 1963. His bestselling first book, The Unlikely Voyage of Jack de Crow, described his journey through the waterways of Europe, from Wales to the Black Sea, in a Mirror dinghy. The Times Literary Supplement hailed it as ‘a wonderful idea for a book – a series of ever bolder improvisations … undertaken in praise of the spirit of adventure’. His most recent book is The Well at the World’s End.
—Paint, write, work on Fermat’s Last Theorem, practise magic tricks, garden, play the harp
Friday 16 March 2012, 7.00pm for 7.30pm, Radisson
and the piano, cook, work out puzzles, set
Resort Gold Coast, Lounge Suit, $100.00 per person
amazing treasure hunts, and make fireworks.
(all inclusive).
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Writers’ Seminar
to 5.00pm, Somerset College Library, $13.00
Storytelling for Digital Natives 521 Tristan Bancks, Oliver Phommavanh, Lili Wilkinson and Karen Brooks explore the challenges of engaging with an audience who gets most of its entertainment from a screen of some kind. Chaired by Molly Ward, Project Manager, Word Play – Brisbane Writers’ Festival, Thursday 15 March, 5.00pm to 6.00pm, Somerset College Library, $13.00
Adult Workshop
A D U L T S
Queensland Writers’ Centre presents To Market to Market: Pitching to Publishers with authors Tristan Bancks and Belinda Jeffrey, a seminar facilitated by Sarah Gory (QWC) 127 Finished your short story or novel manuscript, but not sure what the next step is? In this two-hour seminar, two successful authors will guide you through the steps of submitting to fiction markets. Along the way, Tristan and Belinda will share the latest intel on what Australian literary agents want to see from writers and dispel some myths about the publishing business. Pick up some insider tips and gain the insight you need to crack the market.
Chaired by Meg Johnson, Thursday 15 March, 4.00pm
E V E N T S
F O R
Vision Boarding with Tristan Bancks (for ages 16+) 531 From soundtracks to storyboarding, movie trailers to animations, for children’s author Tristan Bancks, writing Wednesday 14 March, 10.30am to 12noon a book is a totally three-dimensional Somerset College Library, $25.00 or $20.00 experience. Come and see his amazing (QWC and GCWA members’ concession) Vision Board, which helped him create his books, Mac Slater Coolhunter, Nit Boy, Galactic Adventures series and My Adult Sessions Life and Other Stuff I Made Up. Learn techniques on how to fuse TV, the web, Remarkable Journeys 411 video and old-fashioned books to write Writers-cum-seasoned adventure seekers your own brilliant stories. Workshop Sandy Mackinnon, Sorrel Wilby, Neil Grant participants will engage with technology, and Rosanne Hawke reflect upon how using Tristan’s new Story Scrapbook travel fuels creativity. storytelling app, to be launched in 2012, to develop their own stories. Chaired by Molly Ward, Project Manager, Word Play – Brisbane Writers’ Festival, Wednesday 14 March,
Thursday 15 March, 6.30pm to 8.00pm, Somerset
4.00pm to 5.00pm, Somerset College Library, $13.00
College Library, $15.00 school and university students, $20.00 adults
Finding the Voice 511 Join acclaimed children’s writers James Roy, Ursula Dubosarsky, Cath Crowley and Scott Westerfeld as they discuss how they construct authentic, engaging younger characters.
The Festival is open to the whole community and we invite adults of all ages to join in the literary celebrations.
9
Student Workshops Poetry from Page to Stage (for students aged 13 to 15 years) 248 Acclaimed performance poet Ghostboy will help budding young poets to sharpen their words for the stage. The workshop includes two group writing exercises, and also explores performance, stage and voice technique using a live microphone. Pick up the mic, let the words take flight! Thursday 15 March, 1.00pm to 2.30pm, $15.00
Wednesday 14 to Friday 16 March, Twice daily at 9.15am and 12.45pm, $7.00
S T U D E N T S
A singing south wind flutters into town… filling the air with magic and song. With a dash of imagination, a hint of mayhem and a basket full of hope, Nadia and her audience discover true friends can sometimes be found right under your toes…
An interactive panel session where you, the audience, decide who takes the poetic crown. Featuring special guest authors James Roy and Jane Caro, So You Think You Can Write will test the literary mettle of some of our best and brightest young writers.
F O R
Nadia and The Blue Flamingo (for children aged 3 to 8 years) 111, 141, 211, 241, 311 and 341 Each day during the Festival, acclaimed children’s songwriter and entertainer Nadia Sunde will present the whimsical and heartwarming Nadia and The Blue Flamingo, a combination of puppetry, music, comedy and audience participation in an engaging and heartfelt tale of friendship.
E V E N T S
Friday 16 March, 9.30am to 11.30am, $18.00
So You Think You Can Write (for Secondary students) 222 Brought to you by Griffith University School of Humanities Could you write an award winning poem in under three minutes? Pen a limerick containing the words broccoli and cheese? Write the ultimate dust jacket for a long dead author? Join us as a team of high school students battle it out with a team of tertiary students for the ultimate prize in literary supremacy.
B O N U S
Creating a Character with Leigh Hobbs (for students aged 9 to 12 years) 318 Join Leigh Hobbs, creator of Old Tom, Horrible Harriet, Mr Badger and Mr Chicken, and in a two hour workshop, learn how to tap into your imagination and create your very own characters using words and pictures.
Challenges
Thursday 15 March, 10.15am to 11.00am, $7.00
So you love the author sessions but are after a little bit more? Check out these extra events!
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♫
P O E T R Y
S L A M
Slam the Mic! Poetry Slam 323 Proudly sponsored by Juice 107.3 Good Taste Radio This is a call out to all young poets, spoken word maestros and hip hop freestylers. We want to give you two minutes and a mic and let you rip up the stage with fresh verses and tight rhymes that will set Somerset alight!!!
Slam is a live spoken word competition created in the 1980’s by Marc ‘So What’ Smith in Chicago. Open to all people and all forms of spoken-word – poetry, hip hop, theatre, whatever! – each person slams their words to a live audience. From this audience, five people are randomly selected to score each poet’s work. Your hosts on the day will be Queensland slammaster Ghostboy and comedian and con-nerd Oliver Phommavanh. Ghostboy has run slam contests and workshops at the Brisbane Writers’ Festival and other youth festivals across Queensland. Friday 16 March, 10.30am to 12noon, $7.00
Here are your SLAM THE MIC! rules: 1. Maximum of 15 poets. Get in quick and
sign-up online at www.somerset.qld.edu.
au/celebration. Entrants must fulfil the
Conditions of Entry outlined.
2. Poets must perform one original piece
in less than two minutes.
3. Poets must be Secondary students and/or
aged between 12 and 18 years.
4. Five judges are randomly selected from
the audience (a mix of fellow students,
teachers and adults!)
5. The overall winner is the highest score
on the day.
6. Prizes will be awarded to first, second
and third place-getters. Thanks to Juice
107.3, first prize is an e-reader plus the
opportunity to perform your poetry live on
radio! Second and third prize is a Somerset
Celebration of Literature book pack.
“Slam gives young people the chance to step up to the mic and let their words take flight. Slam opened up many avenues for me when I was starting as an artist and this is a great opportunity for the Gold Coast’s emerging poets, writers, hip hop artists, lyricists and word freaks to get up and send out their words.” —Ghostboy
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P R O G R A M M E LEGEND
SESSION NO.
Author Suggested Audience
9.15 to 10.00am 111
Nadia and the Blue Flamingo* See page 9 for full details.
112
Georgia Blain Grades 9 to 11
113
Belinda Jeffrey Grades 10 to 12
114
Wednesday 14 March 10.15 to 11.00am
121
Mandy Foot Grades 2 to 4
122
Michael Wagner Grades 4 to 7
123
Karen Healey Grades 10 to 12
124
11.15 to 12.00noon
131
James Roy Grades 4 to 7
132
Oliver Phommavanh Grades 5 to 8
133
Leigh Hobbs Grades 2 to 4
134
Felice Arena Grades 3 to 6
Sorrel Wilby Grades 3 to 6
Lili Wilkinson Grades 10 to 12
115
125
Susanne Gervay Launch: Ships in the Field Upper Primary and Junior Secondary Students
12.45 to 1.30pm 141
Nadia and the Blue Flamingo* See page 9 for full details.
142
Scott Westerfeld Grades 8 to 10
143
Frances Watts Grades 2 to 4
144
Jane Caro Grades 10 to 12
1.45 to 2.30pm
151
Jacqueline Harvey Grades 4 to 7
152
Sandy Mackinnon Grades 9 to 11
153
Karen Brooks Grades 10 to 12
154
Tristan Bancks Grades 5 to 8
135
Deborah Abela Grades 4 to 7
116
Lili Wilkinson Grades 7 to 9
117
Neil Grant Grades 8 to 10
*An interactive musical theatre experience for under 8s, presented by international awardwinning songwriter and performer, Nadia Sunde
Ursula Dubosarsky Grades 7 to 9
126
136
Rosanne Hawke Grades 8 to 10
Cath Crowley Grades 9 to 11
127
411
10.30am to 12noon
4.00 to 5.00pm
Queensland Writers’ Centre presents To Market To Market: Pitching to Publishers
Adult Session Remarkable Journeys
Facilitated by Sarah Gory from QWC
Panelists: UQP Authors Tristan Bancks and Belinda Jeffrey
See page 8 for full details.
145
Charlie Carter Grades 4 to 7
146
Sue Saliba Grades 9 to 11
147
Rosanne Hawke Grades 5 to 8
155
Ghostboy Grades 8 to 10
156
Ursula Dubosarsky Grades 7 to 9
157
Wendy Orr Grades 4 to 7
6.00 to 8.00pm
Festival Launch Party Official Festival Launch at the Radisson Resort Gold Coast
12 9.15 to 10.00am 211
Nadia and the Blue Flamingo* See page 9 for full details.
212
Karen Healey Grades 9 to 11
213
Leigh Hobbs Grades 3 to 6
214
Belinda Jeffrey Grades 10 to 12
215
James Roy Grades 4 to 7
216
Susanne Gervay Grades 7 to 9
217
P R O G R A M M E
Thursday 15 March 10.15 to 11.00am
221
Michael Wagner Grades 4 to 7
222
So You Think You Can Write featuring James Roy and Jane Caro. See page 9 for full details. Secondary Students.
223
Sandy Mackinnon Grades 9 to 11
224
Felice Arena Grades 3 to 6
225
Mandy Foot Grades 2 to 4
226
Claudia Gray Grades 8 to 10
227
Ghostboy Grades 8 to 10
Georgia Blain Grades 10 to 12
12.30pm
248 1.00 to 2.30pm
Literary Lunch Join renowned author and columnist, Karen Brooks, for lunch and conversation
Poetry from Page to Stage See page 9
11.15 to 12.00noon
231
Scott Westerfeld Grades 8 to 10
232
Deborah Abela Grades 4 to 7
233
Frances Watts Grades 2 to 4
234
Cath Crowley Grades 9 to 11
235
Charlie Carter Grades 4 to 7
236
Sue Saliba Grades 10 to 12
237
Neil Grant Grades 8 to 10
511 4.00 to 5.00pm Adult Session: Finding the Voice See page 8
12.45 to 1.30pm 241
Nadia and the Blue Flamingo* See page 9 for full details.
242
Susanne Gervay Grades 5 to 8
243
Jane Caro Grades 9 to 11
244
Claudia Gray Grades 10 to 12
245
Sorrel Wilby Grades 2 to 4
246
James Roy Grades 8 to 10
247
1.45 to 2.30pm
251
Wendy Orr Grades 4 to 7
252
Oliver Phommavanh Grades 4 to 7
253
Lili Wilkinson Grades 9 to 11
254
Scott Westerfeld Grades 10 to 12
255
Jacqueline Harvey Grades 4 to 7
256
Ursula Dubosarsky Grades 7 to 9
257
Tristan Bancks Grades 4 to 7
Rosanne Hawke Grades 8 to 10
521 5.00 to 6.00pm
531 6.30 to 8.00pm
Adult Session: Storytelling for Digital Natives See page 8
Adult Workshop: Vision Boarding with Tristan Bancks See page 8
13
P R O G R A M M E
Friday 16 March 9.15 to 10.00am 311
Nadia and the Blue Flamingo* See page 9 for full details.
312
Ghostboy Grades 7 to 9
313
Jane Caro Grades 8 to 10
314
Georgia Blain Grades 10 to 12
315
Felice Arena Grades 3 to 6
316
Wendy Orr Grades 4 to 7
317
Sandy Mackinnon Grades 9 to 11
318 9.30 to 11.30am Creating a Character with Leigh Hobbs
See page 9
10.15 to 11.00am
321
Sorrel Wilby Grades 3 to 6
322
Mandy Foot Grades 2 to 4
11.15 to 12.00noon
331
Tristan Bancks Grades 4 to 7
332
Meet the Novella Finalists Grades 9 to 12
323 10.30am to 12noon
Slam the Mic! Hosted by Ghostboy and Oliver Phommavanh See page 10 for full details. Secondary Students.
324
Sue Saliba Grades 9 to 11
325
Michael Wagner Grades 4 to 7
326
Neil Grant Grades 8 to 10
327
Cath Crowley Grades 10 to 12
*An interactive musical theatre experience for under 8s, presented by international awardwinning songwriter and performer, Nadia Sunde
334
Frances Watts Grades 2 to 4
335
Karen Brooks Grades 10 to 12
336
Claudia Gray Grades 8 to 10
337
Jacqueline Harvey Grades 4 to 7
12.45 to 1.30pm 341
Nadia and the Blue Flamingo* See page 9 for full details.
342
Scott Westerfeld Grades 10 to 12
343
Susanne Gervay Grades 7 to 9
344
Leigh Hobbs Grades 3 to 6
345
Rosanne Hawke Grades 8 to 10
346
James Roy Grades 4 to 7
347
Karen Healey Grades 9 to 11
1.45 to 2.30pm
351
Lili Wilkinson Grades 9 to 11
352
Charlie Carter Grades 4 to 7
353
Ursula Dubosarsky Grades 7 to 9
354
Belinda Jeffrey Grades 10 to 12
355
Claudia Gray Grades 8 to 10
356
Oliver Phommavanh Grades 5 to 8
357
Deborah Abela Grades 4 to 7
7.00pm
Closing Celebration Literary Dinner at the Radisson Resort Gold Coast
14
Deborah Abela
Andy Roid series.
such as Granta and The
Having always
www.felicearena.com
Independent Magazine.
been short and a
www.randomhouse.com.au/ Tristan Bancks
Deborah has
Tristan Bancks
dreamed of
tells stories
Karen Brooks
being braver
for the page
Karen Brooks
and stronger,
and screen.
is the author
which is
His background is in acting and
of nine books,
probably why she writes books
filmmaking. His new books are
including the
about spies, ghosts and characters
Galactic Adventures, First Kids
acclaimed Curse of the Bond Riders
who are good with swords and
in Space (UQP, July 2011) and My
(Tallow and Votive), published by
take on sea monsters and evil
Life and Other Stuff I Made Up
Random House. The final book in
harbour lords. Deborah is the
(Random House, July 2011). He has
the trilogy, Illumination, is due for
author of the Max Remy
also written the Mac Slater books
release in June. A weekly columnist
A U T H O R
B I O G R A P H I E S
bit of a coward,
authors/georgia-blain.aspx
Superspy series, Jasper
released in Australia and the USA,
for The Courier Mail and social
Zammit (Soccer Legend)
and the Nit Boy series. Tristan is
commentator with national radio
series, The Remarkable
saving for his ticket to space. He
and TV, Karen recently semi-retired
Secret of Aurelie
loves telling fast-moving stories
from academia and is now an
Bonhoffen and Grimsdon.
for young people and inspiring
Honorary Research Consultant at
Her latest series, Ghost
others to create.
the Centre for Critical and Cultural
Club, is about the
www.tristanbancks.com
Studies at the University of QLD. She lives in Hobart, Tasmania
youngest members of a ghost catching society.
Georgia Blain
with her beloved partner, two dogs
She’s won awards for her
Georgia Blain
and six cats and spends most of
books but mostly hopes,
has published
her days writing and dreaming.
one day, to be as brave
six novels:
www.karenrbrooks.com
as the characters inside.
Candelo, Closed for Winter, The Blind Eye,
Jane Caro
Names for Nothingness, Too
Jane Caro is an
Felice Arena
Close to Home and the gripping
author, lecturer,
Felice Arena is
and atmospheric young adult
mentor, social
one of Australia’s
novel, Darkwater. Named as one
commentator,
best-loved
of the Sydney Morning Herald’s
columnist, speaker, broadcaster
children’s
Best Young Novelists in 1998,
and award-winning advertising
writers. He is the author and
she has been shortlisted for the
writer. Her first novel, Just a Girl
creator of many popular and
NSW Premier’s Literary Awards
(UQP, 2011), tells the story of
award-winning children’s books
and two of her novels have been
the young Elizabeth I. Jane also
including the Boyz Rule and the
optioned for feature films. Her
runs her own communications
Girlz Rock series, the hilarious
book of personal essays, Births,
consultancy and lectures in
Farticus Maximus books, the Stick
Deaths, Marriages, was shortlisted
Advertising Creative at the School
Dudes series, Whippersnapper,
for the Nita B Kibble Award in
of Communication Arts at UWS.
and, of course, the Specky Magee
2009. Georgia has been published
She has appeared on Channel
books. His latest books are part
internationally, with her work
7’s Sunrise, ABC’s Q&A, Richard
of the action-packed, high-tech
appearing in publications
Glover’s Political Forum on Radio
www.deborahabela.com
702, Radio National’s
Life Matters, Mornings with
Old summers under my skin Salt skies warm rocks Yellow light And the thin lines of places You helped me to imagine ▐ Cath Crowley 11/01/12
15
Kerri-Anne and The Gruen Transfer. Charlie Carter (aka John Heffernan) Charlie Carter is the author of 16 Battle Boy titles that follow the adventures of Napoleon Augustus Symthe (BB005) as he visits famous battles in the past with his flesh-coloured armour and best friend, Skin. Due to the secret nature of these missions, little was previously known about the author. However, it can now be revealed that Charlie Carter is actually the award-winning children’s author John Heffernan. www.panmacmillan.com.au
bob·ber·y [bob-uh-ree] noun, plural -ber·ies. A disturbance; brawl. Artist: Dodge Pangburn
Cath Crowley Cath Crowley studied professional writing and editing at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and has taught creative writing for over ten years. She writes for young adults and children, and is published in Australia and internationally.
Graffiti Moon is Cath’s fifth novel, following the Gracie Faltrain novels and the award-winning Chasing Charlie Duskin. Awards include: NSW Premier’s Awards (Ethel Turner Award, 2011), Prime Minister’s Literary Award (Young Adult Winner, 2011), Children’s Book Council Awards Honour
16
Book (Older
work produced for the Adelaide Zoo
the likes of the Brisbane Writers
Readers, 2011),
as this provided the opportunity
Festival, Sydney Writers’ Festival,
Shortlisted for
to draw just about every animal
Byron Bay Writers’ Festival,
the Victorian
possible and helped turn the
NightWords (Sydney Opera
and Queensland Premiers’ Literary
dream into a reality of becoming
House), Voices on the Coast,
Awards (2011) and Shortlisted
a published children’s book
Whitsundays Voices, and the
for the Inky Awards (2011).
illustrator. Titles include Australian
Woodford Folk Festival. In 2011 he
www.cathcrowley.com.au
versions of Come Fly with Captain
completed a poetry slam
Kangaroo, The Wheels on the Bus,
tour of the USA funded by
Ursula
Old MacDonald Had a Farm
Arts Queensland. He has also
Dubosarsky
and All Set for the Big Wet.
performed on Triple J and ABC
Ursula
www.mandyfoot.com.au
radio, had two poetry books
Dubosarsky is
released to date, and is the coSusanne
founder of Small Change Press.
as one of the most
Gervay OAM
www.ghostboy.net
talented and original
Recognised for
writers in Australia
her writing on
Neil Grant
today. She is the author
social justice,
Neil Grant was
of many outstanding
Susanne Gervay’s award winning
born in Scotland
books and has won
books are endorsed by The
in the Year of
several national prizes
Alannah and Madeline Foundation,
the Fire Horse.
for her work, including
Cancer Council, Room to Read
He learnt to speak Australian
the NSW, Victorian and
and many others. Her bestselling
at the age of thirteen when he
Queensland Premier’s
I Am Jack is becoming a classic
migrated to Melbourne to ride
Literary Awards. Her
on school bullying, while her young
kangaroos. After graduating
latest book for children
adult novel That’s Why I Wrote This
from the International School
is The Carousel, and for
Song, with music and lyrics by her
of Kuala Lumpur, he spent years
young adults, The Golden
daughter Tory, powerfully reaches
blundering through Indonesia,
Day. Ursula has a PhD
into youth culture. Her picture
Israel, Yugoslavia, India, Nepal,
in English Literature from
book Ships in the Field gives a
Thailand, Greece, Italy, the UK and
Macquarie University, and lives
voice to Australian identity and
Tasmania. To research his latest
in Sydney with her family.
the immigrant nation. Susanne is
novel, The Ink Bridge, he travelled
www.ursuladubosarsky.com
proud to be an ambassador for the
(quietly) through Afghanistan. He
National Year of Reading 2012.
is also the author of Rhino Chasers
A U T H O R
B I O G R A P H I E S
widely regarded
Mandy Foot
www.sgervay.com
and Indo Dreaming and the editor of From Kinglake to Kabul. Neil has
Illustrator, animal lover
Ghostboy
three children and lives in Cottles
and a big fan of
David Stavanger
Bridge, Victoria.
creative chaos
– and bent alter
www.neilgrant.com.au
– drawing has always been
ego Ghostboy –
an important part of her life.
are the Dr Jekyll
Claudia Gray
Graduating with a Bachelor
and Mr Hyde of Australian poetry.
Claudia Gray
of Design/Illustration at the
A live hybrid of performance
is a full-time
University of South Australia in
poetry, and spoken word theatre,
novelist based
1992, she has particularly relished
Ghostboy has been a smash hit at
in the USA. So
17
far, she has been employed as a
written almost twenty books for
Australia, for
disc jockey, a lawyer, a journalist
young people including Marrying
Horrible Harriet
and an extremely bad waitress.
Ameera, Taj and the Great Camel
(2002), Old
Claudia especially likes to spend
Trek and Soraya, The Storyteller.
Tom’s Holiday
time travelling, hiking, reading
Many of her books have been
(2003) and Mr Chicken Goes
and listening to music. More than
shortlisted in Australian awards,
to Paris (2010), which was also
anything else, she enjoys writing.
or named as Notable Books in the
shortlisted for the 2010 Prime
She is the author of Evernight,
CBCA Awards. Across the Creek
Minister’s Awards. Mr Chicken
Stargazer, Hourglass, Afterlife
won the Cornish Holyer an Gof
Goes to Paris is currently a best
and Fateful and the new book,
Award. Rosanne was an aid worker
seller in the Louvre Museum
Balthazar, published in March
in Pakistan and the United Arab
bookshop in Paris, and is being
by HarperCollins.
Emirates and teaches creative
adapted by NIDA for a May 2012
www.claudiagray.com
writing at Tabor Adelaide. She
Sydney stage debut.
is a Carclew, Asialink, Varuna,
www.leighhobbs.com.au
Jacqueline
and May Gibbs Fellow, and
Harvey
a Bard of Cornwall.
Belinda Jeffrey
Jacqueline
www.rosannehawke.com
Belinda Jeffrey’s
Harvey has Karen Healey
young adult
working life teaching in girls’
Karen Healey is
fiction is
boarding schools. She is pleased
an exciting new
acclaimed for its arresting
to say that she has never yet
author whose
characters and vivid descriptions.
encountered a headmistress like
debut young
spent her
Her impressive debut, Brown Skin
adult novel, Guardian of the Dead,
Blue (UQP, 2009), was inspired by
across quite a few girls who
is a no-holds-barred paranormal
a croc jumping tour in the Northern
remind her a little of Alice-
thriller. Karen, a New Zealander
Territory and was shortlisted for
Miranda, the star of her latest
living in Australia, is writing
last year’s Western Australian
series of books. Jacqueline has
a dissertation on American
Premier’s Literary Awards. Her
published nine novels for young
superhero comics. She likes
second novel, Big River, Little
readers. Her first picture book,
World of Warcraft, movies
Fish (UQP, 2011) was inspired by
Miss Grimm, but she has come
The Sound of the Sea, was
about cheerleading, and
summer holidays spent at her
awarded Honour Book in the
tripartite sentences.
father’s shack on the Murray River,
2006 CBC Awards. She is currently
www.karenhealey.com
South Australia and has been described as ‘a quintessential
working on Alice-Miranda’s next adventure and a thrilling new
Leigh Hobbs
series, which will be revealed
Artist/author
is One Long Thread (UQP, 2012).
later this year.
Leigh Hobbs is
www.belindajeffreyauthor.com
www.jacquelineharvey.com.au
best known for the children’s
Australian novel’. Her latest novel
Sandy
Rosanne Hawke
books he has created featuring
Mackinnon
Rosanne
Old Tom, Horrible Harriet, Fiona
A.J. (Sandy)
Hawke lives
the Pig, The FREAKS in 4F, Mr
Mackinnon was
in rural South
Chicken and Mr Badger. Leigh
born in Australia
Australia in an
was shortlisted three times by
in 1963. He has been a teacher at
the Children’s Book Council of
the Timbertop campus of Geelong
old Cornish farmhouse. She has
18
Grammar, and is currently taking a year off to work
on his next book. His bestselling first book, The Unlikely Voyage
of Jack de Crow, described his journey through the waterways of Europe, from Wales to the Black Sea, in a Mirror dinghy. The Times
Literary Supplement hailed it as “a wonderful idea for a book – a series of ever bolder improvisations … undertaken in praise of the spirit of adventure”. His most
A U T H O R
B I O G R A P H I E S
recent book is The Well at
the World’s End. www.blackincbooks. com/authors/aj-
à·la·mode [ah-luh-MOHD], adjective:
mackinnon
1. In or according to the fashion. Artist: Victoria Jackson
Wendy Orr Wendy Orr grew up in France, Canada and the USA. She was a compulsive reader and writer from an early age, and now writes for children, young adults and adults. Her
books have been published in 25 countries and languages and have won awards including the CBCA Book of the Year, American Library Association Book for Older Readers, and the Israeli March of
Peach skirt. Bare knees. Fast dance.
Books. Wendy also worked on the
You.▐
screenplay that turned her book
Cath Crowley 11/01/12
Nim’s Island into a 2008 Hollywood feature film starring Jodie Foster, Abigail Breslin and Gerard Butler. The sequel, Nim at
Sea, has also
19
been optioned. Wendy’s latest
Ethel Turner Prize. His latest book
Nadia released
book is Raven’s Mountain, an
is Edsel Grizzler: Ghostly Shadows.
her award-
adventure novel for mid to
He lives with his family in the
winning album,
upper primary.
Blue Mountains, and relaxes
Homespun,
www.wendyorr.com
by bushwalking and playing his
in 2010 and has just launched
guitar. He doesn’t like olives
her first illustrated children’s
Oliver
very much.
story, Three Little Pumpkins,
Phommavanh
www.jamesroy.com.au
with Hootenanny Books. At this
Oliver
year’s Festival, audiences can
Phommavanh
Sue Saliba
loves to make
Sue Saliba lives
theatre show, Nadia and The
people laugh, whether it’s on
on Phillip Island
Blue Flamingo – an engaging
the page writing humour for
in Victoria with
and heartfelt tale of friendship,
kids or on stage as a stand-up
her husband
which combines puppetry,
comedian. He also shares his
Bruno, her two cats Minou and
music, comedy and audience
passion for writing with the kids
Charbon, and her dog Sally. She
participation.
he teaches at a primary school in
has taught Secondary School
www.nadiasunde.com
Western Sydney. As a comedian,
English, and Creative Writing at
Oliver has appeared on stage,
Melbourne University and RMIT
Michael Wagner
and on national television and
University. Sue has previously
Michael Wagner
radio. He’s a die-hard Nintendo
published the young adult novel
is a children’s
fan and cheers for the Wests
Watching Seagulls and the
author whose
Tigers! His first book, Thai-riffic!
children’s book The Skin of a Star,
best-known
was published in 2010 and was
as well as short stories and poetry.
books follow the funny and action-
followed by Con-nerd.
Her second novel, Something in
packed sporting adventures of
www.oliverwriter.com
the World Called Love, won the
Maxx Rumble, the hilarious father-
Victorian Premier’s Award for
son rivalries of The Undys, and
James Roy
Young Adult Fiction and the APA
the delightfully silly adventures
James Roy lived
Design Awards Best Children’s
of stuffed survivalist, Ted. As well
on the islands
Cover. Alaska is her third novel.
as writing books, Michael sings in
of the South
www.suesaliba.com
Pacific in his
look forward to enjoying Nadia’s
his band, The Grownups, and has previously worked in radio with the
younger days and was surrounded
Nadia Sunde
ABC, written and produced award-
by adventure and books. Now he
Nadia
winning animation, and written
writes books for young people and
Sunde is an
and performed comedy.
thinks that might be one of the
internationally
www.michaelwagner.com.au
best adventures he’s ever had. His
awarded singer
stories have earned popular and
/songwriter, published children’s
Frances Watts
critical praise, especially the CBCA
author, music educator, ABC
Frances Watts
Honour Books Captain Mack and
radio presenter and comedienne.
was born in
Billy Mack’s War, the non-fiction
“Deliciously heartwarming and
Switzerland
title The ‘S’ Word – A Boy's Guide
soulful”, she creates music and
and grew up in
to Sex, Puberty and Growing Up
theatre experiences for families
Australia. After studying literature
and Town, winner of the 2008
who want to enjoy something a
at university she became an editor.
NSW Premier’s Literary Awards
little more ‘rootsy’ and ‘organic’.
Her bestselling picture books
20
include Kisses
Sorrel Wilby
for Daddy
Sorrel Wilby is
and the 2008
an acclaimed
Children’s Book
adventurer,
Council of Australia award-winner,
filmmaker,
Parsley Rabbit’s Book about Books
author, photographer and artist.
(both illustrated by David Legge).
Her career to date includes a
Frances is also the author of a series
long list of achievements: the
about two very unlikely superheroes,
world’s first complete traverse
Extraordinary Ernie and Marvellous
of the Himalaya, a 17,000km
Maud, as well as the fantasy/
solo bike ride throughout Asia
adventure series, the Gerander
and other extreme feats. Sorrel
Trilogy. She lives in Sydney and
has published numerous books
divides her time between writing
recounting her journeys and was
and editing.
A U T H O R
B I O G R A P H I E S
www.franceswatts.com
also a roving reporter for Channel 9’s Getaway programme for over eight years. In her Let’s Go Wild
Scott Westerfeld
series of books, Sorrel welcomes
Scott Westerfeld divides
readers into the amazing natural
his time between Sydney
world that surrounds us.
and New York. Born in Texas, he has been a
Lili Wilkinson
musician, software game
Lili Wilkinson
designer and ghost-
is the award-
writer; but writing under
winning author
his own name turned out
of six novels,
to be the most fun. His
including Scatterheart, Pink and
novels have been named
most recently Love-Shy. She was
New York Times Notable
first published when she was
Books of the Year and
twelve, in Voiceworks magazine.
made the Times’ Essential Summer
After studying Creative Arts at
Reading List. He has two series,
Melbourne University, Lili curated
Uglies and
insideadog.com.au, the Inky
Midnighters,
Awards and the Inkys Creative
which won the
Reading Prize at the Centre for
Aurealis Award
Youth Literature, State Library
for Best Young
of Victoria. She now spends most
Adult Fantasy. Penguin has also
of her time reading and writing
published So Yesterday, a 2005
books for teenagers, as well as
Victorian Premier’s Literary Award
working on a PhD at the University
winner. Scott’s steam-punk saga
of Melbourne.
begins with Leviathan, continues
www.liliwilkinson.com.au
in Behemoth and concludes with Goliath. www.scottwesterfeld.com
TOTALLY WILD PACKAGE...
From
$
179
*
per family per night minimum 3 night stay
Palm Meadows Drive, Carrara *Conditions apply. Subject to availability. Valid until 24 December 2012.
Accommodation for two adults and two children under 16 years Full buffet breakfast each morning Family pass to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
To book call direct (07) 5555 7700 www.radisson.com/goldcoastau
Proud supporter of the 2012 Somerset Celebration of Literature
Proud sponsor of the Somerset Celebration of Literature for 14 years
ice
am f
ts !
E nj o y cre
r o zen l do u f r u i n t o fl a v o
We welcome enquiries for your upcoming school fete or outdoor event. Contact Lina Scicluna, Dealer for Dippin’ Dots on 0407 751 070 or lina.ddicecream@bigpond.com
Featuring over 40 specialty shops and
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S P O N S O R S
A N D
S U P P O R T E R S
Publishers
Media
C A M P U S
M A P
15
rive et D ers Som
P 5
3
1
2
4
15 Clover Hill Drive
8
13 10 11
9 6
14
12
7
Legend
P
1 Marquee One
9 Volunteers’ Room
2 Marquee Two
10 The Arnison Building
3 Marquee Three
11 Turning Circle
4 The Great Hall
12 Hardback Café
5 Performing Arts
13 First Aid
6 Festival Bookshop
14 Bookings
7 Seniors’ Common Room
15 Information
8 Library/Green Room
P Parking
Notes In case of Fire/Evacuation assemble at the marquees, don’t panic or run, close doors and windows, leave all articles behind. Programme information is available from booths located at the front of the College and at the pedestrian entrance opposite The Great Hall.
♥
bough [bou] noun. Artist: Bec Worth
A branch of a tree.
adjective: 1. Come upon or found
ser·en·dip·i·tous [ser-uhn-dip-i-tuhs],
Artist: Dodge Pangburn
by accident; fortuitous.
Somerset Celebration of Literature www.somerset.qld.edu.au/celebration