Registrations open for Lines in the Sand Writers Festival

Registrations are now open for the annual Lines in the Sand Readers and Writers Festival, with a packed program full of engaging panels, workshops, author talks and special events in Hervey Bay and Maryborough.

Running from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 October, the festival will bring celebrated authors and storytellers to the Fraser Coast for three days of conversation, creativity and connection.

Fraser Coast Regional Council Libraries spokesperson Cr Michelle Govers said the festival aims to inspire readers and writers from all over the region, providing an opportunity to listen to and ask questions of published authors and to attend workshops to get the creative juices flowing.

“Lines in the Sand has been part of the Fraser Coast’s literary culture since 2017 and has grown into one of Queensland’s most anticipated regional literary events,” she said.

“This year’s program features an exciting mix of voices, covering themes from Australian history to  Mary Poppins, true crime to romance, film and the art of storytelling.

“All author talks are free, but bookings are essential as numbers are limited.”

Program highlights include:

• Deputy Mayor Sara Faraj in conversation with Alli Sinclair – on her historical drama, A Woman’s Voice plus Alli’s Creative Alchemy workshop
• Melissa Davis in conversation with Barbara Hannay – Isn’t It Romantic author talk and Writing the twisting path to happy endings workshop.
• Authors in conversation; Ben Hobson and Vikki Petraitis – discussing The Craft of Crime Writing, plus workshops on publishing and fiction writing.
• Professor Margaret Baguley – exploration of her research findings into the creative partnership between the P.L Travers and Mary Shephard, the illustrator of the Mary Poppins books.
• Dr Ana Stevenson – presentation on women’s history in film and feminist debates including women’s suffrage in Disney’s Mary Poppins.

Cr Govers said the program, designed in part with Mary Inc. also includes special events such as Pinot and Poppins: A Global Phenomenon at Maryborough’s Bond Store, a guided walking tour Step in Time through Maryborough’s historic streets, and opportunities to meet authors and have books signed.

“Whether you’re an avid reader, an aspiring writer or simply curious, Lines in the Sand brings our community together to celebrate the power of stories,” she said.

“The Lines in the Sand program is part of Council’s plan to build better communities together by providing opportunities for residents and visitors to appreciate arts, heritage and culture.”

In addition, the Fraser Coast will welcome Australian literary icon Judy Nunn AM for a special author talk on Wednesday 5 November at the UniSC Fraser Coast auditorium in Hervey Bay, where she will discuss her new novel Pilbara, a sweeping multi-generational tale of loyalty and survival.

For more details and to book tickets for Lines in the Sand author talks and events, visit https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/homepage/215/author-talks-and-workshops