“Without readers we are really just talking to ourselves – we create these stories but they can’t take flight until they’re in the reader’s hands.”
So says author and founder of the Northern Beaches Readers Festival Sandie Docker, of Forestville.
Building on the connection between reader and writer is the point of this volunteer-run biennial event. The third Northern Beaches Readers Festival will be held in Avalon, 25th to the 27th September.
“I was a debut author when the idea for this came to my brain,” Sandie says. “I remember wanting to visit one of our major festivals but I only recognised half of the names on the program. Where were the authors that I like to curl up in bed with at night?”
Enter the Readers Festival which is 100% fiction, and features 100% Australian authors. This year’s program hosts 52 writers over the three-day event, comprising 26 sessions and two workshops. “Thirteen of these authors are from the Northern Beaches,” Sandie says.
One such guest who will be discussing her lengthy writing career is Monica McInerney, a star of Australian fiction. She is the author of 13 international bestsellers. Her new book When Sullivan Met Lola is published this month.
You might be wondering just what differentiates a readers’ festival from a writers’ festival? According to Sandie, it’s all about the connection readers have with writers. “Plus, when people see ‘writers’ festival’ sometimes the perception is you have to be a writer to attend.”
Moreover, she says readers connect with each other and find like-minded folk. “Quite a few friendships have formed just from sitting next to somebody in the audience. The ‘warm and welcoming’ vibe has been a common thread in our exit surveys.”
Festival patron is internationally acclaimed crime fiction writer and local resident Michael Robotham. He has been to a writers’ festival-or-two in his day and says he is pleased to be a part of the event: ““Small festivals need support. It can be hard to get off the ground with things like sponsors. If a patron can help with their name then that’s brilliant.”
The twice-winner of the internationally coveted Crime Writers’ Association Gold Dagger Award says he loves the event because of its focus on genre fiction: “At bigger festivals, genres like romance, crime and fantasy are not usually invited. There are many genres invited here and it helps readers find new authors.”
Sandie, the author of six novels, says the panels at the festival are geared towards ‘the reader experience’. “We’ve hopefully created an environment where readers can talk to writers after their appearances. This is followed by a signing session. But even after this, authors tend to hang around and go to each other’s sessions. It’s very much a community feel.”
Michael agrees: “Writers are wandering around everywhere. If people have the courage they can speak with their favourite author – and they should come up and chat. We’re very approachable!”
He says writing can be a lonely profession: “I sit in my Cabana of Cruelty (family name for his office) and make stuff up,” he says. “Here I get to hang out with other writers. And I can show visiting writing friends this beautiful part of the world.”
Sandie says panels tend to focus more on the themes in books, but that ‘process’ will always come up in discussions. “Authors can’t help talking about their process and readers are interested, but the discussions are much more thematic.
“We have the most amazing authors in this country. In every genre. They are world class. I think we need to celebrate this. We don’t want to be in a situation where the only books we can find on shelves are written by overseas authors. Then we lose our Australian storytelling, our identity, and our voice.”
Other highlights from the festival include appearances by Matt Nable, a best-selling author and an acclaimed actor. His latest book Mire was published in July.
As well, international bestselling author Tara Rae Moss will be appearing. Her works of fiction and non-fiction have been published in 19 countries. Her career has spans more than 25 years. Her latest book is The Italian Secret.
For program information and tickets go to nbrf.com.au
