Practice tried-and-true techniques for generating new ideas, get words on the page fast, and (re)discover your writing voice in this hands-on workshop with Stella Prize-nominated author Emily Maguire.   

Join Kate Evans from ABC Radio National's The Bookshelf, with award-winning authors Debra Oswald, Garry Disher and Steve MinOn, as they discuss the books that fire them up, the latest releases they’ve loved, and their own craft and creative careers.

In this playful and thought-provoking workshop, novelist, essayist and Managing Editor at Island  magazine, Jane Rawson, invites you to break with tradition and surprise your readers by bending the rules of historical fiction, making your project a bit – or a lot – stranger.

Join celebrated author, poet and human rights lawyer Sara M Saleh in this generative writing workshop that takes shared exercises and experiments to stretch our craft toward the unexpected.

Warm, witty and endlessly curious, don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to listen to Christos Tsiolkas discuss his extensive career, with ABC Radio National’s Kate Evans.

Join four of Australia’s greatest minds, capable of vast imagination and deep enquiry, as they consider their personal paths to wonder at our inaugural Opening Gala. With bestselling authors Hannah Kent, Daniel Browning, James Bradley and Maxine Beneba Clarke, and performances by genre-defying soprano Ali McGregor.

Offering writers the time and space to breathe, think and explore, the Blue Mountains has always been a place where creativity flourishes. Begin your Festival grounded in this spirit, with readings from five outstanding local authors working across poetry, crime fiction, literary fiction, fantasy and romance.

Everyone is invited to join us on the Carrington Lawn for the Festival Welcome to Dharug and Gundungurra land. 

Explore fresh techniques for sparking new ideas with Miles Franklin shortlisted author Julie Janson. With an extensive career spanning poetry, crime fiction, historical fiction, playwriting and visual art, Julie has developed a vast toolkit to help writers develop original concepts for new work.

Nurture your creativity in a relaxed, dynamic environment with Dominic Hoey, the author of three best-selling novels, countless poems and two celebrated plays. With ten years’ experience running his Learn to Write Good creative writing classes, Dominic can help you sharpen your dialogue, explore poetic prose, or inject a little humour into your work.

Did AI write this event copy? Can you tell, and does it matter? And as machines grow ever more capable, what – if anything – remains uniquely human? Drawing on expansive imaginations and deep research, our panel considers how AI is reshaping our identities, work, ethics and creativity.

Join authors Christos Tsiolkas and Vivian Blaxell, with the Sydney Review of Books editor James Jiang and literary critic Beejay Silcox for this feisty and furious dissection of art we hate – and why we need it for a robust artistic landscape to thrive.

In a conversation spanning culture, craft and the last hundred years of women’s history, don’t miss Debra Oswald in conversation with the author of All Women Want and Lifestyle editor of Guardian Australia, Alyx Gorman, discussing her latest book One Hundred Years of Betty.

What happens when four friends are suddenly thrown back to 1985? No smartphones, no internet and — horror of horrors— no bubble tea. For Shannon and her friends, this isn’t the first time something strange has happened.

Award-winning author Sofie Laguna brings a treasure trove of her picture books to life with animated retellings that will transport young audiences (and their accompanying grown-ups) from one glorious adventure to the next.

Led by Vivian Pham, author of The Coconut Children, this hands-on workshop for ages 13-18 offers guidance for starting your writing journey. Through playful prompts and guided exercises, you’ll learn how to listen to your instincts, trust your imagination, and get words down on the page.

Join award-winning author Craig Silvey for a chat about his bestselling children’s book, Runt, and what lies in store for its beloved protagonists Annie and Runt in their second adventure Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping.

Explore (de)colonisation, language preservation and revitalisation, oral storytelling traditions in this dynamic conversation between two Adivasi writers from India and two of our own First Nations writers, as part of Varuna the National Writers’ House First Peoples Exchange.

In a time of shifting family structures, evolving understandings of gender and sexuality, technological advances in fertility treatments, and competing schools of feminist thought, three authors consider contemporary definitions of motherhood, and reflect on age-old questions about nature, nurture and familial love.

Two of Australia’s most compelling storytellers confront the climate crisis through deeply human narratives. Walk the line between fact and fiction with them in conversation with science journalist Bianca Nogrady.

After the success of her two best known works, The Secret River and Restless Dolly Maunder, literary legend Kate Grenville sits down with Nicole Abadee for an honest conversation on her latest work and how she’s still grappling with what it means to be a descendant of colonisation in Australia.

Adventure fans, budding artists or creative geniuses are invited to take part in this special event with local talent Bill Hope, as he introduces you to the world of You & Me, spills the beans on how he draws wicked cool characters and how you can master them too.

Join award-winning poet and performer Emilie Zoey Baker (EZB) for a high-energy interactive workshop aimed at ages 13-18 where you’ll explore the art of slam poetry and learn how to transform raw ideas into powerful spoken word pieces that captivate an audience.

In this free lunchtime event, meet five of the Elders featured in Elders Stories from Our Hearts, as they share their own stories, connecting visitors to this place, and celebrating our local stories and community heroes.

Using her award-winning books as a springboard, Sofie Laguna leads this in-depth workshop examining how strong characters can form the foundation of compelling storytelling. 

Come and get your poetry on - learn how to write a great haiku, acrostic poem, poem in rhyming couplets and more with poet Maxine Beneba Clarke, author of Stuff I'm Not Sorry For: 99 new poems for young people.

Be among the first to hear about Australian icon Bryan Brown’s newest thriller, The Hidden, in conversation with fellow actor and newly minted crime writer, Toby Schmitz.

Two incredible novelists will be led in conversation by poet Anne-Marie Te Whiu to explore the power of different expressions of yearning in their latest books.

These candid and witty writers will be hosted by comedian Jennifer Wong, in a conversation about family, fatherhood, climate anxiety, and how to cope in a changing world.

With vast wisdom and precise wit, two legends of First Nations storytelling meet in conversation, discussing the breadth of their craft, the fierceness of their politics and the depth of their understanding.

How do you find a publisher for your work? What does an agent actually do? Can self-publishing lead to success? And how do literary journals contribute to the industry, and provide pathways for emerging writers? Demystify the industry and learn strategies for getting your work out into the world in this lively 90-minute roundtable.

In the picturesque surrounds of the Megalong Valley, don’t miss the chance to learn from one of Australia’s best nature writers, Inga Simpson. Ideal for writers at all levels, you’ll focus on techniques for bringing landscapes, flora and fauna to life, including evocative description, effective use of emotion, and the importance of character and story.

Author and actor Tasma Walton and illustrator Charmaine Ledden-Lewis bring the ocean to the mountains for this magical event for children that draws on the stories of the Boonwurrung people of coastal Melbourne.

There’s no denying the popularity of romantasy – these books are flying off the shelves. Join these exciting new voices as they discuss their novels, what drew them to the genre, and how young women writers are changing the game.

Globalisation, new technologies, artificial intelligence and publishing trends are reshaping the complex art of translation. In this future-facing discussion, three award-winning translators explore these challenges and opportunities.

Urgent and essential, Randa Abdel-Fattah and Antony Loewenstein discuss After Zionism, a collection that brings together some of the world's leading thinkers to dissect the century-long conflict between Zionism and the Palestinians.

Stan Grant’s latest book Murriyang is talking to his country in a new way. Hear Stan discuss his most poetic and inspiring work yet with journalist and ABC Sydney host Rae Johnston as he offers a means of moving beyond the binaries and embracing a path to peace and forgiveness.

Listen to five brilliant poets at the top of their game read work from their latest collections, traversing love, migration, food, fatherhood, desire, identity, mental health, masculinity and revolution.

Accomplished authors Julie Janson and Tasma Walton offer counter narratives to the dominant colonial histories too often taught, and share the wealth of their knowledges with Blakfulla Bookclub’s Merinda Dutton.

Come together with experts in lifestyle, politics and evolving technologies to play a little game of hypotheticals, discussing how their extensive research informs their hope – or despair – for the decades to come.

Australian icon Kylie Minogue is the musical muse for a sparkling new anthology. Join three of its contributors – Christos Tsiolkas, Jessica White and Patrick Marlborough – as they share readings of original works inspired by songs from Kylie’s back catalogue in this joyful fusion of music and literature.

When award-winning playwright and actor Toby Schmitz set his mind to writing his first crime novel, he couldn’t bear to follow the predictable tropes of the genre. What better place to dig into this mind-bendingly clever whodunnit than an unconventional venue like the Scenic World Skyway? 

To stand on the shoulders of one’s ancestors is to carry both responsibility and legacy. Join poet Anne-Marie Te Whiu, playwright S. Shakthidharan, and author-mathematician JM Field as they discuss their incredible new books, and the living relationship they feel with their past.

How do you ignite adrenaline on the page? From gripping thrillers to madcap adventures, authors have long sought ways to get their readers’ eyes wide and heart pumping. Candice Fox and Walter Marsh all write about risky business, albeit in very different ways.

Celebrating words, stories, and human experiences, Better Off Said  is an evening of words it’s time to air, thoughts and reflections for the living and dead. Hosted by Emilie Zoey Baker and Marieke Hardy with Osher Günsberg, Vijay Khurana, Cadance Bell, Bebe Oliver, Sara M Saleh and Tasma Walton.

Join writers Inga Simpson, Jessica White and Jane Rawson in conversation with Brain on Nature’s Sarah Allely, as they discuss the many ways they connect with the environment. Set deep in the rainforest of the Jamieson Valley, accessed via the  Scenic World Cableway.

Three of the contributors from Words to Sing the World Alive, an exquisite celebration of First Nations languages, honour languages from across the continent, each penning an homage to their favourite and most significant words.

What does it take to include ghosts or spirits in your story, without risking your novel making its way onto the horror or fantasy shelves? Join debut novelists Steve MinOn and Natasha Rai as they discuss form, story and character, and the spirits haunting their work.

Acclaimed writer Drusilla Modjeska sits down with Nicole Abadee to discuss her richly illustrated book A Woman’s Eye, Her Art which focuses on six extraordinary female artists of the 20th century and why their work still matters.

Join international sensation Candice Fox for a dynamic and practical workshop designed for aspiring crime writers. Generate fresh ideas from real-world cases while sharpening your narrative skills. Consider character development, research techniques, tools for building tension, and how to work both with and against the tropes of the genre.

Three award-winning authors Randa Abdel-Fattah, Hasib Hourani and Jumaana Abdu discuss the fiction and poetry of the Palestinian diaspora and its role in evoking empathy, building solidarity and effecting change, with writer and human rights lawyer Sara M Saleh.

Drop in for a relaxed day of zine making, live music and open mic zine readings in the café courtyard at the Cultural Centre. Make your own zine, contribute to the mega-zine – the world’s longest zine – or settle in on cushions and picnic rugs for open-mic readings.

Part cooking class, part writing workshop, this special three-hour experience with poet Sean Wai Keung offers tasty morsels for the ears, the taste buds, and the heart. Learn to make your own dumplings from scratch, then share a communal meal during which you'll use those same dumplings as a spark for new pieces of writing.

Three outstanding authors Dominic Hoey, Vijay Khurana and Sofie Laguna chats with Marieke Hardy, as they reflect on our timeless fascination with youth, the epic nature of teenage narratives, and the art of writing fiction about young adults for grown-up readers.

Without a superyacht or spaceship, what options remain for those wishing to escape the end times? Antony Loewenstein and Carl Rhodes are joined by Walter Marsh, the author of Young Rupert: the Making of the Murdoch Empire to tackle just how bad things have become and, most importantly, what we can do about it.

Beyond statistics and stereotypes, an individual’s experience of ageing is deeply personal. Three brilliant women Vivian Blaxwell, Maxine Beneba Clarke and Debra Oswald interrogate the myths and truths about growing older, and discuss how they address these issues through their work.

Multi-award winning author Hannah Kent reflects on her recent memoir Always Homesick, Always Home with Amy Sambrooke to share the stranger-than-fiction story behind her bestselling debut Burial Rites.

What does it really take to break into the creative industries when you’re still finding your voice? How can writing build connection, community and change in a world that feels like it’s shifting every day?

Join the Arts Law Centre of Australia (Arts Law) for this workshop focused on practical tips for writers wishing to avoid scandals or other legal pitfalls.

What powers of perception, reflection and remembering are needed to craft a truly great memoir? And what tools can life writers use to extend memoir beyond memory to create literature that challenges, inspires and speaks to our times?

Whether you’re a seasoned poetry lover or someone who has always found this form a little intimidating, this event with Willo Drummond, James Jiang and David Stavanger will offer new ways to listen, interpret and connect with the written word.

Honour the profound musical and cultural legacy of Archie Roach – a Gunditjmara, Kirrae Whurrong/Djab Wurrung and Bundjalung man – and Ruby Hunter – a Ngarrindjeri, Kokatha and Pitjantjatjara woman, with stories, personal reflections, musical performances and poems by four powerful Indigenous voices.

Craig Reucassel in conversation with authors Walter Marsh and Royce Kurmelovs on their books that defy crime genre conventions despite technically being true crime.

Join the Arts Law Centre of Australia for an overview of Australian defamation law and recent cases, as well as tips on how to balance defamation risk and expression as a writer in Australia.

Join Festival Creative Director and Queerstories Producer Maeve Marsden, along with some of her favourite LGBTQI+ writers from the program, as they share their own work, unexpected tales of pride, prejudice, resilience and resistance.

An intimate look inside women's love lives and pursuits of pleasure, All Women Want tackles the truth about why straight women aren't satisfied in the bedroom – and what to do about it.

A timely discussion with three of the country’s leading academics Melissa Phillips, Carl Rhodes and Sam Roggeveen on the tumultuous state of democracy, expertly facilitated by Beejay Silcox.

Craig Silvey in conversation with Nicole Abadee about the two bestsellers he wrote ten years apart, his skill for writing outcasts and misfits, and the impact of success on his craft and career.

Two giants of Australian crime fiction, Garry Disher and Candice Fox, reveal the secrets to sustaining a series - from researching cases and generating fresh ideas, to crafting communities that feel authentic and storylines that defy expectations.

Six big thinkers fight for the future in a great debate for our times inspired by the legacy of Blue Mountains environmentalist Mick Dark. Drawing on backgrounds in science, technology, journalism, mathematics and literature, two teams go head-to-head on whether we really are heading for doom.

Literary critic Beejay Silcox joins acclaimed novelist Christos Tsiolkas and debut author Steve MinOn in conversation as they reflect on their latest novels, exploring themes of desire, masculinity, ageing, class and queerness.