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.
Time travel has always offered writers a way to explore adventure, history and that perfect “fish out of water” scenario. For acclaimed Blue Mountains author Tegan Bennett Daylight, time travel also provides the perfect device for examining intergenerational differences, friendship and belonging.
How to Survive 1985 is a warm, wise and life-affirming YA novel from Tegan, continuing the journey of her much-loved cast from Royals as they discover more about their roots—and how far their generation has come.
Tegan Bennett Daylight is a writer, teacher and critic who has published three novels, as well as several books for children and teenagers. Six Bedrooms was shortlisted for the ALS Gold Medal, the Steele Rudd Award and the 2016 Stella Prize. Her book of essays, The Details, was shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Award for Non-Fiction.
Amy Sambrooke is the Digital Programs Producer at Varuna, and Program Advisor for the Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival. Formerly the Creative Director of Varuna and the Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival (2017 – 2023), Amy has held senior roles in program leadership, education and communications in the arts and in public policy.
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This event is part of the Main Program and included as part of Platinum, Gold, Silver and Saturday Bronze Passes.
Subject to availability, a limited number of single tickets may become available 9 September.
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This venue is wheelchair accessible. Please visit our Accessibility page or email hello@bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au if you have any other accessibility requirements.