Call out for Living Library at the Emerging Writers' Festival

The Emerging Writers’ Festival is looking for writers who have some original questions to ask the experts.

“Speed dating meets the Frankfurt Book Fair.” Donica Bettantin

Are you a writer with a pressing problem? The Festival is thinking of you.

In 2009 the Emerging Writers’ Festival is launching a new event aimed at giving developing writers the opportunity to participate in a brief, individual session with an expert in their field of writing and publishing.

The event will be held on Saturday 23rd May in the Experimedia room of the State Library of Victoria. Each 'borrowing' of a Book will last for approximately fifteen minutes in which time the writer has the opportunity to ask up to three questions related to concerns they have in their writing practice.

Books available for lending include

• Elise Hurst (Picture Book Author and Illustrator)
• Lili Wilkinson (Young Adult and Blog)
• Nadine Davidoff (Freelance Editor)
• Peter Matheson (Dramaturg)
• Shane McCarthy (Comic Writer)
• Donica Bettannin (Literary Agent)
• Simon Westcott (Travel Writer and Online Publisher)
• Stephanie Convery (Short Story Writing)
• Elin-Maria Evangelista (Novelist and Writing Structure)

How to participate

Places are limited. If you are interested in participating, please contact Susan, the organiser of the Living Library, at library@emergingwritersfestival.org.au by 29th March 2009.

Send her

• the name of your chosen Book
• up to 3 questions you would like to ask. Be creative! Our Books are itching to be asked some probing original questions so steer clear of the obvious.

Please note that no attendee will be allowed to bring written material for their Book to read and comment on. The time is intended to be a brief one-on-one discussion of concerns facing the writer in their practice.

Selection and cost

The final selections will be made by an independent reading group and successful applicants will be notified several weeks prior to the festival.

The tickets will cost $5 per session with a Book. Please keep in mind before you apply that you need to be available for the entire Saturday because your borrowing time with your book could be scheduled for any time between 10am and 5pm.

The Living Library is fully supported by the Emerging Writers’ Festival Education partner, Monash University Faculty of Arts.

— 16.03.2009