Byron Bay Writers' Festival

I'm pleased to announced that I will be a guest of the 2013 Byron Bay Writers' Festival. Running for three days over 2-4 August, the festival is known for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere and its focus on and staunch support of Australian writing and authors. Panel and individual sessions run in four marquees, and in venues around the town, and there are plenty of workshops available (anyone for a fiction masterclass with MJ Hyland, or insider tips from Catherine Deveny or Michael Robotham?).

Those interested in reading more about the Byron Bay Writers' Festival can visit the website here. 3-day, 2-day and single-day passes, as well as tickets to workshops and other events can be purchased here.

I will be appearing at the following sessions: 

A TALE OF TWO WOMEN: TO THE FROZEN NORTH AND THE ICEBOUND SOUTH

Jesse Blackadder (Chasing the Light) and Hannah Kent (Burial Rites), in conversation with Susan Wyndham at Byron Bay Writers' Festival.

Saturday 3 August, 10.30am - 11.30am, New Philosopher Marquee. Buy tickets here. 

FLESHING IT OUT: WRITING THREE-DIMENSIONAL PEOPLE

Melanie Joosten (The Berlin Syndrome ), Hannah Kent (Burial Rites ), and Inga Simpson (Mr Wigg ) in conversation with Kate Veitch at Byron Bay Writers' Festival.

Sunday 4 August, 1.30pm - 2.30pm, Blue Marquee. Buy tickets here.

Image from http://www.byronbaywritersfestival.com.au

Image from http://www.byronbaywritersfestival.com.au

Australian Story

I'm very pleased and honoured to be the subject of tonight's Australian Story program: 'No More Than a Ghost'. The show will air at 8pm on ABC1, and will also be available to Australian viewers on ABC iView. 

Please see below for tonight's Australian Story synopsis and preview, as well as some photographs from behind the scenes.

SYNOPSIS: 'This week, the story of a young Adelaide student and the obsession that's made her an international publishing sensation.

She's 28 year old Hannah Kent and her novel on an Icelandic murderess sparked a bidding war. Now there is talk of a Hollywood movie.

It started with a Rotary exchange visit to Iceland when Hannah Kent was just 17. She felt lonely and claustrophobic in the alien 24 hour darkness of the Icelandic winter.

But hearing, by chance, about the execution site she became intrigued by the story of Agnes Magnusdottir, beheaded for murder in Iceland some 200 years ago, and the last woman to suffer that fate.

In the program Hannah Kent tells the untold story of her decade long interest in the macabre story of Agnes and how it's taken her to strange and unexpected places.'

Upcoming Events in June

After a month of fantastic events, where I've had the pleasure to speak about Burial Rites around Australia and meet many wonderful readers and booksellers, I'm very pleased to announce that I will now be appearing at three further events in the Melbourne area, and one more in Unley, South Australia.

Please do come along to hear me speak, introduce yourself, get a book signed, and help support your local independent bookstore. More information about each event can be found by following the links.

Tuesday 18 June: Book and Paper Williamstown Event

Wednesday 19 June: Beaumaris Books Author Event at Malt Cafe

Thursday 20 June: In Conversation with Jane Sullivan at Eltham Bookshop

Monday 24 June: Unley Library Author Event