Internationally acclaimed authors set to ‘book’ out quickly
June 2, 2015
Literature enthusiasts from across the country are gearing up to share their love of the written word at this year’s Noosa Long Weekend Festival, with tickets to the event’s array of literary luncheons selling at record speed.
The 2015 festival — taking place between 14 and 26 July — will feature more than 75 events at various locations around Noosa including literature events, forums, live music, theatre performances, interactive art, films, cabaret and supper clubs.
Noosa Long Weekend Festival Director Ian Mackellar said he was thrilled to see the literature events in such strong demand following the success of the 2014 festival and expected the remaining tickets to be snapped up quickly.
“The ever-popular ‘In Conversation’ series returns, where attendees see their favourite authors interviewed by the likes of Kerry O’Brien and learn firsthand about their inspiration and writing process,” Mr Mackellar said.
“This year, we’re welcoming a range of acclaimed authors to the stage including Helen Garner, author of This House of Grief as well as Barrie Cassidy, host of ABC’s Insiders and author of the bestselling book The Party Thieves, and more recently, Private Bill.”
Mr Mackellar said he anticipated the literary event featuring bestselling author Liane Moriarty would be one of the hot favourites throughout the festival, with Ms Moriarty’s books having received both national and international acclaim.
“Liane is well-known for having penned New York Times bestseller The Husband’s Secret, which has sold well over one million copies worldwide, been translated into more than 35 languages and was named as one of Amazon’s best books of 2013,” Mr Mackellar said.
“More recently, Liane has written her sixth novel, Big Little Lies, which centres on three mothers of kindergartners whose seemingly perfect lives unravel to the point of murder. The novel has been adapted into a TV series of the same name, and will star big-name celebrities including Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon.”
“Liane will focus on this novel at the 2015 Noosa Long Weekend Festival, where she will be interviewed by local journalist and author Kristin Williamson on Saturday, 25 July.”
Mr Mackellar said the literary breakfast featuring author David Leser in conversation with The Courier-Mail’s Phil Brown was also set to draw a full house on Saturday, 18 July.
“David’s new book To Begin to Know is a deeply moving and searingly honest memoir of two men, father and son, and their shared truths and burdens,” Mr Mackellar said.
“It is a story of love, forgiveness, acceptance and hope, and asks questions that are crucial to us all.”
Mr Mackellar said this year’s festival would also include a twist on the more traditional literary events, incorporating a five-course degustation dinner focusing on authors Evan and Brian Mitchell’s bestselling book The Psychology of Wine.
“Attendees will enjoy a humorous yet fascinating take on the serious subject of wine, with the event exploring the historical, geographical and psychological roots of our affinity with wine, and references to Home, Shakespeare, Al Pacino and Hannibal Lecter thrown in,” Mr Mackellar said.
“The event will outline how the language of wine is intimate to our desires, habits, customs, and culture. Both Brian and Evan will speak at Ricky’s River Bar and Restaurant on Thursday, 16 July and unravel the mysteries within the glass.”
“The ‘Psychology of Wine’ dinner is not only a fun literary event but the food and the wines will be amazing as well, with Amadio Wines’ chief winemaker on hand to comment.”
Some of the other literature-focused events taking place at the 2015 Noosa Long Weekend Festival include a literary luncheon featuring biographer Darleen Bungey in conversation with Kristin Williamson, as well as a morning event on Friday, 24 July featuring playwrights Hannie Rayson and David Williamson in conversation with Gail Forrer.
The 2015 Noosa Long Weekend Festival will take place between 14 and 26 July. To find out more or purchase tickets, please visit www.noosalongweekend.com.
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Media contact:
Helen Perry, Fresh PR & Marketing
0431 065 964
helen@freshprm.com.au
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