Beginning in 2015, the focus of the “Ignite Your Mind” Burdekin Readers’ and Writers’ Festival has always been to bring together Australia’s best authors so residents and visitors could enjoy an intimate weekend of words, while also enjoying the delights of our beautiful region.
This tradition and focus continues to this day as we prepare for another amazing festival this October.
Authors Coming to Our 2018 Festival
Michael Robotham
Crime Writer
Holly Wainwright
Journalist, Blogger, Author
Matthew Condon
Journalist & Author
Fiona McCallum
Writer
Tess Woods
Romance Author
David Hunt
Author, Satirist & Historian
Caroline Overington
Investigative Journalist, Crime Fiction Author
Chris Masters
Investigative Journalist, Author
Natasha Lester
Fiction Author
Warren Mundine
Aboriginal Advocate, Advisor & Author
Allison Tait
Freelance Writer, Blogger, Children's & Non-Fiction Author
Melina Marchetta
Fiction Author
Jacqueline Harvey
Writer
Michael Gerard Bauer
Children's & Fiction Writer
Oliver Phommavanh
Young Adult Writer
Shannon Horsfall
Writer & Graphic Artist
Jay Laga'aia
Actor, Children's Entertainer & Author
Stephen Roche
Author & Lawyer
Emeritus Professor Roland Sussex
World- Renowned Linguist
Bubbles for Bloggers
Bubbles & Canapes followed by Coffee & Desert with author, blogger and journalist Holly Wainwright as she chats with Leah Stirton about unpacking the themes of how social media affects the psyche of the everyday 30+ female.
How the constant subconscious compares itself with others daily with the simple opening of an app and how the need to “keep up with the Kardashian’s” (never mind the Jones’) has become a persistent battle for the mind, wallet and the foundation of the family unit.
How often do you get the opportunity to mix and mingle with some of Australia’s leading Authors?
2018 Ignite Your Mind Burdekin Readers’ & Writers’ Festival is the third literary festival to be staged in the region.
This festival will entertain, stimulate and inspire your love of reading and writing.
Three days of Workshops and Author Sessions will provide the chance to listen to these Authors talk about their books and their personal journeys as writers.
Take the opportunity to meet, ask questions of, and hone your writing skills under the guidance of these Authors.
Friday night’s Spanish Festa in the forecourt of the Burdekin Theatre, will present a further chance to chat and wine and dine with this great line up of Writing Artists.
Short Story Writing Competition
Fancy yourself as a writer?
Inspired by previous festivals?
Why not enter our Short Story Writing Competition!
All entries must be a work of fiction and are limited to 3000 words.
They can be on any theme or subject, but must be original and not previously published in any form.
Prizes awarded to the top two submissions
Past Festivals
BRW Is incredibly proud of the amazing line-up of Authors and Journalists who have been involved in the event since it’s inaugural year in 2015.
Click on the images below to see details of our past festivals.
Burdekin Writing Group
BRW Scratchy Scribblers Writing Group meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.
For those interested in joining please speak to Jaye Christensen at the Burdekin Library or phone Mickey McKellar on 0407 651 450 for information about the group.
Examples of Work from Our Members
FERRIS WHEELS AND FAIRY FLOSS
by Leanne Green “Flairy Floss and Flerris Wheels are my favourite things at the show” Billy told his class when it was his turn to answer the teacher’s question about the show. “OK” said the teacher, “but say it again slowly and think about the words, as saying it too...
Never Again by Mickey McKellar
Never Again – What a topic! What to write about? What is it about my life that I have no real regrets and I am struggling to recall something that I would never repeat? Over the past month I have wracked my brain trying to recall something to put on paper. Nothing...
A poem for the poets
We gathered in the Library, Ten people with an aim, And first we introduced ourselves, Explained why there we came; Nine ladies and a gentleman, All like to use a pen, A pencil or computer to Spin words together, then Share what we’ve written with a hope It might go...
Want to support the Burdekin Readers & Writers Assoc.?
We are taking donations and sponsorships to help us bring the best quality workshops to our region. If you are interested in supporting us, or sponsoring our major festival please be in touch.
Past Events
Between our major festivals we host regular meet-ups, writers workshops, book launches, author talks and more. Here is where you will find all the events we have held in the last few years.
An Evening with Dame Quentin Bryce
As Australia’s first female Governor-General, Quentin Bryce handwrote fifty or so letters each week. They were to people she had met and connected with as her role took her from palaces to outback schools, from war zones to memorials, from intimate audiences to lavish...
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Kimberly Freeman – Book Launch & Workshop July 7th & 8th 2017
Burdekin Readers and Writers Association were delighted to welcome back to the Burdekin author Kimberley Freeman. It was the most amazing weekend last weekend with Kimberley. On Friday 7th July we hosted a Wine and Cheese Book Launch for her new book, "Stars Across...
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