Festival Program
The program is presented across seven distinct series, each offering a unique literary experience.
In Conversations
In-depth discussions with some of the country’s most-experienced and best-loved authors, talking about their stories, their characters, their writing lives, and the place of literature in Australia.
Panel Discussions
Bringing writers together across the genre divides to talk about families, lies, animals, ghosts, saving the world, and what really counts as a Tasmanian story. Hear your old favourites and discover your new favourites in sessions designed for frank, fun and far-reaching discussion.
Masterclasses & Workshops
If you want to build the skills to perfect your writing and learn how it’s done from authors with years of experience, join a workshop to gain practical tips and advice that really works.
The Business of Writing - free series, bookings required
You’ve got words on the page and a head full of dreams. You want your book in the festival bookshop and people lining up for an hour to get it signed. How do you make it happen? Come to these free sessions for aspiring authors and learn more about how to build a writing life and career
Live Reads - free series, no bookings required
Grab a seat, close your eyes, and let a host of Tasmanian storytellers take you away to another world with readings from their latest books.
Read Write Publish
Presented with The University of Tasmania
Some of Australia’s best writer-teachers deliver real-world publishing insights and craft guidance. Ideal for tertiary English and Creative Writing students, English teachers and experienced writers.
Schools program- Friday 29 May
Primary Schools
Presented with The Story Island Project
Shaun Tan lets you in on a secret: we are all weird creatures! Join Shaun for a fun educational presentation followed by a book signing.
Secondary Schools - free event
Presented with Tasmanian Indie Authors
Got a story to tell but don’t know how to tell it? Some of Tasmania’s best indie authors bring you their tips and tricks for character, plot and worldbuilding in a hands-on, friendly and interactive workshop ideal for keen upper-secondary writers.
“Entertaining, vibrant and lovingly put together”
— Madeleine Swain, ArtsHub
Partner Event
The Doll Trilogy
28 - 31 May 2026 (6 performances)
Theatre Royal, Hobart
Australian theatre’s rich tradition of writing for the stage begins with the iconic Summer of the Seventeenth Doll and its prequels Kid Stakes and Other Times.
These works offer a powerful glimpse into our Nation’s shifting dreams and sense of what it means to be Australian. After receiving rave reviews in Melbourne, it’s Hobart’s turn. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to immerse yourself in the stories of Olive, Nancy, Roo and Barney over 11 hours (with breaks!). Binge Theatre at its best.