Perth Writers’ Festival
As I mentioned on the weekend, on Friday I’m heading west for Perth Writers’ Festival. You can read the full program on the Perth Festival site, but the organisers have pulled together a great lineup of both Australian and international guests, with appearances by Andrew O’Hagan, Annie Proulx, Margo Lanagan and Armistead Maupin.
I’m doing three sessions, ‘Inspired by Nature’, with Gregory Day, Suzanne Falkiner, Adrian Hyland and Mark Tredinnick, at 9:30am on Saturday, ‘The Death of Print’, with Lev Grossman, Geordie Williamson, Angela Meyer and John Harman on Sunday at 9:30am, and ‘Capturing the World in Words’, with Stephen Scourfield and Geordie Williamson at 2:00pm on Monday.
I think it’s going to be a great weekend, so with a bit of luck I’ll see some of you there. And please don’t be shy about saying hello: I don’t get west often so if you’re a reader or a commenter it’d be great to put a face to your name.
Finally, on a slightly sadder note, I was very sorry to read on Monday that Hazel Rowley, who was due to appear at the Festival, has had to cancel because she’s extremely ill following a serious stroke. I don’t know any more than what’s been reported in the media, but my best wishes to both her and her family in what must be a very difficult time.
city of tongues 
I’m looking forward to the Festival, James. Shall keep an eye out for your sessions.
It’s going to be warm on Friday, but the following three days look like being quite civilized, maybe a shower on Saturday.
There’s a get-together for ASA members on the Friday just before the opening. Email me if you’d like the details.
Very sadly, I heard last night that Hazel Rowley died in New York. It’s reported in the Australian today. Such a massive loss.
Thanks for that. I’d been meaning to put something up myself. Very sad news.