Writing about the self, whether it be through the lens of memoir, or in fiction, holds endless scope for possibility, experimentation, and discovery. It also goes hand in hand with myriad ethical considerations and creative challenges. Hear from writers whose writing has broken new ground, as they discuss the ethics of writing the self.
Professional Development & National Writers' Conference
Channelling Reality
Accessibility
Wheelchair, Service Animal, Quiet Room (Reception/Level 3 Library), Hearing Loop, Accessible toilets
Saturday 7 September, 3:15PM
The Wheeler Centre
Performance Space Level 2, 176 Lt Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, 3000, VIC
Kgshak Akec
Kgshak Akec is a South-Sudanese writer, performing artist, storyteller, and a lover of words. Since the moment she learned how to write in English at the age of six, Kgshak has been writing out the stories that live inside her mind. As a migrant and non-native English speaker, Kgshak is fascinated by the unspoken words and unsung songs of the day-to-day. Her debut novel Hopeless Kingdom, inspired by her own journey of migrating to Australia, explores the relationship of a mother and daughter as they settle, break, evolve, and adapt in new lands through multiple heartaches and triumphs
Katie Brebner Griffin
Katie Brebner Griffin is a freelance writer, artist and disability advocate. She has written for various outlets such as the ABC and Guardian Australia about chronic pain, sexual assault and finding joy in creative practice. Her writing and visual art takes a practical, informative approach to illuminating the complexities of life’s challenges, whilst also exploring the various dimensions of personhood beyond these experiences.
Dominic Gordon
Dominic Gordon is from Melbourne. His work has appeared in Meanjin, The Suburban Review and other literary journals. In 2018 Dominic was awarded the competitive Berry Street Fellowship, at the State Library Victoria, where he began work on what would become his first book, Excitable Boy: Essays on Risk. Since the 2024 release of his book, he has appeared on numerous ABC radio segments, his most recent was on Conversations with Richard Fidler. He lives with his partner and young son. And is currently working on a new collection of essays.
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Sunday 15 September, 11AM
Pitch-It! sessions
Publishers are always on the lookout for new and exciting voices, so here’s your chance to show them yours. Use your 5-minute pitch as a professional development exercise that has the potential to be much, much more.
Sunday 8 September, 4:15PM
Richell Prize Showcase
We can’t believe it’s already been ten years since the Richell Prize began. To mark this milestone, we’re holding a showcase with our friends at Hachette, celebrating the stellar alumni of the past and anticipating the incredible writers to come.
Sunday 8 September, 3:15PM
Between Chapters
Hear from these celebrated writers, about the precarity, challenges and strengths of the mid-career phase.
Sunday 8 September, 12PM
Insider Information
Submitting work to literary prizes, residencies and journals can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be.
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