N. J. Madden is a Naarm/Melbourne-based author and teacher. Madden worked a countless string of odd jobs from house-painting to retail to bookselling, before studying literature, history and education at university. His literary studies focused on eco-criticism, which heavily influences his writing. Madden’s debut novel, Laughing River, was shortlisted for the Unpublished Manuscript Award at the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards 2024.
Appearing In

Friday 13 September, 5:30PM
Flight of the Bats
Join us, unplugged, at Fairfield Amphitheatre to hear readings that celebrate these motifs and more, while the foxes take flight overhead. A Spring staple, with a literary twist!
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Friday 13 September, 12:30PM
LUNCH/BREAK: Flash Fiction
Inject some spontaneity into your lunch break and try your hand at this deceptively tricky, but ultimately thrilling form. With a series of short prompts to get you going, this session is for everyone; from those that naturally gravitate to bite-sized writing, to curious newcomers.

Thursday 5 September – Sunday 15 September
Wall of Echo
Four artists from UWRF and EWF appear in this transcontinental literary sound board. Investigating UWRF’s “powers within humans” (live, speak, think), these writers are called upon to artistically represent their connection to such powers.

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.

Thursday 5 September – Sunday 15 September
Fanfiction: Beyond the Canon
Combining case studies of fanfiction writers turned best-selling authors, publishing ecosystems across the world, and what fanfiction means to fans, these writers discuss how these thriving communities of writers and readers provide a space for emerging writers to practice and gain feedback.
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