Kate Grenville has often drawn inspiration from her family history for her writing. In her new memoir, Unsettled: A Journey Through Time and Place, she revisits her family story and repositions First Peoples within it. In conversation with Jason Steger, she will reassess both her own and Australia’s history of colonisation.

Language evokes childhood memories, the wonder of Country, and the essence of humanity. Join First Nations poets Evelyn Araluen (Dropbear) and Jeanine Leane (Gawimarra: Gathering), along with artist Vicki Couzens, as they discuss their favourite words in First Nations languages from the collection Words to Sing the World Alive, with chair Jane Harrison (The Visitors).

Talented storytellers from the Goldfields region discuss their inspiration, motivation, and what makes a good story - whether fictional or true. Hear from Vanessa Bowen (Apple Pies and Other Lies), Em Chandler (Out-Side: Queer Words and Art from Regional Victoria), and JC Ryland (The Player and the Prince), with chair Sez Lothian.

Autism, ADHD, and dyslexia diagnoses are on the rise, yet society remains slow in providing adequate support for neurodiversity at home, school, and work. Join Clem Bastow (Late Bloomer and Someone Like Me), Sarah Hayden (Parenting Different), Jess Ho (Someone Like Me), and chair Kim Percy as they unpack the stereotypes and share insights on living with neurodiversity.

Romantasy is currently the biggest book trend in the world. Is it a new idea or just a new name for something that's been around forever? Join authors Alexandra Almond (Thoroughly Disenchanted), Keshe Chow (The Girl with No Reflection), and Lili Wilkinson (Unhallowed Halls) as they discuss the genre with agent Alex Adsett.

Music is both universal and deeply personal. So how can you effectively write about such an intimate aural experience? Spinning these musical musings will be Kirsten Krauth (Almost a Mirror & The Kylie Playlist), Thuy On (The Kylie Playlist), and Jordan Prosser (Big Time), expertly mixed by by RRR Breakfaster Daniel Burt.

It’s time for truth-telling. Author Kate Grenville (Unsettled: A Journey Through Time and Place), author Jane Harrison (The Visitors), and historians Clare Wright (Näku Dhäruk: The Bark Petitions) and Amanda Laugesen (Australia in 100 Words) will explore the reality behind Australia’s colonial myths in an enlightening session with Barry Golding.

What makes us turn away from blood and gore and crave small towns, mysterious bookshops, and seaside resorts with eccentric characters? Join Jacqui Horwood from Sisters in Crime as she discusses the joys of cozy mysteries with Amanda Hampson (The Tea Ladies series), Elizabeth Coleman (A Dance with Murder), and Aoife Clifford (It Takes a Town).