Write Out West - Adult Programs
Write Out West Opening Event: A River of Stories
Who: Adults
When: Wednesday 27 November | 6-7pm
Where: Penrith City Library
Tickets: $5 per person. Bookings are essential.
Book now: https://penariverofstories.eventbrite.com.au
Join us at our Write Out West opening event. Four local authors, Felicity Castagna, Tegan Bennett Daylight, Sarah Ayoub and Vivian Pham reflect on the theme ‘A River of Stories’ and their experiences as Western Sydney writers.
Tegan Bennett Daylight is a writer, teacher and critic who has published three novels: Bombora, What Falls Away and Safety, as well as several books for children and teenagers. Tegan’s latest book is the YA novel Royals, which tells the story of six teenagers trapped in a parallel universe – only this parallel universe is a shopping mall (rumored to be Penrith Westfield). She works as a lecturer in English and Creative Writing at Western Sydney University.
Sarah Ayoub is a freelance journalist and bestselling author of Hate is Such a Strong Word and The Yearbook Committee. Her work has appeared in The Guardian, The Australian, The Sydney Morning Herald, Marie-Claire, ELLE, SBS, Sydney Review of Books and more. Sarah attained her PhD with a thesis examining migrant narratives in Australian teen lit and currently lectures in journalism and writing.
Vivian Pham is a Vietnamese-Australian fiction writer, closet poet, amateur screenwriter, university student and hopeful dropout if any of the aforementioned ventures take flight. Vivian is the winner of the SMH/Age Best Young Novelist of the Year and the Matt Richell Award for New Writer of the Year. Vivian’s 2021 debut novel The Coconut Children is an urgent, moving and wise debut from a young and gifted storyteller.
Tea, coffee and light refreshments provided.
Book sales and signing will be available on the day.
Penrith Poetry Slam
Who: Adults
When: Wednesday 27 November | 7-8.30pm
Where: The Joan, Malcolm Borland Foyer
Tickets: $10 per person. Bookings are essential.
Book now: https://www.thejoan.com.au/events/penrith-poetry-slam/
Following the theme ‘River of Stories’, this slam is a chance for budding and experienced poets to get on the mic and let their words flow. Poetry-lovers click like mad from the audience, maybe even become a judge to help choose the winner. There are prizes up for grabs! First prize receives a $100 QBD voucher and a runner up receives a $50 voucher.
Sign up for the slam or sit back and enjoy all the performances including from your host and feature DEFNE.
DEFNE is a Turkish-Australian multidisciplinary artist, the Creative Producer for Word Travels and Creative Director of West Side Poetry Slam. DEFNE has featured at Story Week, ‘23 Adelaide Writers Week, poetry events across NSW, is a Bankstown Grand Slam finalist and has been published in UNSWeetened. She performed her own show of poetry & song DEFNE Opens Up at Flight Path Theatre. The world’s her runway as she overruns it with connection through shared vulnerability and revolutionary intimacy.
Doors open at 7pm, for a 7:30pm start.
High Street History Wander
Who: Adults
When: Thursday 28 November | 9.30-10.30am
Where: Meet at St Stephen’s Church, 252 High Street, Penrith
Tickets: $5 per person. Bookings are essential.
Book now: https://highstreethistorywander.eventbrite.com.au
Bring a drink bottle and wear comfortable shoes.
James Bradley in conversation with Lee Constable
Who: Adults
When: Thursday 28 November | 11am-12pm
Where: Penrith City Library
Tickets: $5 per person. Bookings are essential.
Book now: https://penjamesbradley.eventbrite.com.au
James Bradley is a writer and critic. His books include the novels Wrack, The Deep Field, The Resurrectionist, Clade and Ghost Species, a book of poetry, Paper Nautilus, and The Penguin Book of the Ocean. His essays and articles have appeared in The Monthly, The Guardian, Sydney Review of Books, Griffith Review, Meanjin, the Weekend Australian and the Sydney Morning Herald. In 2012 he won the Pascall Prize for Australia’s Critic of the Year, and he has been shortlisted twice for the Bragg Prize for Science Writing and nominated for a Walkley Award.
'Teeming with mysteries, wonders and heartbreaking facts, this beautiful, lucid hymn to the sea is a reminder of what we still have, what we stand to lose, and why we must never stop fighting to save our home.' Tim Winton
Lee Constable is a science and sustainability presenter and edu-tainer. She is best known for hosting Network 10 kids’ science TV show Scope. Her TV appearances also include Studio 10, ABC News Breakfast and War on Waste (Season Three).
In 2018 Lee embarked on an Antarctic journey as part of an all-women in STEM voyage. She used this experience to create Antarctica: The Twitch-u-mentary – an eight-hour livestreamed interactive edu-taining experience on her Twitch channel where she also talks science.
Book sales and signing will be available on the day.
Film Screening: Brooklyn
Who: Adults
When: Thursday 28 November | 1-3pm
Where: St Marys Library
Tickets: $5 per person. Bookings are essential.
Book now: https://smfilmscreening.eventbrite.com.au
Brooklyn tells the profoundly moving story of Eilis Lacey, a young Irish immigrant navigating her way through 1950s Brooklyn. Lured by the promise of America, Eilis departs Ireland and the comfort of her mother's home for the shores of New York City. The initial shackles of homesickness quickly diminish as a fresh romance sweeps Eilis into the intoxicating charm of love. But soon, her new vivacity is disrupted by her past, and Eilis must choose between two countries and the lives that exist within.
Tea, coffee and light refreshments provided.
Exploring Sydney’s Underbelly with Daniel Tamone and Natalie Conyer
Who: Adults
When: Thursday 28 November | 1.30-2.30pm
Where: Penrith City Library
Tickets: $5 per person. Bookings are essential.
Book now:https://penexploringsydneysunderbelly.eventbrite.com.au
Natalie Conyer is the author of Present Tense, which won the Ned Kelly Award for best debut crime novel of 2020, was shortlisted for the Davitt Awards and was nominated as one of 2020’s best reads by The Australian. Her short stories have won several awards and been featured in anthologies such as The Only One in the World and Dark Deeds Down Under Volume 2. They are also shortly to be published as a collection. Natalie Conyer’s most recent title, Shadow City is a tense, gritty and insightful look into crime and corruption in Sydney, South Africa and across the world.
Daniel Tamone grew up in Sydney. He now lives on the NSW Central Coast with his wife Lisa and three children, Arielle, Levi and Benji. He played several seasons with the Parramatta Two Blues as part of the Shute Shield rugby competition before 'retiring' from the sport. Daniel works in financial services and has contributed to financial news provider Livewire Markets.
The Fists of the Father is his debut novel. Set in the heart of Western Sydney, three generations of men in a family of champion boxers are trapped in a cycle of violence. Will one have the courage to walk away from his family’s volatile legacy?
Book sales and signing will be available on the day.
Judy Nunn in Conversation
Who: Adults
When: Thursday 28 November | 6-7pm
Where: Penrith City Library
Tickets: $5 per person. Bookings are essential.
Book now: https://penjudynunninconversation.eventbrite.com.au
Judy Nunn’s career has been long, illustrious and multifaceted. After combining her internationally successful acting career with scriptwriting for television and radio, Judy decided in the 90s to turn her hand to prose.
Judy will be in conversation with Lisa Finn Powell, author of The Thin Time, presenter, producer, publicist, musician and TedX speaker.
Book sales and signing will be available on the day.
Writing History with Helen Signy and Lauren Chater
Who: Adults
When: Friday 29 November | 10-11am
Where: Penrith City Library
Tickets: $5 per person. Bookings are essential.
Book now: https://penlaurenchaterandhelensigny.eventbrite.com.au
Helen Signy is an Australian writer who grew up in England – or, depending how she feels that day, an English writer who lives in Australia. She spent much of her youth travelling the world before becoming a print journalist in Asia and then in Sydney. Maya’s Dance is her first foray into fiction.
Helen and Lauren will be in conversation with Lisa Finn Powell, author of The Thin Time, presenter, producer, publicist, musician and TedX speaker.
Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided.
Book sales and signing will be available on the day.
The Lost Recipes with Ross Dobson
Who: Adults
When: Friday 29 November | 1-2pm
Where: Penrith City Library
Tickets: $5 per person. Bookings are essential.
Book now: https://penlostrecipes.eventbrite.com.au
The Lost Recipes is “a glorious endeavour” Nigella Lawson.
Chef and bestselling cookbook author Ross Dobson has a hobby: scouring old journals, newspapers and books for Australia’s ‘forgotten’ recipes. While his research has revealed some shockers not worth repeating, he has come across many more worthy dishes that are missing from the repertoire of modern-day cooks. In The Lost Recipes he sets about righting this culinary injustice by presenting a selection of bygone gems, savoury and sweet, dating from the Victorian era through to the 1950s.
‘There isn’t one recipe in this book that wasn’t, in essence, once a lovely idea. It has been a privilege and joy to bring them back to life – and in a workable condition.’ Ross Dobson
Ross Dobson runs the popular Cafe Royce in Penrith. Ross has been having a great deal of fun and success working in the international publishing industry for 20 years. Ross’ first cookbook, Chinatown (Murdoch Books) was published in 2004. His most recent tome, Australia: The Cookbook (Phaidon) was published in 2021. In between, Ross has published some 20 cookbook titles. Ross has also been busy working as a magazine food editor for BBC Good Food and operating several highly regarded eating establishments in Sydney’s western suburbs.
Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided.
Book sales and signing will be available on the day.
The Writer’s Toolbox with Kate Forsyth - SOLD OUT
Who: Adults
When: Friday 29 November | 3-5pm
Where: Penrith City Library
Tickets: $20 per person. Bookings are essential.
Book now: https://penwriterstoolbox.eventbrite.com.au
This 2-hour workshop for aspiring authors will give you a comprehensive overview of a creative writer’s toolbox, and the confidence to begin using your tools. Topics covered:
- Character Basics, including the protagonist and the antagonist
- Point of View
- Archetypes versus Stereotypes
- Scenes & Chapters
- Beginnings & Endings
- Action, Dialogue & Description
- World Building
Dr Kate Forsyth is an award-winning author, poet, and storyteller. Her most recent novel is Psykhe, the story of Psyche and Eros. Other historical novels include Beauty in Thorns, a reimagining of ‘Sleeping Beauty’ told in the voices of four women of the Pre-Raphaelite circle of artists and poets; The Wild Girl, the story of the forbidden romance behind the Grimm brothers’ fairy tales which was named Most Memorable Love Story of 2013; and Bitter Greens, a retelling of ‘Rapunzel’ which won the 2015 American Library Association award for Best Historical Fiction.
Kate has a Doctorate of Creative Arts in fairy tale studies, and is also an accredited master storyteller with the Australian Guild of Storytellers. She has taught writing retreats in Australia, Fiji, Greece, and the United Kingdom.
Tea, coffee and light refreshments provided.
Book sales and signing will be available on the day.
Shapeshifting Stories: The Fascinating History of Fairy Tales with Kate Forsyth
Who: Adults
When: Friday 29 November | 6-7pm
Where: Penrith City Library
Tickets: $5 per person. Bookings are essential.
Book now: https://Penshapeshiftingstories.eventbrite.com.au
Dr Kate Forsyth's lifelong interest in myths and fairytales led her to undertake a doctorate in fairytale studies and she has since lectured on the subject all over the world. In this engaging and eye opening talk, Kate talks about her own fascination with fairytales, their long, dark history, and their hidden meanings.
Kate has a Doctorate of Creative Arts in fairy tale studies, and is also an accredited master storyteller with the Australian Guild of Storytellers. She has taught writing retreats in Australia, Fiji, Greece, and the United Kingdom.
Tea, coffee and light refreshments provided.
Book sales and signing will be available on the day.
Writing With Voice and Style with Felicity Castagna
Who: 16-25 year olds
When: Saturday 30 November | 12.30-1.30pm
Where: Penrith City Library Theatrette
Tickets: $10 per person. Bookings are essential.
Book now: https://penwritingwithvoiceandstyle.eventbrite.com.au
Felicity Castagna has published four novels for adults and young adults including her most recent book, Girls In Boys’ Cars which recently won the Victorian and Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards, was adapted for stage by Priscilla Jackman and is now being adapted to film. Her previous novel, No More Boats was a finalist in the 2018 Miles Franklin Literary Awards and her novel The Incredible Here and Now received The Prime Minister’s Award as well as The IBBY.
She is currently a Senior lecturer in Creative Writing at Western Sydney University where she is the Convenor of Creative Writing.
Tea, coffee and light refreshments provided.
Book sales and signing will be available on the day.
Local, Contemporary YA Matters: A Panel Discussion
Who: Young Adults & Adults
When: Saturday 30 November | 2-3pm
Where: Penrith City Library
Tickets: $5 per person. Bookings are essential.
Book now: https://pencontemporaryya.eventbrite.com.au
Felicity Castagna has published four novels for adults and young adults including her most recent book, Girls In Boys’ Cars which recently won the Victorian and Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards, was adapted for stage by Priscilla Jackman and is now being adapted to film. She is currently a Senior lecturer in Creative Writing at Western Sydney University where she is the Convenor of Creative Writing.
Will Kostakis is an award-winning, bestselling author for young adults. We Could Be Something is his latest novel. It’s a humorous yet heart-rending look at family, fame and falling in love. It was shortlisted for the Victorian and New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards. An advocate for young readers and writers, Will was awarded the 2020 Maurice Saxby Award by the School Library Association of New South Wales for service to children’s and young adult literature.
Tegan Bennett Daylight is a writer, teacher and critic who has published three novels: Bombora, What Falls Away and Safety, as well as several books for children and teenagers. Tegan’s latest book is the YA novel Royals, which tells the story of six teenagers trapped in a parallel universe – only this parallel universe is a shopping mall (rumored to be Penrith Westfield). She works as a lecturer in English and Creative Writing at Western Sydney University.
Wai Chim is the Chinese-American-Australian author of a number of children’s and YA titles including the Chook Chook series, Freedom Swimmer and most recently The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling which was a Kirkus Prize Finalist in the US and was Shortlisted for the Prime Minister Literary Awards in 2020. Wai also appeared as a contestant on Australian Survivor: Brains vs Brawn.
Light refreshments provided.
Book sales and signings will be available on the day.
Jen Craig in Conversation at Penrith Regional Gallery
Who: Adults
When: Saturday 30 November | 3-4pm
Where: Penrith Regional Gallery
Tickets: $5 per person. Bookings are essential.
Book now: https://penjencraig.eventbrite.com.au
Jen Craig will be in conversation with Toby Chapman, Director of Visual Arts at Penrith Regional Gallery. Toby Chapman is a cultural leader living and working on Dharug and Gundungurra land. He is the Director of Penrith Regional Gallery, where he steers the artistic vision of the oldest regional gallery in Western Sydney.
In November, Penrith Regional Gallery will present Spot the Difference, an exhibition examining the origins and retelling of the myth of the elusive big black cat, https://penrithregionalgalleryspotthedifference.com
Criminal Minds: Candice Fox, Catherine Jinks and Hayley Scrivenor
Who: Adults
When: Saturday 30 November | 6-7pm
Where: Penrith City Library
Tickets: $5 per person. Bookings are essential.
Book now:https://pencriminalminds.eventbrite.com.au
Crime fiction authors Candice Fox, Catherine Jinks and Hayley Scrivenor talk all things criminal with panel moderator Lisa Finn Powell. We ask the question, what kind of creative mind delves so deeply into the darkness?
Candice Fox is the author of eleven crime novels and the winner of three prestigious Ned Kelly Awards. She has also co-written seven New York Times bestsellers with James Patterson, the world’s bestselling thriller writer.
A meticulous researcher, Candice has interviewed a serial killer on Death Row, been to prison three times (for work purposes) and while on honeymoon in the US took a road trip to famous crime scenes looking for clues. She has also dined with a former President of the United States, filmed a cameo role in her latest screen adaptation and, as a volunteer for WIRES, has rescued countless wild animals.
Catherine Jinks’ books for adults, young adults and children have been published in a dozen countries and have won numerous awards, including a Victorian Premier’s Literary Award and the CBCA Book of the Year Award (four times). She lives in the Blue Mountains. Catherine's most recent title Traced is a powerful examination of domestic abuse and coercive control.
Hayley Scrivenor is the author of Girl Falling and Dirt Town. Girl Falling, was released in Australia in August of 2024 and described by Nine Newspapers as “a remarkable exercise in complex storytelling written in Scrivenor’s idiosyncratic, metaphorically vivid prose” and a “worthy follow-up to the best-selling Dirt Town.” Dirt Town has been shortlisted for multiple national and international awards and translated into several languages.
This panel will be moderated by Lisa Finn Powell, author of The Thin Time, presenter, producer, publicist, musician and TedX speaker.
Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided.
Book sales and signing will be available on the day.
Author Talk: Chris Hammer
Who: Adults
When: Sunday 1 December | 2-3pm
Where: Penrith City Library
Tickets: $5 per person. Bookings are essential.
Book now: https://penchrishammer.eventbrite.com.au
Join us for a fascinating afternoon with Chris Hammer, one of Australia’s leading crime authors!
Before turning to fiction, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years, dividing his career between covering Australian federal politics and international affairs. He reported from more than thirty countries on six continents with SBS TV, while in Canberra his roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin, senior writer for The Age and online political editor for the Sydney Morning Herald.
Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided.
Book sales and signing will be available on the day.
Camden History Walk
Who: Adults
When: Saturday 30 November | 11am
Where: Camden Museum, 40 John Street, Camden
Tickets: Free. Bookings are essential.
Book now: https://camden-events.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_e732728dc480460298c216f8c9ec20f3
Camden Historical Society will take you on a walk exploring the history of the Camden Historical precinct. Hear about the rich history of the area while admiring the beautiful heritage buildings.
Author Talk: Rose Inserra
Who: Adults
When: Saturday 30 November | 12.30-2.30pm
Where: Narellan Library, 19 Queen Street, Narellan
Tickets: Free. Bookings are essential.
Book now: https://camden-events.bookable.net.au
This talk will reveal how these time-honoured traditions can be integrated into modern life, offering both practical insights and a touch of enchantment. Attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for their cultural heritage and the enduring power of these traditions. Join author Rose Inserra for an engaging journey into the heart of Italian folklore.
The Memory Landscape of the Cowpastures by Dr Ian Willis OAM
Who: Adults
When: Saturday 30 November | 1pm
Where: Camden Museum, 40 John Street, Camden
Tickets: Free. Bookings are essential.
Book now: https://camden-events.bookable.net.au
Dr Ian Willis will use examples of memorials, monuments, sculptures and other cultural heritage from the Cowpastures story to illustrate how the memory landscape is represented in the local area.
Comic Book Workshop with Christof Bogacs
Who: Ages 13+
When: Thursday 28 November | 4-6pm
Where: Whitlam Library Cabramatta
Tickets: Free. Bookings are essential.
Book now: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/write-out-west-3717809
Inspire your creative spirit with our Comic Book Workshop! Join Christof Bogacs, author of Under Kingdom, published by Dark Horse Comics, as he guides you through the process of creating a single-page comic strip.
Introduction to Screenwriting
Who: Adults
When: Tuesday 3 December | 6-7.30pm
Where: Whitlam Library, 165 Railway Parade, Cabramatta
Tickets: Free. Bookings are essential.
Book now: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/write-out-west-3717809
Have you had a film idea, but not sure how to turn it into a script? Join Elizabeth H. Vu in a crash course in screenwriting fundamentals, developing interesting characters, and writing engaging dialogue.
Write Out West Poetry Night
Who: Adults
When: Thursday 5 December | 5.30-7.45pm
Where: Whitlam Library, 165 Railway Parade, Cabramatta
Tickets: Free. Bookings are essential.
Book now: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/write-out-west-3717809
Join Fairfield Poetry Club at the Whitlam Library! Whether you're new to poetry, a seasoned veteran, or simply looking to spend an evening with local creatives, this open mic night is the perfect opportunity to listen to, connect with, and be inspired by local artists.
Bejewelling Shakespeare's Women
Who: Adults
When: Thursday 28 November | 11am-12pm
Where: Hawkesbury Central Library, 300 George Street, Windsor
Tickets: Free. Bookings are essential.
Book now: Hawkesburylibrary.eventbrite.com
Tessa Morrison, enamel artist, will discuss her artwork and how the enamel lends itself to storytelling, thus making it possible to illustrate Shakespeare’s imagery.
Tea and coffee provided.
For more information about Hawkesbury Library programs, please call
4560 4460 or email library@hawkesbury.gov.au
Knit with Friends
Who: Adults
When: Friday 29 November | 10am-12pm
Where: Hawkesbury Central Library, 300 George Street, Windsor
Tickets: Free. Bookings are not required.
Enjoy a cuppa and yarn.
For more information about Hawkesbury Library programs, please call
4560 4460 or email library@hawkesbury.gov.au