With a little help from my friends

Andrew O'Hagan and Debra Adelaide, with Beejay Silcox | 10:00am | Theatre

When did you last write to a dear friend? Join the panel to discuss why friendships matter and the beauty unearthed when we reflect on them.

Cutting edge cli-fi

Johanna Bell and Inga Simpson | 10:00am | Level 4

The facts of climate change and the large-scale loss of animal and plant species are all around us. To truly understand, we need new creative forms that speak to the grief, absurdity and banality of our situation as well as capture the beauty of all we have that is not yet lost. 

Supergirls vs the strongmen of Russia

Malcolm Knox and Jessica Allen | 11:45am | Theatre

Literature brings insight to political madness, human monstrosity and what it takes to defy tyranny. Journey to the world of the Soviet Union in this thrilling sequel to The First Friend.

The Extraordinary Power of Childhood Imagination 

Brendan James Murray and Gabbie Stroud | 11:45am | Level 4

In today’s hyper-speed world, it’s easy for kids and young adults to lose their footing. Brendan and Gabbie will traverse insights drawn from their own experiences of childhood, parenting and teaching in Australian schools.

AI and all the lonely people

Steve Toltz, Elaine Costello and Michael Williams | 1:30pm | Theatre

The panel discusses how setting out to explore loneliness led to the creation of two satirical, darkly funny and moving novels about human connection. Don't miss two master novelists in full flight.

If We Could Turn Back Time… 

Emma Grey, Petronella McGovern and Jaclyn Moriarty | 1:30pm | Level 4

The strong pull to go back in time and set things ‘right’ is the basis for these page-turning novels. 

Crime and confrontation with Michael Robotham

In conversation with Jane Caro | 3:15pm | Theatre

Michael Robotham’s Australian novel has been 40 years in the making. After decades unearthing incredible historical records including the letters and diaries of Czar Nicholas II and Stalin’s Hitler files, ghost-writing for politicians and pop stars, and penning international thrillers, he has returned to his roots with an epic about family, brotherly love and coming-of-age in an Australian town. 

For the love of letters

Amy Remeikis, Kate Forsyth and Lauren Smith | 3:15pm | Level 4

There is nothing like reading a beautiful letter. Postscript showcases treasures from the National Library of Australia collection: love letters; impassioned pleas; and words bearing witness to history. 

Life and crimes of Chris Hammer

In conversation with Alex Sloan | 5:00pm | Theatre

Former journalist turned bestselling author Chris Hammer has made a career out of curiosity.  Chris speaks with Alex Sloan about his first standalone thriller.

The art of erotic transformation

Kris Kneen with Beejay Silcox | 5:00pm | Level 4

Rite of Spring is one of the most exciting books of 2026. If a fusion of windswept coastline, the primordial ocean and erotic transformation sounds appealing, then this conversation is for you.

Susan Orlean's joyride

In conversation with Nicole Abadee | 6:30pm | Theatre

A rare event with one of the great non-fiction writers of our time. Susan reflects on a bygone era of U.S journalism, a career of working alongside icons and film stars, and the joy she’s always found in discovering the fascinating stories of everyday people.

Workshops in the Ferguson Room, Level 1

Ask Michael Robotham

Facilitated by Peter Papathanasiou | 10:00am - 11:30am

What does it really take to discover your own secret sauce and deploy it to write bestselling psychological thrillers and crime? Join international bestselling author Michael Robotham as he shares an insider’s view of the writing life. This Q & A format will allow you to find out what you really need to know about how to tell a fantastic story and tread the path towards publication. 

Comics and zine workshop

Presented by Chrisof Bogacs | 12:30 - 2:00pm

Discover the exciting world of comics and zines in this hands-on workshop for young artists aged 7 to 12 with celebrated illustrator and comic artist Christof Bogacs. Young creators will learn how to turn their ideas into stories using words, pictures and plenty of imagination. 

Demystifying publishing with Sophie Hamley

Facilitated by Qin Qin | 3:00pm - 4.30pm

There is an air of mystery surrounding the publishing industry. Experienced author and publisher Sophie Hamley (who writes as Sophie Green) will ask questions that help reveal: the type of publishing outcome you might be after and why; what different publishers are looking for; and how to start thinking about pitching your work.

Kids and YA events at Icon Water Festival Lawn

Sing and Song of Reading

9:30am | Lawns | Recommended for all ages | FREE EVENT

Singing is a joyous thing to do at any age! Come hear the Woden Valley Youth Choir sing the Canberra Writers Festival’s Kids and YA Program open. And best of all you can join in the singing too!

Let's play with books!

10:30am | Marquee | Recommended for ages 6 and under | FREE EVENT, bookings required

Reading a book is a delightful experience for lots of young children. But what if your child won’t sit still for a traditional story time? How can you use play as the foundation for creating enjoyable and fun connections that will foster a love of books and reading? 

Fearless girls who make their own adventures

Sue Whiting and Danielle Binks | 12:00pm | Marquee | Recommended for ages 7-12

Two celebrated authors discuss the memorable girl characters they loved growing up and how these amazing heroines shaped the writers they’ve become. 

Deadly science, deadly storytelling

Corey Tutt, Marly Wells and Lisa Fuller | 1:30pm | Marquee | Recommended for ages 10+

First Nations children’s authors play a vital role in creating books that reflect and celebrate Indigenous cultures, families and communities. The panel discusses the importance of sharing the resilience and enduring strength of First Nations cultures through fabulous stories and histories that simply deserve to be told and celebrated with readers everywhere!

The future of fiction is FAN!

Amie Kaufman and Garth Nix, with Carlie Jane Anders | 3:00pm | Marquee | Recommended for young adults

Join two of Australia’s leading speculative fiction writers in conversation about the power and importance of fan fiction, where it might go next and how it just might save us from AI.

The National Library of Australia is proud to be a foundation partner of the Canberra Writers Festival.