Clunes Booktown Festival https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com Discover or revisit talks and panels from Australia's most loved book and literature festival, Clunes Booktown Festival.

Held annual in March, the small town of Clunes, Victoria becomes a haven for thinkers, readers and creatives.

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https://linktr.ee/clunesbooktownfestival

]]> Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:19:18 -0300 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en Copyright 2026 All rights reserved. Arts:Books 1440 episodic clunesbooktownfestival clunesbooktownfestival No false https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/21210999/Pauline_O_Shannessy-Dowling_-_Books_are_Awesome7qdwv.jpg Clunes Booktown Festival https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com 144 144 You Gotta Laugh - Celebrating Humour Writing You Gotta Laugh - Celebrating Humour Writing https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e/you-gotta-laugh-celebrating-humour-writing/ https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e/you-gotta-laugh-celebrating-humour-writing/#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:19:18 -0300 clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/88283a3d-de66-3c87-b561-4b20018a48a3 Hear a short sample from three of the books shortlisted for the inaugural John Clarke Prize for Humour Writing, followed by a discussion led by judging panelist (and daughter of John) Lorin Clarke. How hard is it to write something funny? Can anything be funny for anybody? And why is it important to champion humourous writing? Hear from Sam Elkin (Detachable Penis), Gabiann Marin (The Medusa Project) and Robert Skinner (I’d Rather Not), with Lorin Clarke (The Fitzroy Diaries, Would That Be Funny?) chairing.

]]> Hear a short sample from three of the books shortlisted for the inaugural John Clarke Prize for Humour Writing, followed by a discussion led by judging panelist (and daughter of John) Lorin Clarke. How hard is it to write something funny? Can anything be funny for anybody? And why is it important to champion humourous writing? Hear from Sam Elkin (Detachable Penis), Gabiann Marin (The Medusa Project) and Robert Skinner (I’d Rather Not), with Lorin Clarke (The Fitzroy Diaries, Would That Be Funny?) chairing.

]]> Creative Clunes false No 3092 2025 13 full Ageing with Attitude Ageing with Attitude https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e/ageing-with-attitude/ https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e/ageing-with-attitude/#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:17:56 -0300 clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/b1b7df21-89a6-30c5-a691-b237478654c1 Explore the undiscovered experiences of ageing. Brian Castro (Chinese Postman), Carol Lefevre (Bloomer), and Anna Johnston (The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife) discuss the unexpected joys, reflective moments, and opportunities for flourishing that can arise as we grow older. In conversation with Clunes community elder Tess Brady.

]]> Explore the undiscovered experiences of ageing. Brian Castro (Chinese Postman), Carol Lefevre (Bloomer), and Anna Johnston (The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife) discuss the unexpected joys, reflective moments, and opportunities for flourishing that can arise as we grow older. In conversation with Clunes community elder Tess Brady.

]]> Creative Clunes false No 3146 2025 12 full Sustainability in a Changing Climate Sustainability in a Changing Climate https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e/sustainability-in-a-changing-climate/ https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e/sustainability-in-a-changing-climate/#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:16:21 -0300 clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/b1bcc1db-0184-305b-b292-afe2eb9406ff Three experts in the environmental field - Gardening Australia's Costa Georgiadis, Milkwood's Kirsten Bradley, and permaculture co-founder David Holmgren - will discuss the challenges of our rapidly changing climate and how we can adapt, not only our gardens but also various aspects of our lifestyles, in an increasingly uncertain world.

]]> Three experts in the environmental field - Gardening Australia's Costa Georgiadis, Milkwood's Kirsten Bradley, and permaculture co-founder David Holmgren - will discuss the challenges of our rapidly changing climate and how we can adapt, not only our gardens but also various aspects of our lifestyles, in an increasingly uncertain world.

]]> Creative Clunes false No 3728 2025 11 full Helen Garner on The Season Helen Garner on The Season https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e/helen-garner-on-the-season/ https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e/helen-garner-on-the-season/#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:15:07 -0300 clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/354dd6e8-3a60-3475-aa92-0cdff7d651d3 Helen Garner discusses her latest book, The Season, in which she follows her grandson’s under-16 footy team. In typical Garner style, this book explores many themes - ageing, family, masculinity, and the epic theatre of Australian football. Her sharp observations will be drawn out by her biographer, Sean O’Beirne.

]]> Helen Garner discusses her latest book, The Season, in which she follows her grandson’s under-16 footy team. In typical Garner style, this book explores many themes - ageing, family, masculinity, and the epic theatre of Australian football. Her sharp observations will be drawn out by her biographer, Sean O’Beirne.

]]> Creative Clines false No 3281 2025 10 full A Feast for Foodies A Feast for Foodies https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e/a-feast-for-foodies/ https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e/a-feast-for-foodies/#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:13:21 -0300 clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/16f42399-ba96-3c5a-807c-c3d4cf6c8e59 Professional foodie Jess Ho (Raised by Wolves), chef Helly Raichura (The Food of Bharat), and ASRC founder Kon Karapanagiotidis (A Seat at My Table: Philoxenia) talk about the role food plays in their lives, the contrast between restaurant food and home cooking, sustainability, and how food can create community. Hosted by Chris Gordon from Readings.

]]> Professional foodie Jess Ho (Raised by Wolves), chef Helly Raichura (The Food of Bharat), and ASRC founder Kon Karapanagiotidis (A Seat at My Table: Philoxenia) talk about the role food plays in their lives, the contrast between restaurant food and home cooking, sustainability, and how food can create community. Hosted by Chris Gordon from Readings.

]]> Creative Clunes false No 3136 9 full Kate Grenville in Conversation Kate Grenville in Conversation https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e/kate-grenville-in-conversation/ https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e/kate-grenville-in-conversation/#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:12:26 -0300 clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/c7cbbc72-ac92-3b85-9cbf-9e2f067c3cb2 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Creative Clunes false No 2811 2025 8 full Words to Sing the World Alive - Celebrating First Nations Languages Words to Sing the World Alive - Celebrating First Nations Languages https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e/words-to-sing-the-world-alive-celebrating-first-nations-languages/ https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e/words-to-sing-the-world-alive-celebrating-first-nations-languages/#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:06:33 -0300 clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e2b7f77f-84a3-38cd-9785-7527fc5bfec9 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).

]]> 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).

]]> Creative Clunes false No 3402 2025 7 full Regional Queer Stories - Fiction and True Regional Queer Stories - Fiction and True https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e/regional-queer-stories-fiction-and-true/ https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e/regional-queer-stories-fiction-and-true/#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:05:27 -0300 clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/30bd7b96-d779-3c32-86c8-80b8896973e2 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Creative Clunes false No 3396 2025 6 full Unmasking Neurodiversity - Neurodivergent Writers on Exploding Stereotypes Unmasking Neurodiversity - Neurodivergent Writers on Exploding Stereotypes https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e/unmasking-neurodiversity-neurodivergent-writers-on-exploding-stereotypes/ https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e/unmasking-neurodiversity-neurodivergent-writers-on-exploding-stereotypes/#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:03:54 -0300 clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/ad6ab73a-7ffb-3a33-bd47-fba574d23038 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Creative Clunes false No 3371 2025 5 full Writing Romantasy - Topes and Hopes Writing Romantasy - Topes and Hopes https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e/writing-romantasy-topes-and-hopes/ https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e/writing-romantasy-topes-and-hopes/#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:00:47 -0300 clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/aa9e8251-a60d-37e1-b1dd-5cc92382e9bc 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Creative Clunes false No 3402 2025 4 full Spinning Discs - Writing about Music Spinning Discs - Writing about Music https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e/spinning-discs-writing-about-music/ https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e/spinning-discs-writing-about-music/#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:58:35 -0300 clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e5411759-dc31-34b9-bbd3-03a56cf81a34 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Creative Clunes false No 3348 2025 3 full Truth Telling - New Perspectives on Australian History Truth Telling - New Perspectives on Australian History https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e/truth-telling-new-perspectives-on-australian-history/ https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e/truth-telling-new-perspectives-on-australian-history/#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:54:35 -0300 clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/31cf5c1a-5355-3b3b-a274-e499deddd14d 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Creative Clunes false No 3079 2025 2 full Cosy Crimes - Plot, Puzzles and Characters Minus the Gore Cosy Crimes - Plot, Puzzles and Characters Minus the Gore https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e/cosy-crimes-plot-puzzles-and-characters-minus-the-gore/ https://clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/e/cosy-crimes-plot-puzzles-and-characters-minus-the-gore/#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:39:59 -0300 clunesbooktownfestival.podbean.com/48683083-4ac3-39bc-b97c-cc966a9a1ee0 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).

]]> 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).

]]> Creative Clunes false No 3536 2025 1 full