Literature Festival set to thrill

Monday 9 October 2006

A Literature Festival, whose line-up includes the irrepressible Jackie French, award winning Robert Dessaix, highly successful children's author, Mem Fox, and the ABC's Chaser Team, will be held at the University of Newcastle's Ourimbah campus next month.

The 2006 Ourimbah Campus Festival of Literature will be held on Friday 10 November (a special day for schools) and Saturday 11 November (an open day for everyone). All activities will be held at the Ourimbah campus on the Central Coast.

The Festival will feature a line-up of more than 20 well-known and award-winning authors, illustrators, storytellers and media characters and promises to thrill, inform, educate, entertain and make us laugh.

Chair of the Organising Committee, Dr Jo May, said the Festival has become a highlight in the calendar of the Ourimbah campus and also the Central Coast region.

"We are thrilled that we are able to bring such an outstanding line-up of people to the Festival," Jo said.

"Participants will be able to start their Saturday with Breakfast by the Lake and hear Robert Dessaix talk about exotic travel. They can then progress to the variety of sessions throughout the day.

"Whether you are interested in writing, illustrating or story telling, there is something for everyone.

"Topics will include writing about history, food, science fiction, crime and thrillers and much more. They will also cover what inspires writers, how they make us laugh and how to get published. This will be complemented by award-winning illustrators and story tellers who will explain how they approach their work.

"There is also the chance to win some amazing prizes at the Festival that have been donated by publishers, authors and illustrators," she said.

Registration is essential and places are going fast. The full program and registration details are available by visiting www.folit.info or telephoning Jane Yeaman on 4984 2554.