Brisbane Writers Festival 2018

Overview

Good news, word nerds, book buffs and literature lovers — Brisbane Writers Festival is back for 2018. And if you're a fan of high-profile authors, there's plenty to get excited about across September 6 and 9.

Specifically, if bleak young adult novels were your thing circa 2011 to 2013, then you'll want to hear Divergent series author Veronica Roth discuss dystopian futures (what else?). Or, if you're keen on books and films about the fashion magazine industry, then pencil dinner with The Devil Wears Prada's Lauren Weisberger into your diary.

Across a program that spans 155 events and features more than 200 writers, other highlights include human rights barrister Geoffrey Robertson delving into his career and life story, South African writer Sisonke Msimang exploring tales of hope and home, English scribe Philip Hoare diving into his sea-themed works and The Woman in the Window's A.J. Finn chatting about his best-seller. On the local front, Tim Rogers will discuss his new memoir with fellow music great Robert Forster, and Dr Karl will be on hand to jump into all things science — of course — as well as give the closing address. Plus, everyone from Miles Franklin Award winner Sophie Laguna and prolific author Nikki Gemmell to childhood favourites Alison Lester and Morris Gleitzman are also on the bill.

If you're the type of reader who grabs a book based on its subject rather than its scribe, then the four-day lineup has plenty of other topics to pique your interest — think sessions on matters as varied as Expo '88, getting ecological in your own backyard, the history of Fortitude Valley's McWhirters Building, and how the world talks about women in the public eye, to name a few. Events-wise, the program also boasts a live-action role-play session, should you need something to do when you're not reading, listening or generally nattering about books.