From an automaton of Nick Cave to a man who can’t keep his blood out of the food he is preparing; from a vengeful Uber driver to a spinner of souls; and from a boy caught up in a robbery to a girl desperate to save a failing greyhound. The characters who populate this short story collection have all been inspired by Nick Cave lyrics. Join authors and contributors Mark Smith, Jon Doust and Gillian O’Shaughnessy as they share their response to Cave’s visionary genius.

Followed by live music from MIKE GOODIN playing NICK CAVE.

Hosted by Glynn Greensmith
$20 Not included in Weekend and Day passes

Jon Doust photo credit Nic Duncan

Celebrate the launch of Matthew Ryan Davies' new novel, The Broken Wave. In conversation with Mark Smith.

Join us for an evening with authors Mark Smith, Rhett Davis & Sarah Bailey as they reimagine the songs of Nick Cave and celebrate the release of a new anthology Into Your Arms: Nick Cave’s Songs Reimagined. This is the second anthology from the curators of the bestselling Minds Went Walking: Paul Kelly's Songs Reimagined.

In this new anthology, we go Cave-diving into the beauty and power of Nick Cave's songbook, where every story is sparked by a song.

Twenty-one of Australia's favourite creators sail their ships around Cave's visionary genius with their own original and unsettling tales of death, faith, mercy and heartbreak.

Tickets are $10 and include a glass of wine or bubbles.

Tickets available here.

Join us and several of the contributing authors to celebrate the launch of Into Your Arms: Nick Cave's Songs Reimagined, edited by Kirsten Krauth.

Readings St Kilda is one of Nick Cave's go-to places after all. 

Free, but bookings are essential.

Please book here.

Set on the windswept point of an island at the edge of Van Diemen’s Land, The Settlement reimagines the ill-fated exploits of George Augustus Robinson at the settlement of Wybalenna.
Robinson gathers together the last of the Tasmanians to save them – he believes – from the murderous intent of pastoral settlers on their country.
Join Jock Serong for this compelling discussion of his extraordinarily vivid imagining of one of the most significant encounters in Australian history
Hosted by Mark Smith

The songs of Paul Kelly hold a special place in the heart of many Australians. In this anthology, Australian writers and musicians select a song from Kelly’s celebrated back catalogue and let their minds go walking. The results are delightful, inspiring and eclectic. Join editors Mark Smith and Jock Serong alongside contributors Sarah Drummond and Julia Lawrinson for their personal reflections on the words of Paul Kelly.
A live performance from singer-songwriter Carus Thompson sharing his own musical interpretations of Paul Kelly songs will follow this panel discussion.

Is YA your tribe? Do you love a great YA read? Always wanted to write YA? Or have burning questions for published YA authors? Look no further! Bring your favourite YA book to this intimate discussion with Bianca Breen (YA for WA) and award-winning authors Holden Sheppard (The Brink, Invisible Boys) and Mark Smith (If Not Us). This inspiring and inclusive gathering will also feature author Q&As and a YA micro-fiction competition with a $100 prize.