True Storytelling Festival
‘I’m Not Making This Up’ brought truth to the forefront within a textual landscape that undervalues it. This festival celebrated the power of fact by highlighting some of the best and brightest talents in the non-fiction writing community today. By displaying their unique skills and distinctive voices to centre-stage, ‘I’m Not Making This Up’ reminded us that some of the most powerful stories are true.
Opened by the multi-award-winning author of The Winter Road, Kate Holden, the festival began with a bang on Saturday the 26th of November at Coledale Community Hall. Attendees congratulated Holden’s keynote speech, listing it among the other highlights of their day.
Attendees were exposed to various incredible speakers who emphasised the power and beauty non-fiction genre. Such as the accomplished and bestselling memoirist Patti Miller, who conversed with Caroline Baum to discuss difficult relationships in True Friends. After enjoying a cider with Jo-Anne Fahey from Darkes Glenbernie Orchard, guests had a delicious dinner at Earthwalker with foraging expert Diego Bonetto, where they heard why we should Eat Weeds.
Dr Jodi Edwards introduced attendees to the local Dharawal language on Sunday, an experience that was meaningful to both attendees and speakers.
Phillipa McGuinness then took guests with her ‘beneath the surface’ to examine our largest organ in Skin Deep, displaying the variety of speaking topics that was so appreciated by attendees. Later, Anne Howell spoke about her experience with severe amnesia and how she captured this experience in her memoir All That I Forgot.
Former detective Gary Jubelin investigates criminal cases to gain an understanding of evil in human nature while discussing his new bestselling book; Badness. Professor Rob Brander, aka ‘Dr Rip’, later appeared in conversation with Walkley-award-winning journalist, author and surfer Malcolm Knox to discuss rip currents and beach safety.
Stella Prize-winning Tasmanian novelist Heather Rose, also unveiled her memoir, Nothing Bad Ever Happens Here. The festival then came to a close to the sounds of Lovers Dreamers Fighters, as singer Lo Carmen talks about memory and her sources of inspiration with acclaimed biographer and journalist Mark Mordue.
“Thank you all for creating something really special on the writing calendar - and in such a beautiful location. It was a privilege to come along and be interviewed by the exceptional Ms Caro Baum. (Always such a treat.) I know well the energy and commitment it takes to get a festival off the ground so I applaud you all for creating the event and for overcoming the innumerable challenges - especially in the uncertain times in which we live. I look forward to watching the festival evolve over the coming years.”
“The people at the first afternoon seemed aglow with delight, there were a few people who said it was their first-ever writers’ festival experience and you pulled it all together for them. Well done!”
“What a fabulous event! It was a terrific line up of guests and conversation partners. Each conversation had its own flavour - interesting, informative, such variety.”
“It was a wonderful Festival, a great idea, well-organised and well-attended. ”
“The breadth, variety and quality of the sessions and workshops, speakers and presenters was superb! Loved the mix of workshops, sessions and the dinner. Loved the session on Dharawal language. Carolyn Baum did a superb job”
“I really enjoyed sharing and learning the amazing contributions that other people are doing and writing about. It was an honour to be invited to yarn.”
“The variety and quality of presenters was fantastic and I liked the Coledale Community Hall as a venue. The time-keeping was also excellent with all the speakers I booked for commencing and finishing on time which is not easy to achieve.”
“Loved the non-fiction focus, attending the workshop and seeing a great lineup! It was well done. Enjoyed having a wine too.”
