Literary Afternoon Tea: Women in Fiction – The Force Awakens!
Saturday 3 May, 3 pm
Badger & Hare, 20 Tyers St, Stratford VIC 3862
The Stratford Shakespeare Festival invites readers and writers to join six published authors for an afternoon of literary treats. While the audience enjoys a delicious afternoon tea, two separate author panels will discuss a range of topics. At the conclusion of the formal discussion, authors will be available for book signing and to chat. Collins Booksellers will have books available for purchase on the day.
Standard Ticket: $35
Includes:
Two panel discussions featuring six Australian authors
Box of afternoon tea treats
Goody bag - including a free book
VIP Ticket: $75
Includes:
Two panel discussions featuring six Australian authors
Box of afternoon tea treats
Goody bag – including a free book
Virtual pitch session with Hawkeye’s Publishing Director Carolyn Martinez (the pitch sessions on Thursday 8th May 9:30 am - 12:30 pm. Ticket holders will be advised of their pitch time no later than Saturday May 3).
45 minute coaching session with Lisa Ireland (Value $125)
Panel One
The Force Awakens – Depicting the Courage of Women
Join authors Anne Freeman, Casey Nott, and memoirist Edita Mujkic for a powerful panel discussion—The Force Awakens – Depicting the Courage of Women. Through fiction and memoir, these acclaimed writers explore the resilience, strength, and quiet defiance of women in the face of adversity. From deeply personal journeys to sweeping narratives, this conversation will delve into the ways women’s courage is portrayed in literature—and why these stories matter now more than ever.
About the Authors:
Anne Freeman writes contemporary fiction about women who are stuck in life and the extraordinary ways they shake themselves loose. Her work has been recognised in the prestigious Romance Writers of Australia Valerie Parv Award, the Hawkeye Prize and the Grindstone Literary International Novel Prize, among others.
Casey Nott is a commercial fiction author, mother of three and pickleball enthusiast. Her debut novel, Forgotten, was released in October 2024.
Edita Mujkić is an award-winning author and a National Ambassador for the Refugee Council of Australia. Originally from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, she has lived in Melbourne, Australia since 1994. Her first book, Between Before and After, won and was shortlisted for writing awards in Australia and internationally.
Panel Two
Out of the Shadows and into the Light
Three bestselling Australian authors in conversation about the ever-changing face of publishing, the rising popularity of female-centred fiction, and what it takes to be a published author today.
About the Authors:
Kerryn Mayne is an author, former wedding photographer, and current police officer. When not at work attempting to solve crime, she is writing about it or preparing an endless stream of snacks for her four children.
Kylie Ladd is a novelist, psychologist and freelance writer. Her seven novels have been published in Australia and overseas. Kylie holds a PhD in neuropsychology and lives in Melbourne with her husband, one and a half children and a poorly trained dachshund.
Lisa Ireland is the author of eight novels and numerous short stories. A former teacher, she now works as a writing coach and mentor. She loves eating but not cooking, is an Olympic class coffee drinker, and minion to a rather large dog.