Writers on the Rooftop was fanstastic! We estimate over 500 people attended this writers festival overlooking Manly Beach on a sparkling spring day. It wouldn't have been possible without the help of a team of volunteers - family and friends who all pitched in to bring order to the chaos. And of course, without our sponsors, The Steyne Hotel and Humphreys Bookstore, the event would have been a non-event. Above all, it worked so well because the authors, illustrators, publishers and other creators took the risk of saying 'yes' to our invitation to take part in the day. Sally Chilvers, Kate Forsyth and I thank all of you.
My motto is 'be bold' - and the performers who presented my work-in-progess at the festival certainly took this to heart. Writers festivals are about both the product and the process of writing - my session focussed on the way my current book, Solo Dramas, is taking shape. A collection of monologues, I'm writing something for everyone - 15 monologues in all. 4 and a half of these were showcased on the day - a very useful road test for me. Thanks again to all my cast, and to dramaturg Simon Chilvers.
