"The Readers’ Festival aims for a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, where the audience can easily interact with authors and ask them about their work," said Festival committee member Debbie Guertin.
The 2013 Program begins with the official launch from 5.30pm Friday 13, at Griffith City Library and will feature Susan Toscan discussing her book Strada De Sequire: The Road to Follow, which is based in the Griffith area.
The Program continues on Saturday 14 at Pioneer Park with discussions on a range of topics as well as workshops. Authors this year have written in a range of genres including, fantasy, suspense, historical and travel writing.
One of the most popular speakers will be children’s author Sally Rippin, who writes the hugely successful Hey Jack and Billie B Brown series that are popular among primary school-aged children.
"Many who attended last year asked for more workshops, especially for kids. So we're looking forward to seeing the response this year when Sally Rippin holds a creative writing workshop for children aged 10-12," said Festival committee member Amanda Martimbianco.
Other workshops being held this year include one by Garry Baker, who will discuss biography and personal history, and another led by Melanie Casey, who will focus on writing crime, paranormal, series or thrillers.
Military historians Peter Rees and Roland Perry are also confirmed for the event. Rees has written Lancaster Men, the extraordinary story of the Aussie men of Bomber Command in the air and on the ground. Perry is the author of Bill the Bastard, an epic yarn based on the true story of a great Australian war horse. He also wrote Bradman's Invincibles, The Changi Brownlow, Monash: The outsider who won a war.
"The authors who attended the 2012 festival reported having a wonderful time, enjoying the venue at Pioneer Park and the whole atmosphere of the event," said Ms Guertin.
This Festival will again feature a session just for local authors and writers. Those interested in speaking are invited to present a five-minute overview of their current works, projects and publications.
Come and enjoy the Griffith Readers’ Festival at Griffith City Library on Friday 13 from 5.30pm and Pioneer Park on Saturday 14 September from 9.30am.
Programs can be downloaded in PDF format from http://tiny.cc/readersfestival
Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children aged between five and 16. Children aged less than five are free.
Workshops with either Garry Baker or Melanie Casey are $35, while the Sally Rippin creative writing workshops for children aged between 10-12 costs $15. Workshops tickets include a day-pass for Saturday, but numbers are limited so get in quick to avoid disappointment.
Tickets are available for purchase from Griffith City Library, Collins Booksellers Griffith, Western Riverina Arts’ office in Leeton or at the gate on the day.