Once of the good things about Alice is there is always lots of things happening. This weekend was the writer’s festival and I attended a couple of events. It was good to get out and do some stuff in the local community. And much of the conversations been had and the readings been read were about local issues so that was good. Some things were great and others weren’t but that’s okay, that’s part of the deal.

One of my favourite things was a book launch of anthology of short stories and poems by students from Batchelor, an indigenous tertiary education institute. It was a surprise event, the best things usually are. We were just having a coffee at the cafe between the big events and they came on. A well known author said some things about it and then the student’s read some of their stuff. Most of them were really good. Not always totally polished but they seemed less self-conscious than some of the other author’s and they really wanted to be there. One of the things that annoyed me about another presentation was a really disorganised facilitator. It made me feel disrespected as an audience member. These guys on the other hand were very organised and had practiced a lot. This made me feel valued.

I also attended a workshop to get some tips for my book. As I am currently unemployed it seems like a good time to get it happening. The guy started the workshop by telling us that he writes to get published. Only then does he feel like he’s achieved something and only then does he get money. It kind of put me off as that is such a different place to where I am coming from. But I guess I got some tips and it is good I suppose to hear from people coming from a different place.

I should also say that I heard Kate Grenville. I think she was the most famous person here and she was very great.