Seven of Australia’s most popular female crime writers converged on the South Coast in August for a Sisters in Crime two-day writers festival on August 27 and 28.
The festival included a full day of panels and in-conversations at the Cobargo School of Arts and writing workshops in Merimbula.
Candice Fox, Vikki Petraitis, Sulari Gentill, Fleur Ferris, Ilsa Evans, Professor Caroline de Costa, and Dorothy Johnston were part of the weekend, organised by Merimbula crime writer Melissa Pouliot with support from South East Arts, Well Thumbed Books, and Sisters in Crime Australia. Sadly Kay Schubach had to cancel her attendance at the last minute, and we send our sincere condolences for the loss of her father on the weekend.
Around 100 people packed the Cobargo Hall for the Return to Cobargo festival which was also live-streamed around the world. Candice Fox offered 30-minute speed dates on Saturday and Sunday, with Sydney writer Erica Adamson flying to Merimbula for the weekend to attend one of the sold-out sessions. Bestselling YA author and screenwriter Fleur Ferris also ran a sold-out workshop on Sunday. Merimbula turned on its full sapphire and sunshine for the authors during the packed weekend.
Melissa said lively panel discussions in Cobargo thrilled the audience.
“The hall in Cobargo has something very special about it, from the beautifully catered lunch by the hall committee and Well Thumbed Books, to the enthusiastic audience which included people who attended the first Sisters in Crime event in 2016. The live stream was also appreciated by people who couldn’t get to the event,” Melissa said.
“The Sisters want to make this an annual event and there is keen interest from South East Arts to bring more crime writers to the region as part of the Headland Writers Festival. I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who was part of the weekend, especially these incredible women who have such depth and experience in crime storytelling.”
(See an album of photos on Sisters in Crime’s Facebook Page.)