79e2cbd0-e5d1-4ab2-b6ae-00163be82904 Zena Shapter ABOUT < VIEW ALL HOSTS Zena Shapter Zena Shapter writes from a castle in a flying city hidden by a thundercloud, reaching across age and genre into the heart of storytelling. A multi-award-winning author of science fiction, fantasy, speculative and contemporary fiction, she loves conjuring journeys into the beyond and unusual, and is the author of books such as ‘When Dark Roots Hunt’ (Finalist ‘Best Novel’ 2024 Ditmar Award), ‘When Dark Waters Burn’ (coming in 2025), ‘Towards White’, and co-author of ‘Into Tordon’. When not writing, Zena loves movies, frogs, chocolate, potatoes and living with her family among Sydney’s beautiful Northern Beaches. She’s travelled all around the world, visiting close to 50 countries, which inspire her to create worlds of her own. With her BA (Hons) in English Literature, Zena enjoys working as a mentor, editor and inclusive creativity advocate, teaching storytelling and writing at festivals, libraries and schools. She judges various literary awards and encourages everyone to value the importance of creativity. < PREVIOUS HOST NEXT HOST > ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Manly Writers' Festival acknowledges and thanks the original storytellers on the lands on which our events take place, the Gameraygal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connection and culture, and we pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present, as well as emerging leaders.

4873c3a9-6627-409b-907b-02db0dd5256a David Weiner ABOUT < VIEW ALL AUTHORS David Weiner David Weiner is an award-winning content leader who has devoted much of his 15-year career to football. As editor of Fox Sports Football and Optus Sport, and then Director of Content at the A-Leagues, he has built and led digital brands that passionately told Australian football stories across written editorial, audio, social, video, broadcast and original content formats. Having been captivated by the global game in his teens, his career highlight, outside of covering Socceroos and Matildas at World Cups, was being part of bringing that joy to audiences through his work, especially on Champions League, Women’s World Cup, Euros and Copa America broadcasts. His first book, The Goals That Changed Australia - Stories from the biggest stage on earth, was encouraged and inspired by his son, who is a seven-year-old football fanatic. PROGRAM SESSIONS WHAT: Sports Non-Fiction for Young Adults DATE: Sunday 30th March TIME: 11.30am - 12.15pm WITH: Niav Owens TICKETS < PREVIOUS AUTHOR NEXT AUTHOR > ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Manly Writers' Festival acknowledges and thanks the original storytellers on the lands on which our events take place, the Gameraygal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connection and culture, and we pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present, as well as emerging leaders.

13b23d14-321a-45f9-9ac7-c9e65aa7c562 Tracey Kirkland ABOUT < VIEW ALL HOSTS Tracey Kirkland Tracey Kirkland has spent more than 30 years as a journalist writing for broadcast and print. During COVID, she was the ABC’s national news-gathering editor and is now the continuous news editor for ABC News Channel. She is the co-author with Gavin Fang of Pandemedia (2023) which examines the impact of Covid-19 on the media and news-telling and Age of Doubt, a compilation of essays from prominent thinkers on the breakdown of trust in society. < PREVIOUS HOST NEXT HOST > ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Manly Writers' Festival acknowledges and thanks the original storytellers on the lands on which our events take place, the Gameraygal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connection and culture, and we pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present, as well as emerging leaders.

22f6e0a6-5c9b-45ee-8a45-e135cbebf897 Rananda Rich ABOUT < VIEW ALL HOSTS Rananda Rich Rananda Rich is the founder of The Ink Rat, a consultancy that empowers business owners and writers to transform their useful, unique, and novel ideas into compelling narratives using strategic copywriting, editing and ghostwriting. Drawing from a 25-year corporate career spanning finance, tech, health and wellness, she leverages the power of persuasive storytelling to drive meaningful change and achieve successful outcomes. Her latest initiative, The Creative Splurge, supports writers of all ages and stages to achieve their writing goals. < PREVIOUS HOST NEXT HOST > ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Manly Writers' Festival acknowledges and thanks the original storytellers on the lands on which our events take place, the Gameraygal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connection and culture, and we pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present, as well as emerging leaders.

Tracey Croke, Helen Hayes, Megan Holbeck, Anthony Sobb "I haven't been everywhere, but it is on my list." (Susan Sontag) BUY TICKETS 2025 PROGRAM < VIEW ALL PROGRAMS "I haven't been everywhere, but it is on my list." (Susan Sontag) DATE: Saturday 29th March LOCATION: Darley Smith Building COST: $22 Travel ignites curiosity, broadens perspectives, and transforms lives. This session brings together writers who capture the thrill of exploration and the unique stories discovered along the way. Whether far away or a ‘staycation’, their travel uncovers connections to history, culture, food, celebrations, and the human spirit. A session that is perfect for dreamers and seasoned travellers alike! Panel: Tracey Croke, Helen Hayes, Megan Holbeck, Anthony Sobb Host: Rananda Rich BUY TICKETS < PREVIOUS NEXT > ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Manly Writers' Festival acknowledges and thanks the original storytellers on the lands on which our events take place, the Gameraygal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connection and culture, and we pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present, as well as emerging leaders.

3442f2ce-a4bd-477f-9132-427e4561abcc Anthony Sobb ABOUT < VIEW ALL AUTHORS Anthony Sobb Anthony Sobb is a dedicated family man and a former pugilist and martial artist. He currently serves as a surf lifesaver and jet ski rescue volunteer and is the CEO of a large RSL club in Sydney. He was encouraged to develop a passion for food, wine, and bringing people which led him to pursue a diverse career in Sydney's food scene before transitioning into the club industry in 2000. Anthony is a keen traveller and enjoys exploring new tastes, flavours, and atmospheres to offer to his customers. In recent years, he has prioritised supporting his three sons and maintaining close ties with his family following the loss of his wife, Kim. His memoir, My Business Is Now North, was published in October 2024. PROGRAM SESSIONS WHAT: Fighting the Long Goodbye DATE: Friday 28th March TIME: 11.20am-12.20pm WITH: TICKETS WHAT: "I haven't been everywhere, but it is on my list." (Susan Sontag) DATE: Saturday 29th March TIME: 2.50pm-3.50pm WITH: Rananda Rich TICKETS < PREVIOUS AUTHOR NEXT AUTHOR > ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Manly Writers' Festival acknowledges and thanks the original storytellers on the lands on which our events take place, the Gameraygal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connection and culture, and we pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present, as well as emerging leaders.

Meg Keneally, Catherine McKinnon Australian Historical Fiction BUY TICKETS 2025 PROGRAM < VIEW ALL PROGRAMS Australian Historical Fiction DATE: Saturday 29th March LOCATION: Darley Smith Building COST: $22 We discuss Australian historical stories from 18th century England to World War II with two authors. Free by Meg Keneally blends storytelling with social critique in the story of Molly Thistle, who is transported to the new penal colony after stealing a horse and defies convention to create a commercial empire. To Sing of War by Catherine McKinnon weaves together an Australian nurse and soldier in New Guinea, scientists in Los Alamos, and a mother in Japan, connected in a moment of history in a tale of friendship, love, and war. Host: Victoria Haskins BUY TICKETS < PREVIOUS NEXT > ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Manly Writers' Festival acknowledges and thanks the original storytellers on the lands on which our events take place, the Gameraygal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connection and culture, and we pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present, as well as emerging leaders.

5f8cd615-01a8-4fbf-bdd3-6dfe5d19ce43 Michele Seminara ABOUT < VIEW ALL AUTHORS Michele Seminara Michele Seminara is a Northern Beaches-based poet, writer, essayist, editor, speaker and moderator. Renowned Australian poet Robert Adamson called Seminara “the finest poet of her generation”. Her writing has twice been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and has appeared in publications such as Australian Poetry Journal, Mascara Literary Review, Jacket2 Magazine, Cordite, The Market Herald and The Australian. She has published two full-length collections, Suburban Fantasy (2021) and Engraft (2016), as well as two chapbooks, Scar to Scar (written with Robbie Coburn, 2016) and HUSH (2017). She is editor of the online creative arts journal, Verity La. PROGRAM SESSIONS WHAT: Poetry Salon DATE: Saturday 29th March TIME: 4.10pm-5.30pm WITH: Michele Seminara TICKETS < PREVIOUS AUTHOR NEXT AUTHOR > ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Manly Writers' Festival acknowledges and thanks the original storytellers on the lands on which our events take place, the Gameraygal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connection and culture, and we pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present, as well as emerging leaders.

9d20a7da-357e-4ecc-815c-9aa7ceebd62f Helen Vatsikopoulos ABOUT < VIEW ALL HOSTS Helen Vatsikopoulos Helen Vatsikopoulos is a Professional Fellow at the University of Technology Sydney. She is a Walkley Award winning journalist who has worked with the Australian Broadcating Corporation, ABC the Special Broadcasting Service SBS and the Australia Network. She also taught journalism at UTS. Helen is the director of the UTS/ Greek Australian Writers Festival and editor of Hellenic Dreams. < PREVIOUS HOST NEXT HOST > ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Manly Writers' Festival acknowledges and thanks the original storytellers on the lands on which our events take place, the Gameraygal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connection and culture, and we pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present, as well as emerging leaders.

Michael Adams, Rebecca Hazel True Crime: Tales of Betrayal, Escape, and Justice BUY TICKETS 2025 PROGRAM < VIEW ALL PROGRAMS True Crime: Tales of Betrayal, Escape, and Justice DATE: Saturday 29th March LOCATION: Darley Smith Building COST: $22 Step into the world of true crime with Michael Adams and Rebecca Hazel, as they explore two extraordinary stories of betrayal, escape, and the pursuit of justice. Michael’s second true crime book, They’ll Never Hold Me, deals with the case of Kevin John Simmonds, who established himself as an anti-hero to many following a never-before- accomplished escape from Long Bay Gaol, and despite being accused of the murder of a prison warden. He led seven carloads of police and tracker dogs on a chase for more than five weeks until he was eventually re-captured. Rebecca is a lawyer who got talking to a colleague at a women’s refuge in Manly in 2007, who confided to her that she thought her ex-husband, Chris Dawson, had murdered his first wife, Lynette. With the woman we now know as ‘JC’ as her initial source, Rebecca’s book, The Schoolgirl, Her Teacher, and His Wife, recounts the story of Dawson’s behaviour in plain sight for more than 40 years with meticulous care and rich research. Host: Chris Allen BUY TICKETS < PREVIOUS NEXT > ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Manly Writers' Festival acknowledges and thanks the original storytellers on the lands on which our events take place, the Gameraygal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connection and culture, and we pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present, as well as emerging leaders.

41772c48-3078-40d6-a2c4-fa74d598f21f Craig Semple ABOUT < VIEW ALL AUTHORS Craig Semple Craig Semple was a career detective in the New South Wales Police Force for twenty-five years, investigating homicides, outlaw motorcycle gangs and hundreds of serious crimes. Medically retired from law enforcement in 2013 due to psychological injuries, Craig is now a sought-after keynote speaker and mental health advocate. Craig is the founding director of Mentality Plus, through which he has developed and delivered mental health, wellbeing and resilience education to thousands of people all over Australia. He is also an ambassador for the Black Dog Institute. Craig's first book, The Cop Who Fell to Earth, was published by Echo Publishing in 2023. PROGRAM SESSIONS WHAT: Resilience and Recovery: Navigating Mental Health Episodes DATE: Saturday 29th March TIME: 2.50pm-3.50pm WITH: Tracey Kirkland TICKETS < PREVIOUS AUTHOR NEXT AUTHOR > ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Manly Writers' Festival acknowledges and thanks the original storytellers on the lands on which our events take place, the Gameraygal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connection and culture, and we pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present, as well as emerging leaders.

5166c83e-c4dd-42eb-a399-997ba7720089 Tracey Spicer ABOUT < VIEW ALL HOSTS Tracey Spicer Tracey Spicer AM is a multiple Walkley Award winning author, journalist and broadcaster who has anchored national programs for ABC TV and radio, Network Ten and Sky News. In 2019 she was named the NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year, accepted the Sydney Peace Prize alongside Tarana Burke for the `Me Too’ movement, and won the national award for Excellence in Women’s Leadership through Women & Leadership Australia. In 2018, Tracey was chosen as one of the Australian Financial Review’s 100 Women of Influence, winning the Social Enterprise and Not-For-Profit category. She has written two books, The Good Girl Stripped Bare (2018) and Man-Made (2023) which was shortlisted for the Walkley Book of the Year Award. < PREVIOUS HOST NEXT HOST > ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Manly Writers' Festival acknowledges and thanks the original storytellers on the lands on which our events take place, the Gameraygal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connection and culture, and we pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present, as well as emerging leaders.