Ariane Beeston, Craig Semple Resilience and Recovery: Navigating Mental Health Episodes BUY TICKETS 2025 PROGRAM < VIEW ALL PROGRAMS Resilience and Recovery: Navigating Mental Health Episodes DATE: Saturday 29th March LOCATION: Darley Smith Building COST: $22 Two deeply personal journeys that explore episodic mental health breakdowns, the path to recovery, and achieving a new equilibrium. Psychologist Ariane Beeston (Because I’m Not Myself, You See) provides an intimate look at her struggles with post-partum depression and hallucinations. Craig Semple (Getting Back Up Again) shares his experience after dealing with post-traumatic stress and severe depression following 25 years as a detective. Together, their memoirs illuminate what is needed to confront unexpected and unforeseen challenges and the courage to rebuild a fulfilling life. Host: Tracey Kirkland 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.

bb3ff6dc-8f97-4f87-8cc9-dc15fd3a0209 Tracey Kirkland ABOUT < VIEW ALL AUTHORS Tracey Kirkland Tracey Kirkland is an Australian news journalist who has worked in broadcast and print for more than thirty years. She is currently the Continuous News Editor in charge of TV and video at ABC News Channel, and was previously the ABC’s national senior newsgathering editor. Since joining the ABC in 1999, Tracey has been a reporter, presenter or producer for all of the public broadcaster’s major news programs. She is the co-editor of Pandemedia: How COVID Changed Journalism. PROGRAM SESSIONS WHAT: Fractured Foundations: Trust in an Uncertain World DATE: Saturday 29th March TIME: 12.10pm-1.10pm WITH: Michael Brissenden 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.

82c2356c-c5c6-4275-9ba9-371d6f89f7e4 Gillian Wills ABOUT < VIEW ALL AUTHORS Gillian Wills Gillian Wills is a graduate and an Honorary Associate of the Royal Academy of Music for distinguished services to the music profession. She is an author, arts writer, and music reviewer who has published with The Australian, Limelight, Griffith Review, Australian Book Review and In Review. Her memoir Elvis and Me: how a world-weary musician and a broken racehorse rescued each other, was released in 2016 in Australia, America, Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. Gillian has held senior academic positions in the UK and Australia. PROGRAM SESSIONS WHAT: Creative Lives In Fiction: Stories Of Love, Ambition And Self-Discovery DATE: Sunday 30th March TIME: 10.00am-11.00am WITH: Summer Land TICKETS WHAT: 'Teach the Children Well' (Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young) DATE: Sunday 30th March TIME: 2.00pm-3.00pm WITH: Suzanne Leal 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.

Have questions about the Manly Writer's Festival? Contact our team for information on tickets, volunteering, sponsorship, and more. We're here to help you! CONTACT US GET IN TOUCH First name Last name Email Phone Subject Message Submit

39924215-ad78-47be-b7d8-8fb26abfdef0 Murray Shaw ABOUT < VIEW ALL HOSTS Murray Shaw Murray Shaw is an experienced Executive Producer with extensive experience in the broadcast media industry. He is currently with the NINE Network, and has previously worked with the Australian Institute of Sport, Fox Sports, Sky News and Radio 2UE. He is the Executive Producer of the Olympics for NINE, as well as Head of Rugby and Football. < 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.

c9dfd947-6d40-42b6-813c-bd6d3e0b41f8 Michael Brissenden ABOUT < VIEW ALL AUTHORS Michael Brissenden Michael Brissenden is an author and journalist. He worked for the ABC for 35 years in various roles. He was posted to Moscow, Brussels and Washington and worked in Canberra for many years in various roles – including as the political editor for the 7.30 Report, as the ABC’s defence and security correspondent and as presenter of the AM program. From 2017 – 2021 he was a reporter with the ABC’s investigative television program – Four Corners. He has published both fiction and non-fiction books. He is now writing fiction full time. His first two novels were The List published in 2017 and Dead Letters published in 2021. His latest book Smoke was published in June 2024. PROGRAM SESSIONS WHAT: Politics, Power and the Thrill of the Chase DATE: Saturday 29th March TIME: 10.50am-11.50am WITH: Helen Vatsikopoulos TICKETS WHAT: Frontline Perspectives: Reporting the World Beyonder Borders DATE: Saturday 29th March TIME: 2.50pm-3.50pm WITH: Bonita Mersiades 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.

Kerrie Davies, Sarah Gilbert, Josie McSkimming Trailblazing Women BUY TICKETS 2025 PROGRAM < VIEW ALL PROGRAMS Trailblazing Women DATE: Friday 28th March LOCATION: Darley Smith Building COST: $22 Regardless of the times, some women dared to be different. We speak with three authors of biographies about women who have blazed their own trail. In Miles Franklin Undercover, Kerrie Davies examines the little-known second decade of acclaimed author Miles Franklin, who was impoverished and in service in Australia and the US, and her advocacy for working women. In Unconventional Women, Sarah Gilbert speaks to women who were part of a closed convent in the 1960s during significant social upheaval. In Gutsy Girls, Josie McSkimming writes of the unpredictable family life on the Northern Beaches, generational trauma, and deep sisterly bonds between her and her two sisters, particularly her eldest sister, poet Dorothy Porter. 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.

2cb1308f-ae2d-447f-9909-de5e114645cf Paul Mitchell ABOUT < VIEW ALL AUTHORS Paul Mitchell Paul Mitchell is the author of seven books, including his 2024 poetry collection High Spirits. His poems, essays, and stories have appeared over the past twenty-five years in numerous magazines and journals, most recently The Guardian, Westerly, Antipodes, Meniscus, and Eureka Street. He’s written several works for stage and he’s currently a co-writer with director Chris Nelius on a commissioned feature film for Third Man Films. His play, You’re the Man, was staged at La Mama Theatre in September 2024, and he also co-wrote Actions to Live By, a 2021 AFL documentary on the Brisbane Lions’ dynasty of 2001 to 2003. 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.

4a269b80-c90b-4c3e-818b-bbe74a8f07a8 Isabella Higgins ABOUT < VIEW ALL HOSTS Isabella Higgins Isabella Higgins is a Walkley-award winning senior journalist for ABC News. She is a former Europe correspondent, based in London, and previously covered Indigenous affairs for ABC News for online, radio and TV. She has also worked as a reporter in the Brisbane and Rockhampton newsrooms. She joined the ABC in 2014 working for News Digital in Brisbane. < 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.

Find answers to your questions about the Manly Writer's Festival 2025. Get information on tickets, event schedules, venue details, and more. Plan your visit today! OUR FAQ Do I need to buy an entry ticket before the event? There are many moving parts that go into hosting the Manly Writers' Festival that require advance preparation, so purchasing your ticket beforehand helps us optimise the festival experience. You can buy them online until the session is on or purchase a ticket at the festival by heading to the Concierge Desk on Level 1 of the Darley Smith Building. Can I get a refund if I change my mind? Full refunds, less transaction costs charged by the payment provider, will be given until midnight AEDT on 23rd February 2024. After that day, we are unable to provide a refund other than extenuating personal circumstances. If such circumstances arise, you can seek a refund by emailing us at hello@manlywritersfestival.com.au . If, for any reason, we cancel a session you will receive a refund in full. Is there an opportunity to ask questions of speakers? Yes. Questions are encouraged, and we believe it is an important feature of a writers' festival. Is there a dress code? Be comfortable. What is included in the price? For general sessions, it includes admission to the session. For special events, inclusions are detailed as part of the information about the special event. Where is the festival being held? The main venue for the Schools Program and the adult program is the Darley Smith Building, St Matthew’s Church, corner of Darley Road and The Corso, Manly. Other venues we’re using include: Hotel Steyne, Manly Manly Pacific MGallery Hotel, Manly Manly Spirits Distillery, Brookvale For detailed information and maps, check out our page on Venues . Are there author signing? Yes, there will be author signings after each session within Gleebooks which is located in the Ebbs Room off the ground floor courtyard. Books that are featured at the festival (and more) will be available for purchase. Where can I get coffee? Coffee is, of course, synonymous with books and reading! So we have an onsite Book Beans Cafe that is open from approximately 9am-4pm on Friday and Saturday, serving coffee, tea, and fresh juices. There are also many cafes, delis, pubs, and restaurants in the local area. What is your covid safe plan? We comply with the Covid Safe guidelines in place for events of this kind as required by the New South Wales Government. These are available on the NSW Health website. What is the Manly Writer's Festival? The Manly Writer's Festival is an annual event celebrating storytelling, creativity, and community based in and around Manly, Sydney. It features author panels, workshops, and various community events. How can I become a sponsor or partner of the festival? We offer various sponsorship and partnership opportunities. Please contact us at hello@manlywritersfestival.org.au for more information on how you can support the festival. When and where is the 2025 Manly Writer's Festival taking place? The 2025 Manly Writer's Festival will be held in and around Manly on 28, 29, 30 March. Check the PROGRAM link for details of the program, as well as individual sessions. Are there volunteer opportunities available? Yes, we welcome volunteers to help us bring the festival to life. You can apply to volunteer through our website and enjoy an unforgettable experience while contributing to a cultural celebration. How can I purchase tickets for the Manly Writer's Festival? Tickets for the Manly Writer's Festival can be purchased through the TICKETS links on this website, or directly via Humanitix (search for 2025 Manly Writers' Festival). FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 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.

a4306d1b-0128-475e-a3d8-0802e554e3fa Jacqui Louise Swallow ABOUT < VIEW ALL AUTHORS Jacqui Louise Swallow Jacqui Louise Swallow is a dedicated mum and teacher's aide who has lived with bipolar disorder since her teenage years and, more recently, has also been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and generalised anxiety disorder. Now in her 40s, she has found running to be the most effective way to manage her symptoms. An enthusiastic park runner, in 2023, she took on the challenge of the Melbourne Marathon, embracing the 6+ hour endurance run at her own pace. Jacqui is an Ambassador for Parkrun, Beyond Blue, Run the Tan and Run for Mental Health. PROGRAM SESSIONS WHAT: Bipolar Journeys: Stories Of Strength, Struggle, And Self-Discovery DATE: Friday 28th March TIME: 2.00pm-3.00pm WITH: Suzanne Leal 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.

9899877e-6c69-412b-ac4e-5772c3743aea Ingrid J. Adams ABOUT < VIEW ALL AUTHORS Ingrid J. Adams Ingrid J. Adams is the author of the Descended series, an epic paranormal love story steeped in fantasy. It took her a long time to realise her unattainably crazy dream of being a writer was in fact both attainable and sane; but between then and now, she's earnt degrees in business tourism, journalism, kinesiology and nutrition, studied psychotherapy, and worked in media and as a therapist. Today, she lives in chaos by the beach in Manly with her four beautiful boys (five if you count her husband), and her cavoodle. She's a massive fan of travel, yoga, meditation, farmer's markets, cooking, ocean-swimming, skiing, and escaping into fictional worlds of her own and others' creation. PROGRAM SESSIONS WHAT: Long Live the Romance Novel DATE: Friday 28th March TIME: 11.20am-12.20pm WITH: Zena Shapter 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.