I just got back from the Brisbane Writers' Festival. It was a superb festival held an a fantastic location. I mean, what better place to hold a festival of authors and books than in a library?
I've been to Brisbane a few times, and always wondered what all the fuss was about. It seemed so dreary. But that's because I had not discovered the Brisbane River and South Bank or seen the Brisbane CBD at night. This is a city able to rival any in Australia.
The Festival organisation was impeccable. We were housed at the Mantra on Southbank, a short walk from the venue.
I had two fabulous sessions. One was moderated by ABC journalist and author Matt Peacock who has just released a fantastic book about the James Hardie fiasco based on his years of reporting and researching the issue. Also on the panel were Abbas El-Zein, Joris Luyendijk and Lana Šlezic.
The other panel was an in-conversation with the very funny Robyn Williams, a radio announcer who looks nothing like this dude ...
... and everything like this chap ...
God-willing, I'll be returning to Brisbane for the EidFest! Can't wait!!
