MARION

Text reads: Queer Reads @ Bookface. 33 Hibberson Street Gungahlin ACT. Join us to celebrate Queer Literature. 6pm Thursday 6 November 2025. There is the Springout Festival logo, as well as the MARION logo. Supported by ACT Government. There is a photo of the outside of the Gungahlin BookFace shop.

Join MARION, Bookface Gungahlin and Kamberri region writers and readers for a celebration of Queer literature.

Featuring local writers and creatives Emma Batchelor, Alex Eagleton, and Jarrad West, this free, informal event will be full of book recommendations, literary discussion and connection.

Text reads: Kaaron Warren. Inspiration, Desperation and Pure Elation: Writing Short Stories. Saturday 11 October. Anniversary program 30 years. Supported by ACT Government. There is a photo of Kaaron Warren, and the cover of her book The Underhistory. The MARION and Harry Hartog logos appear.

On Saturday we're holding Writing Short Stories with @kaaronwarren.bsky.social, fresh off the heels of Conflux 19 where she was announced as a winner of 3 Ditmar Awards incl. Best Novel for The Underhistory.
Congratulations Kaaron & all winners! Grab your ticket: events.humanitix.com/writing-shor...

Congratulations!!

Text reads: Interdisciplinary Arts Party with Emma Batchelor. 5:30-8pm Friday 7 November. Anniversary Program 30 Years. Supported by ACT Government. There is a photo of Emma Batchelor. The MARION, QL2 Dance and SpringOUT present.

Join us for Interdisciplinary Arts Party with Emma Batchelor, in partnership with QL2 Dance as part of SpringOUT Festival! This free, craft focused workshop will give participants an insight into writing in conversation with other artistic disciplines.

events.humanitix.com/interdiscipl...

Last chance to join multi-award winning story teller Kaaron Warren as she leads you through the ups and downs of creating short fiction! We’ll find the right voice for your story and build characters who come to life on the page.

events.humanitix.com/writing-shor...

@kaaronwarren.bsky.social

Spirited Words: A Write-in with Gin Spirited Words: MARION’s 30th Anniversary Write-in with Big River Distilling. Guided by the one and only Craig Cormick, with a signature drink included.

Join us for Spirited Words, a special 30th anniversary write-in at Big River Distilling with Craig Cormick. This relaxed gathering is for MARION members of all levels, whether you’re a seasoned storyteller or just dipping your pen for the first time.

events.humanitix.com/spirited-wor...

There are six book covers: Fierceland by Omar Musa, GERT by Jacqui Malins, Seed by Bri Lee, King of the Desert by Nick Arley, Unfinished Revolution by Virginia Haussegger, and Mammoth by Eva Baltasar translated by Julia Sanches. There is a purple stripe at the top and a teal and blue stripe at the bottom of the image. Text reads: Focus On October. The MARION and ACT Government logos appear at the bottom of the image.

Our October Focus On features books by Nick Arley, Eva Baltasar translated by Julia Sanches, Virginia Haussegger, Bri Lee, Jacqui Malins, and Omar Musa.
Check out these & more: marion.ink/focus-on #focuson

@allenandunwin.bsky.social @simonschusteranz.bsky.social

Fair, transparent literary prizes matter. — MARION MARION calls on the Australian War Memorial Council to award the 2024 Les Carlyon Literary Prize as recommended by the judges.

Truth, Trust and Transparency: MARION Responds to Les Carlyon Literary Prize Decision

Read our statement: marion.ink/news/les-car...

@allenandunwin.bsky.social @artshub.bsky.social @canberratimes.bsky.social @australia.theguardian.com #lescarlyonliteraryprize #chrismasters

Text reads: Interview with Nigel Featherstone. The Story of the Oars, The Street Theatre 15 Childers St, 19–21 September. There are three photos, one of Nigel Featherstone, one of the cast of The Story of the Oars, and one of Nigel Featherstone and Jay Cameron.

Nigel Featherstone is an award-winning novelist, librettist and now playwright based in Goulburn. Nigel spoke to MARION before rehearsals commenced for The Story of the Oars, an evocative 'mystery with music' which will premiere 19–21 Sept at The Street, Canberra.
marion.ink/interviews-m...

Text reads: Love all things literary? Join our team! Applications close Friday 12 September. The MARION logo is in the top left corner, and the bottom right corner says Supported by the ACT Government. The background is a gradient of concentric circles from purple to yellow.

We're seeking a part-time Administration & Events Coordinator to be the first point of contact for members and the community. We're looking for an organised, proactive person with strong communication skills and a passion for literature. Applications due Fri 12 Sept!
marion.ink/news/join-ou...

There are six book covers: The Man Who Planted Canberra by Robert Macklin with Dr John Gray, She's A Lamb by Meredith Hambrock, Hovering by Rhett Davis, Anzac Guerrillas by Edmund Goldrick, The Dingo's Noctuary by Judith Nangala Crispin and Cult Bride by Liz Cameron. There is an orange stripe at the top and bottom of the image. Text reads: Focus On September. The MARION and ACT Government logos appear at the bottom of the image.

Our September Focus On features books by Liz Cameron, Judith Nangala Crispin, Rhett Davis, Edmund Goldrick, Meredith Hambrock, & Robert Macklin with Dr John Gray. Check out these & more marion.ink/focus-on #focuson

Why we cannot be silenced - Overland literary journal We have witnessed what happens when uncomfortable truths are censored — particularly when voiced by artists, intellectuals and academics — too many times historically.  We have seen where the attempt ...

“All people deserve to live free from violence. And all victims of violence and their allies must be allowed to speak out about their experience.”

Sonia Orchard on withdrawing from the Bendigo Writers Festival.

Text reads: MARION 30 years of stories, voices & vision. Love all things literary? Join our team! Applications close Friday 12 September. Supported by ACT Government.

We’re on the hunt for a part-time Administration and Events Coordinator! Could that be you?

MARION is seeking an experienced and motivated individual who feels at home with all things
literary to join our team!

marion.ink/news/join-ou...

A photo of Barrina South with text: Welcome to the MARION Board Barrina South. The MARION and ACT Government logos are at the bottom of the image with a heart.

We’re delighted to announce that Barrina South has been appointed to the MARION Board of Directors this month!

marion.ink/news/south-j...

📚 Ever wondered how critics read? Join award-winning critic Beejay Silcox for Reading Like a Critic — a hands-on workshop to sharpen your eye + strengthen your writing.
Sat 20 September, 10-4pm
Harry Hartog ANU, Canberra
🎟️ Tickets: events.humanitix.com/reading-like...

Alt text: Promotional poster for a Marion event featuring writer Kim Huynh. The left side shows a portrait of Kim Huynh smiling in a black patterned shirt. The right side features the cover of his book Where the Sea Takes Us: A Vietnamese–Australian Story. Event details read: “Kim Huynh – Hanging out with refugees, rough sleepers, queers, disabled folk & blokes: ways of writing and engaging with others. Saturday, 20 September. Anniversary Program / 30 Years.” The bottom lists the venue as Harry Hartog Bookseller, ANU, 153-11 University Ave, Acton. Logos for Marion, Harry Hartog, and ACT Government appear. Background is blue and gold with a giraffe illustration and butterfly graphic.

MARION is celebrating 30 yrs with a Spring/Summer season of writerly adventures. First up is the brilliant academic, writer, & broadcaster Kim Huynh ❤️ Join him to explore Ways of Writing & Engaging with Others
- 12-4pm, Sat 20 Sept
- Harry Hartog ANU
🎟️ Tickets: events.humanitix.com/writing-diff...

A stack of books featuring the 2025 shortlist for the Prime Minister's Literary Award. Text reads: Prime Minister's Literary Award 2025 Shortlist. Winners will be announced on Monday 29 September. Celebrating excellence in Australian literature. The Australian Government and Writing Australia logos are at the bottom of the image.

We are delighted that Prime Minister's Literary Award shortlist includes “Makarra” by Barrina South, “Warra Warra Wai” by Darren Rix & Craig Cormick and "Australia in 100 words" by Amanda Laugesen.
Huge congratulations to everyone who was shortlisted for this prestigious honour!

Text reads: MARION Science + Storytelling Prize. Join us to celebrate! Saturday 16 August. Awards Presentation and Come Write. Tuggeranong Arts Centre 137 Reed Street Nth, Greenway ACT 10-11am: Award Presentation 11am-1pm: Come Write Supported by ACT Government. There are the Australian Government, Inspiring ACT, National Science Week, and Tuggeranong Arts Centre logos at the bottom of the image. There is a scientific illustration of a pear with a caterpillar, a bee, and a butterfly on it.

Text reads: MARION Science + Storytelling Prize Shortlisted Writers. Michelle Brock, Denise Fowler, Ian Hart, Sarah Kellett, Jacqui Malins, Annabelle Evans, Ruby Hulme. There are scientific illustrations of nature surrounding the text: including gooseberries, a butterfly on a twig, some cranberries, a caterpillar and some berries.

Join us to celebrate the results of the MARION Science + Storytelling Prize Awards this Saturday 16 August at Tuggeranong Arts Centre. Stay on for August Come Write!

This is a free event, but registration is essential: events.humanitix.com/2025-marion-...

#ScienceWeek #ScienceWeek2025

🔬📖 Shortlist Announced!
MARION Science + Storytelling Prize

We are thrilled to announce the shortlist for the MARION Science + Storytelling Prize — a celebration of creative work that explores science through story.

The winners will be announced on 16 August during National Science Week.

Promotional poster for MARION, a program elevating writers and their art. The poster is primarily red with yellow accents. It features four photos: a portrait of Craig Anderson (grey-haired man with a serious expression), two people reading a script, and a dramatic stage scene with a man in a hat and a woman looking concerned. Text reads: “The Chosen Vessel. The Street Theatre, 15 Childers St, ACT. 8 – 24 August. Interview with Craig Anderson.” Logos for MARION, The Street Theatre, and ACT Government appear at the bottom.

Canberra-based actor and theatre maker Craig Alexander spoke with MARION during rehearsals for Dylan Van Den Berg’s powerful stage adaptation of Barbara Baynton’s iconic Aus gothic short story, The Chosen Vessel.

Find out more. Book your tickets and read the interview: marion.ink/interviews/s...

There are six book covers: The Passengers on the Hankyu Line by Hiro Arikawa, Death at Booroomba by A L Booth, The Bombshell by Darrow Farr, The Life Experiment by Jess Kitching, Out of Heart by Irfan Master, and The Lies We Tell Ourselves by Maura Pierlot. There is text at the top reading Focus On August, and the MARION and ACT Government logos at the bottom of the image.

Our August Focus On is here featuring books by Hiro Arikawa, Alison Booth, Darrow Farr, Jess Kitching, Irfan Master, & Maura Pierlot. Check out these+our region archive: marion.ink/focus-on #focuson

@boothalison.bsky.social @allenandunwin.bsky.social

Text reads: Hidden Nerve, the art of writing prose. WINTER Season 2. 20 August, 10-1 pm Irma Gold, Editing Essentials, online. There is a photo of Irma Gold. The MARION and ACT Government logos are at the bottom of the image.

Join award-winning author Irma Gold for Hidden Nerve: Sharpening. This winter, we turn our focus to the foundations of fiction writing: structure, plot & character. Irma's session will cover Editing Essentials. Refine your craft with HIDDEN NERVE: marion.ink/hidden-nerve...

A black and white photo of Samantha Faulkner smiling and looking at the camera.

We are delighted to be co-hosting Ginsights with guest author Samantha Faulkner on 7 August from 6–8 pm at Big River Distilling Co! The signature cocktail for Samantha’s visit is a Citrus Spritz full of warm flavours and colours to evoke the Torres Strait.

bigriverdistilling.com.au/collections/...

Text reads: Hidden Nerve, the art of writing prose. WINTER Season 2. 23 Aug, 10-1 pm Peter Papathanasiou, Plot Development, online. There is a photo of Peter Papathanasiou. The MARION and ACT Government logos are at the bottom of the image.

Join award-winning author Peter Papathanasiou for Hidden Nerve: Sharpening. This winter, we turn our focus to the foundations of fiction writing: structure, plot & character. Peter's session will cover Plot Development. Refine your craft with HIDDEN NERVE: marion.ink/hidden-nerve...

Tim Winton among 100 high-profile Australians calling for university fees that don’t ‘punish’ arts students Open letter urges Labor to reverse JRG scheme, introduced by Coalition in 2021, as cost of humanities degrees reaches more than $50,000

More than 100 high-profile and distinguished Australians -and BA graduates- have signed the @austhistassoc.bsky.social open letter calling for the repeal of Job-Ready Graduates: a policy that punishes humanities students with life-changing debts: www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...

Siang Lu wins Miles Franklin award for Ghost Cities, ‘a genuine landmark in Australian literature’ Author, who takes home $60,000, says finding out he won Australia’s most esteemed literary prize left him ‘in such shock that I lost all feeling in my hands and legs’

So brilliant! ❤️ www.theguardian.com/books/2025/j...

Text reads: MARION Science + Storytelling Prize. Meet the Judge: Olivia Congdon. There is a photo of Olivia looking at the camera smiling. The ACT Government, Inspiring ACT, and National Science Week 2025 logos at the bottom of the image.

We are delighted to announce Olivia Congdon as our judge for the MARION Science + Storytelling Prize!

There are still a few days left to make your submission for the MARION Science + Storytelling Prize: marion.ink/science-stor...

#ScienceWeek #ScienceWeek2025

Here's something absolutely cooked about books in Australia It's a big week for Australian culture, with announcement of the shortlist for the Miles Franklin Literary Award, one of the country's top writing prizes.

Looking forward to seeing who wins the Miles Franklin tonight.

A shame that they pay tax on their winnings but if you win the Block or a TV game show you don't pay tax.

Past time for change!

australiainstitute.org.au/post/heres-s...

Love this new literary trail focussing on First Nations music and language - now available on BLACWORDS @austlit.bsky.social

Fantastic resource for educators, please share widely 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

Text reads: Hidden Nerve, the art of writing prose. Winter Season 2. August 16 10–1pm. Irfan Master, Character Development. There are the MARION and ACT Government logos on, with the text Online at the bottom. There is a photo of Irfan Master.

Join award-winning author Irfan Master for Hidden Nerve: Sharpening. This winter, we turn our focus to the foundational tools of fiction writing: structure, plot, and character. Irfan's session will focus on Character Development.
Refine your craft-sign up for HIDDEN NERVE now!