Ginsights with Sasha Vey
6-8pm Thursday 16 October
On Thursday 16 October 2025, Big River Distilling Co and Paperchain bookstore will host Ginsights with guest author Sasha Vey. Sasha is an author who enjoys writing about the everyday dramas of teenagers experiencing the (often messy) transition into young adulthood. Sasha has recently launched her debut novel The Set-Up Girl and will join us to share what drives her to write young adult contemporary fiction and unpack her experiences as a newly published author.
The Set-Up Girl has been described as a feel-good romantic comedy of errors, and reviewers have valued its warmth and authenticity: “Fun, funny, and full of heart. Amazing LGBTQI+ and cultural representation! Unputdownable laugh-out-loud wit, clever banter, deep and meaningful story arcs, and characters you can't help but love. Truly one of the most genuine depictions of first loves and coming outs I've read – very relatable to my own experiences as a teen!” (netgalley.com). There has also been high praise from established writers in the genre: “Funny, romantic and relatable - a queer delight.” (Erin Gough, award-winning author of Amelia Westlake and Into the Mouth of the Wolf) and “Utterly charming.” (Jodi McAlister, bestselling author of Valentine and Here For The Right Reasons)
Guests will be able to graze on complimentary snacks and can purchase cocktails or zero-alcohol drinks from the Big River menu. We will be serving a signature cocktail in honour of Sasha’s visit, featuring Big River Chocolate Liqueur, made in collaboration with Jasper and Myrtle Chocolates, from single source cocoa beans from Bougainville, Papua New Guinea.
All are welcome to come along to join this informal reader/writer conversation co-sponsored by Canberra Writers Festival and MARION. You can find Ginsights at Big River Distilling Co, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick. Use Entry 2 off Dairy Road and park in carpark P4.
Bookings required and tickets are $10 per person.