WORKSHOPS + EVENTS
6pm, Wednesday 4 November
Final HN session for 2026
Cost: Members $50, General $65
Format: Online presentation and Q+A
Type: online via Zoom
A rare opportunity to step inside Hidden Nerve with Isobelle Carmody.
Join acclaimed author Isobelle Carmody for a special 90-minute presentation and Q&A exploring how dialogue, character and setting work together to create atmosphere, and how narrative structure can strengthen a story. Discover the importance of cause and effect in storytelling, and how to shape a compelling narrative arc from beginning to end.
HIDDEN NERVE is usually reserved exclusively for its selected cohort, making this a rare opportunity to experience the program while supporting MARION and our work with writers.
Available as a one-off public booking.
6pm, Thursday 5 November
Queers and allies of all ages are welcome!
Queer Reads Spring Out
Cost: Free
Format: In-person
Type: Panel in-conversation event
Where: BOOK FACE, 33 Hibberson St, Gungahlin
Now in its third year, Queer Reads is back, celebrating LGBTIAQ+ literature and story telling. Join a panel of local queer poets, writers and publishers for a joyous discussion full of reading recommendations and connection. Facilitated by Emma Batchelor in conversation with Sean Perera, Alex Eagleton and Lawren Wooding.
The wonderful team at Gungahlin BOOK FACE will have a curated selection of Queer titles ready to shop. This event is FREE to attend, but please register to help us with organising catering and seating.
Presented for SpringOUT in partnership with MARION and BOOK FACE Gungahlin with support from the LGBTIAQ+ Connections Fund (ACT Government).
6pm, Saturday 7 November
Jack Heath Launch + Talk
Cost: Free
Format: In-person
Type: In-conversation event
Where: Belconnen Library, 12 Chandler Street
Celebrate the launch of Choppy Water with bestselling Australian author Jack Heath at Belconnen library.
Masterful, inventive, mind-bending and ridiculously prolific. The one and only Jack Heath is launching his 50th book! 🎉📚
Known for his gripping thrillers and page-turning suspense, Jack will discuss his latest adult novel, the inspiration behind the story, and his approach to crafting unforgettable mysteries.
Through conversation and reflection, Jack will share insights into his writing process, the themes explored in Choppy Waters, and the journey from idea to publication. Audience questions and a book signing will follow.
Doors open at 5:45pm. Please note this is an after-hours event. The library will be open for event attendees only, and regular library services will not be available during the event. Please note this is an event for attendees aged 16+.
This event is FREE but registrations are essential.
6pm, Friday 13 November
interdisciplinary arts
(Tea) Party
Format: Free
Format: In-person
Type: Creative Workshop
Where: A Block Theatre, Quantum Leap Australia, Gorman Arts Centre, Braddon
Welcome to the second annual Interdisciplinary Arts (tea)Party!
In this 2 hour workshop queer author, multi-disciplinary artist Emma Batchelor will share the creative process behind the development of her new novel Bloomwaves.
Inspired by recent encounters with queer artists making powerfully personal work, often within a collective, Bloomwaves is both an artistic inquiry and a celebration of community. It seeks to generate new forms of fiction that emerge not only from the self but from networks of embodied, intergenerational exchange.
Emma is very excited to be joined by some of the creative collaborators in the project who together will demonstrate the interdisciplinary movement practices drawn on in the novel writing process so far.
Presented for SpringOUT and The Bold Festival in partnership with MARION and Quantum Leap Australia with support from the LGBTIAQ+ Connections Fund (ACT Government).
This event is FREE to attend, please RSVP to help with organising catering and seating.
