Authors booked in to go one-on-one at Torquay festival

Alex de Vos
Opportunities to go one-on-one with acclaimed writers will be a highlight at this year’s annual Torquay Froth and Bubble Literary Festival.
Event organiser Debbie Meaney said the new addition to the program, Living Libraries, would have authors “available for loan”, such as Claire Halliday, Vivienne Worthington, Jean Bohuslav and Nick Gadd.
“Living Library is like a normal library,” Ms Meaney explained.
“However, the books in the library are people and visitors will have the opportunity to borrow a living book and sit down one-on-one with the author.”
Other festival highlights would include presentations by award-winning Australian writer Arnold Zable and actress Anne Phelan and a series of panel-style discussions with authors such as Shae Paterson and Peter Kline.
The 2010 program would also feature international plays alongside traditional staples such as poetry, writing workshops, arts and entertainment.
Ms Meaney said securing Mr Zable and Ms Phelan was a coup for the festival.
“They are fantastic speakers and I’m sure visitors will enjoy hearing from them,” Ms Meaney said.
Organisers had moved this year’s event to Torquay College to streamline performances.
“I think the single venue and having everything under the one roof will work better,” Ms Meaney said.
The festival begins 10am on June 19.
A full program is available at www.tor quayfrothandbubbleliteraryfestival.com .