It's festival time

[Tony Berry]

The Melbourne Writers' Festival starts tomorrow (August 24) and continues until Septmber 2. Crime writing features strongly on a program packed with events from morning until late at night. There are seminars, talks, discussions, walks through crime story sites and, best of all, a masterclass for budding crime writers where we will spend an intensive day of tuition under Scottish crime author Quintin Jardine. For the opening day I'll be in the audience at The Whole Shebang which is described as a boot camp for aspiring writers - taking us through the entire process from writing to marketing and promotion. Another event to look forward to is the (free) night devoted to the Ned Kelly Awards at which Australia's best crime writers will be named and honoured.

Expect some regular updates - if there's time for writing.