“THE Book Thief” author Markus Zusak is one of many bestselling authors converging on Bellingen this June long weekend, and he can’t wait to meet readers in such a vibrant and relaxed setting.
“I’ve been lucky to go to festivals around the world, but there’s something extra welcoming about regional festivals,” Markus said.
“I feel more at home there, and the people are really open.
“There’s more space, and yet it’s more intimate. It’s less of that idea of get ‘em in, get ‘em out, which can happen at the big festivals, like in Sydney or Melbourne.”
Featuring over 30 high-profile guests, the 2025 festival is expected to be the most popular event in the festival’s history.
“I can see [this festival] isn’t just going through the motions. They want to make it different for the audience and for the writers, so I think that makes for a really exciting festival and keeps us all on our toes.”
Markus will first appear at the panel Mortality & Mercy with Courtney Collins and Adam Norris, and then in conversation with Miles Franklin-winning author Tara June Winch.
“I love [Tara’s] writing, her spirit, so I’m really excited about that. But also the event with Adam and Courtney.
“No one’s really come up with a session like that before, which is hard to believe since it’s been 20 years of The Book Thief and Death being out in the world! So I’m really looking forward to it.”
Early bird tickets are on sale now at www.bellingenwritersfestival.com.au.