Two years ago Clare bookshop owner Nigelle-Ann Blaser, had an informal chat to rural journalist Nan Berrett about holding a writers’ festival in the Clare Valley. After talking about the possibility for some time, Nan and Nigella-Ann then approached emerging writer Meredith Appleyard to join them in bring the festival to fruition. They realised that between the three of them they had all the skills they needed to organise this major event.
Planning started in earnest a year ago and their lack of festival experience hasn’t held them back. Once the ball began rolling, established authors readily come on board. Popular fiction author, Fiona McIntosh is now the festival patron and actress and author Judy Nunn will launch the event to the community two weekends before the festival begins.
Being new to the festival circuit, these three dynamic and very busy women have asked for help and advice from everyone they can. The festival has the support of the Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council and the women have been busily applying for grants and fundraising.
Keep up with the latest details of their whirlwind journey on Facebook (Clare Writers’ Festival), twitter (thewriteweek) or www.thewriteweek.com, or email: [email protected]
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