Tasmanian Living Writer's Week

Festival to focus on Tassie books By EMILY BRYAN , Saturday, 8 July 2006

When it comes to first-class Tasmanian reading, Launceston Mayor Ivan Dean can't go past Ricky Ponting's Ashes Diary 2005.

The book is a passion he shares with Tasmanian Liberal leader Will Hodgman, who also rated it among his top picks in the Great Tasmanian Book Challenge. The challenge forms part of the inaugural Tasmanian Living Writers' Week, which runs from August 11 to 20.

The festival's predecessor, Living Artists' Week, has been shelved this year in favour of celebrating the written word.Authors, poets and journalists will attend more than 100 public workshops and book launches across the State, including schools.

Launceston will host the Tasmanian Press Club luncheon with prominent author and former politician Barry Jones, and other events will be attended by Tasmanian authors Danielle Wood, Robert Dessaix and Sarah Day.

Australian actor-turned-author William McInnes will also make an appearance.

Arts Minister Paula Wriedt said those who couldn't wait for the official festivities could join her colleagues in nominating their favourite book in the Great Tasmanian Book Challenge.

All entrants will go in the draw to win the Tassie Mixed Dozen, a collection of the 12 most popular books.Entry forms are available from www.tasmanianwriters.org and a full programme for the week can be found at www.artsatwork.com.au

Article taken from www.examiner.com.au