The program for this year’s Mudgee Readers Festival has just dropped, and it’s a doozy.

I would definitely recommend a trip out to Mudgee for the weekend of 10-12 August.  It’s only a three hour drive from Sydney and Mudgee is just one of the most beautiful Australian towns I have ever visited.  There is such a buzz on the main street the weekend of the festival, and a really convivial air in the town.  Plus, there are vineyards everywhere.

It’s pretty much the perfect weekend!

Highlights I am really looking forward to are a panel hosted by the wonderful Jane Rawson with three authors deeply connected to landscape, a blind wine tasting that matches wine with books, and an australian music trivia night featuring the marvelous Andrew P. Street.  It’s a diverse program this year, and there is something for everyone.

I will be offering bibliotherapy sessions at Mudgee Art House (don’t forget to book in, as these one-on-one consultations are limited!), and am interviewing Mandy Sayer at a breakfast event at Pipeclay Pumphouse on Saturday morning.

I am also very excited to be hosting a panel with Inga Simpson, Andrew P. Street,  Laura Elizabeth Woollett and Chris Womersley, asking them about their favourite Comfort Reading.  I can’t wait to talk about the reading that provides us with comfort and solace.  What is your favourite Comfort Read?