Writers festival debut to bring national authors to Surf Coast

L-R: Nine News finance editor Chris Kohler will headline the inaugural Surf Coast Writers Festival in Torquay this June. Photo: Supplied. Local crime writer Mark Smith will join a lineup of national voices at the RACV Torquay Resort in June. Surf Coast author Tanya Scott. Photos: Michael Chambers

The Surf Coast will host one of Australia’s most recognisable finance journalists this June, with Chris Kohler confirmed as the headline speaker at a new writers festival.

The inaugural Surf Coast Writers Festival will be held on Saturday 27 June at the RACV Torquay Resort.

Kohler, Nine News finance editor, will speak about his new book How They Get You, which examines the tactics and psychological triggers that influence how people think, buy and behave.

Known for his work across television, print and digital media, Kohler has built a national profile for breaking down complex economic issues in a clear and often witty way.

Chris Kohler’s book, How They Get You, examines the tactics and psychological triggers that influence how people think, buy and behave.

The festival will feature a full day of author talks, panel discussions and workshops across genres including crime, fiction, memoir, poetry and young adult writing.

Local crime writer Mark Smith will join a lineup of national voices at the RACV Torquay Resort in June. Photo: Michael Chambers

Other writers set to appear include multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair, journalist and commentator on Middle Eastern affairs Antoun Issa, columnist Kate Halfpenny, and local crime writers Mark Smith and Tanya Scott.

Surf Coast author Tanya Scott. Photo: Michael Chambers

Workshops and panel sessions will cover topics including character development, publishing pathways and the craft of storytelling, while authors Sarah Bailey and J.P. Pomare will host a live recording on their podcast He Read, She Read.

Organisers said the festival aimed to bring together established and emerging writers, while creating opportunities for readers and writers to connect.

“The Surf Coast Writers Festival was created to celebrate storytelling in all its forms while building a creative and connected community,” they said.

“We’re proud to showcase such an incredible mix of established and emerging voices, right here on the Surf Coast.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, head to surfcoastwritersfestival.com.au